Vesta German Shepherds

Guardians of the Home and Hearth

Looking for some good reading?

Need some information?

Check out the following sites.

Monster Dog Equipment - www.monsterdog.net  Training and trial equipment for nearly any sport and show. Toys, leads, collars and more, handmade in the USA. Custom work available.  

Below are links for reading about activities that German Shepherds can enjoy with their owners!

Dogsport - New sport from the United Kennel Club, involving obedience and protection. The obedience routine includes practical exercises and a touch of agility. The protection work is done in a jacket, and leg bites are allowed. Police Dog titles available as well. 

Schutzhund - A sport designed as a breed test at the beginning of the 1900s for German Shepherds, it is now enjoyed by many breeds. A Schutzhund title requires passing tracking, obedience, and protection all in the same trial. There are many organizations that offer Schutzhund trials and clubs for training. Visit several clubs if possible, and find one that is the right match for you and your dog. A good schutzhund club should offer training support in tracking, obedience, and protection, and be welcoming to newcomers!

Search and Rescue - Some great articles on SAR dogs

K9 work - (for law enforcement officers) - plenty of reading and photos on this site, as a tribute to working police dogs.

Herding - Whether to simply test your dog's herding instinct, or to pursue titles, there are several herding organizations in America. Dogs typically herd sheep, ducks, or geese, and the requirements vary in different organizations. This site offers a tremedous amount of information on all facets of herding.

Flyball - Speed is the name of this game! Teams of 4 dogs compete in relay races over jumps to retrieve tennis balls. Check out our good friend Jamie who is the #1 ranked German Shepherd Dog in all of North America!

Tracking - Whatever the venue or style, a good German Shepherd enjoys putting his nose to work.

Obedience - Many enjoy highlighting intelligence and trainability by competing in obedience.

Agility - Many thrive on the fun and variety presented in agility!

Rally - Obedience with a fun twist, rally is one of the newest venues for owners. There are set exercises, but no set routine, and handlers are encouraged to actively praise their dogs. The teams must navigate a course marked with signs. The most advanced Rally titles are all off lead and involve jumps and an honor long down.

Reading Education Assistance Dogs - (READ) - Revolutionary program where children with reading difficulties can read to therapy dogs. Amazing success rate!

Therapy Dogs - Visit nursing homes and hospitals with your dog. Here are some of the testing organizations and their requirements.

Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs - These highly trained dogs are invaluable as part of their owners lives.

Conformation showing - If your dog is a "real looker", you may consider entering him in conformation events. Different organizations reward different "types" (looks). Many clubs and schools offer drop in ring training for a small fee. Typically a professional handler will handle your dog in the ring. Adhering to the German system of breeding for German Shepherds requires a show rating.