Hi Paul, once again I encounter another G.S.D. from your kennel. The owner works for Dr. Finigan at Main West Animal Hospital. She contacted me and asked me to evaluate her dog because she wanted to do personal protection lessons with her dog. I met with her tonight and discovered that her dog has the courage, fight drive, strong & steady nerves of steele. The dogs prey drive is mint, the dogs grip on the sleeve was outstanding!!! I told her that I would be happy to take her and her dog on for personal protection training. Paul your GSD breeding program is Stellar, I have never been let down yet by any of your dogs!! Two thumbs up to You & Sue for breeding and raising dogs with strong working drives, balanced temperaments and clear headed dogs!!! Any person looking for a GSD should buy one from you!! Cheers, Your Dog Training Mentor, Dave McMahon Dave McMahon's Dog Training Academy Professsor Animal Studies Niagara College Canada Author of Don’t Get Bit, a bite prevention book for kids Author of Obedience Training For The Family Dog Host of The Dog Talk Radio Show on The River 105.1 FM. www.davemcmahon.ca Voted Best Dog Training School by The Reader's Choice Awards Hi Paul & Sue, I hope all is well with you! I just wanted to give you a quick update on Ruger...she's just over 3 months now. I have attached some pictures of her...her coat is beautiful and I love the different colours she has. Kris & I absolutely adore her! She's an awesome dog with a high desire to learn and please us and she is extremely athletic! She's had all of her shots now and we're waiting to spay her at around 6 months. Is this generally the age you recommend to spay female german shepherd pups? She loves going for walks & short hikes in the woods and loves playing in the backyard. One of her favourite games is "find it"...where I hid her toy somewhere on our main floor and she has to go find it. She's very good at it. It's becoming harder and harder to trick her! Just wanted to update you and let you know that things are going great and I'm enjoying training her and watching her grow and mature. Thanks again for giving us such a great dog!!! Best Regards, Meaghan Hello Sue and Paul, I thought it was time for an update on Angus (Jute von Ridgemount). I believe he is the brother to your Jenny. He’s nearly eight years old now and still healthy and happy and full of life. When he was five I had his hips x-rayed and there was no problem. He just had his check up at the vet and all is good. He’s a favourite there and his vet says she has never seen a dog with such a good temperament. At the same time, he’s not afraid of anything or anyone. Although he loves to see my family and friends he doesn’t hesitate to let stranger know that he’s on the job. And he knows the difference. The families who are our neighbours can come and go with kids and dogs and he quietly watches but if a stranger walks past the house he barks that deep warning bark until I look out the window and give him the all clear. It is a great comfort and security for me to know he’s here. I’m sitting here trying to pick out one or two anecdotes to illustrate how intelligent he is but there are so many I don’t know where to begin. Its almost spooky and visitors are often amazed by the things he understands. All I can say is you certainly bred a winner when you got him. If I have any complaint at all (and its more often an amusement than anything else) its that he tries so hard to do the right thing but he decides for himself sometimes what that is. For example, last summer I was picking raspberries in my back yard when I heard the bushes behind me rustling and there was Angus also picking raspberries and eating them of course but it only took a minute to teach him that he could only have the ones that hit the ground and we didn’t have any more trouble with that. This morning I went to the yard to pick some strawberries and set one down beside me so I could reach for another. There was a full bowl of them a few feet away but he ran in and grabbed the one on the ground beside me so fast I hardly even saw him. I guess I didn’t learn that lesson as well as he did ?. It has been suggested more than once that it shouldn’t take much effort to teach him to have my supper ready or the housework done for me when I come home from work. I do have to be careful who I tell some of my dog stories to because I’m sure I wouldn’t be believed. Your work with your dogs has given me years of security, comfort, amusement and affection. He’s the kind of dog I read about in stories when I was a kid. Everything a good dog should be. I could never thank you enough. Wilda Orban Hi Paul and Sue, All I can say is Pavel is an incredible German Shepherd puppy. He is definitely a tracker, as he has his nose stuck to the ground at all times. He has been very easy to train, and was just wonderful with our 5 year old niece, 3 year old nephew, and our friend's 3 year old son. He gets along famously with our 4 Chihuahuas, romping and playing with them day and night. It is quite a sight. At only 4 months old, it is incredible to see how he knows how to temper his size as to not hurt them when playing. He still loves to give hugs to me and my family, and licks us to death. A real softy around the family. Outside ... well he's a little different. Pavel has already scoped out our yard and the perimeter of our house, and determined his "ownership" boundaries. He is quick to run to the edge and warn neighbors, squirrels, birds, a fox, and even deer to keep clear of his property. This is quite a feat for a puppy of only four months. He has a very mature deep bark. I can't hardly wait to hear him in another year! His colors are just beautiful. He still has that 'sweater collar' look separating his lighter back if his head from the darker sable colors of his body. The black fur stripes are still on each of his toes, just like Lex. Everyone who sees him just loves him. They all comment on his beautiful appearance All I can say is that he is the light of our lives. Thank you for making him available to us in our time of need when we lost our greatest Shepherd, Vladi von Ridgemount. Both of you are incredible people and devoted German Shepherd lovers. Your love for the breed, and expert understanding of each individual puppy's demeanor is incredible. I don't know of any other breeder in either the US or Canada who is better. I am always proud to recommend and say that our Shepherds came from Ridgemount Kennels. Happy New Year, Jerry Bojanowski Paul, I can't thank you enough for such an amazing companion. Everyone is always commenting on how well-behaved and intelligent Sarg is. From day 1 when I took him from the airport he has been nothing but obedient, friendly, and fun. Sarg is now 4 months old and weighs 46lbs. He is a large pup and his sable colours have come out very well. He has a beautiful coat and I get comments all the time on how nice he looks. Sarg loves to run, loves to swim, and is obsessed with playing fetch with sticks and balls. I've never seen a more intelligent dog than in the German Sheppard Dog breed. I'll never go back to another breed of dog and I truly hope that when the time comes, you are still around to give me another one of your amazing pups. Sarg has now had all of his health checks and vaccines and the vet has also commented on the temperment and look of Sarg. Dr. Pierroz, our local Vet, told me that he has never seen such a young dog so well behaved and intelligent. Thanks again for such a great friend that I have in Sergeant. He goes everywhere I go. Jason Sobkowicz Hey Paul, Just dropping you a line to update you on how Kama(Army) is doing. He has started his training and picking it up very quickly. He sits, lays down, walks well on a leash and picks up whatever was taught in class very quickly. He is so well behaved in class with the other dogs, when they are all jumping around and barking he will just sit and watch them.....looking at me with a look like "am I suppose to do that?" haha but he never does. We have a field out behind out house and while on walks I will toss a Kong into the long grass....he without any prompting will tear off into the grass to search. If he does not see where it bounces to he is so determined to find it he wont come back until he does. When he does finally find it, he dives his nose onto it and pulls it out. When I call out to him to "Bring it back" he will run to me in a full sprint. It is really amazing to watch because all of that is instinct, I have not taught him to do that.....only really encourage him to keep doing it! We go out every day and play find the kong. We just got back from the Vet and his last vaccine visit. He is up to 34 Pounds!! He is so strong too. But the vet was amazed at his temperment, didn't even flinch for either shot! Every time we go there someone is commenting on how beautiful he is, I always tell them where he came from! Ridgemount Kennels in Welland! Thank you again Paul, We are so impressed with him and love him to death! All our neighbours are calling him the future Neighbourhood protector! He seems to like the name, haha. Cheers, Anne and Jeff Dear Paul and Sue, We've been meaning to write to you for a long time, wanting to let you know how Frida (Petunia, out of Zeta and Vasco) is doing. She turned three on October 17th and is absolutely the best dog we have ever known. She is extremely intelligent, loves to learn, is naturally protective of her family, and is very loving and loyal. We've taken two obedience courses with her, but have done most of her training at home. Best wishes, Tina Hilgers and Jean Francois Mayer Hi Paul Just to let you know, when we had Cree spayed on Monday we decided to have her X-rayed for hip dysphasia, we were worried because of the problems we had with our last GSD. The vet said she looks perfect, no spaces between the joints at all. I know she is to young for a proper X-ray but what the hell. Anyway thought you might want to pass this a long to any future owners of Zeta and Joker pups. Cheers Earl Hello Paul... A couple of years back I purchased a male pup from you parented by Zeta and Heiko. My name is Colleen Bosak. Harley is now over 2 years old and I just wanted to let you know he's the most fabulous dog my boyfriend and I have ever had. We get many compliments on how well behaved he is and his calm temperment is always noticed. I never did get the chance to bring him to obedient classes but he's extremely well behaved just the same. We've kind of taken it upon ourselves to train him as much as we can. We have a blended family of three kids and Harley is a wonderful family dog. The kids just love him to death and he plays so well with them. He may LOOK intimidating to some people, but boy, he's a big suck when it comes to affection!! Just now when I viewed your web site I saw the picture of his mother Zeta and couldn't believe how much he looks like her. I tell people about your kennel every chance I get and will continue to do so. Of course, Harley himself is your best advertisment!! I'm going to mail some pictures of him to you and perhaps, if you're interested, we could bring him to see you in the spring. You can email me at colpark@cogeco.ca. I'm very glad we found your kennel and that the timing was just right to bring us and Harley together. We love our dog!! Sincerely, Colleen Bosak Hey Sir, and Mrs. Sir, Happy New Year!!! Hero is fitting in perfectly. He is exactly what you said Paul, thank you so much. He really is getting attatched to me now. Such a easy dog. You were right about him not being aggressive but it is great as I can trust him anywhere so far. I don't have to worry about the kids etc. He has only growled one time. I have a great time as he can go into my office etc. I can talk back to him whenever I choose and he does not throw me out in his dog house like Becky does. Just wanted to say hey and seriously, thanks again. You can have whom ever call me when you need a reference. I don't know a lot about the dogs but I know a lot about people and friends. Thanks agian, Sincerely, Scott Wadekamper CR Pesident O SO KLEEN INC. Oregon 1 800 238-1223 I have many Ridgemount Dogs training in Narcotics & tracking & Obedience at my academy.I have found that you produce outstanding temperement & working drives in your dogs! Keep up the great breeding practice! Please publish my comments on your website. Cheers, Dave McMahon www.davemcmahon.ca Making Man's Best Friend Better! Just wanted to drop you guys a line and give you an update on Zeke and by the way very nice pic of Zeke on your web site. We were very surprised and proud of our boy. Paul he is an awesome dog. He was spoiled at Christmas and is treated like 1 of our children. He is getting better at accepting people not as gracious as we would like but he is 1 of the best dogs I have ever had. I will forward you a couple pics for an update and hope you and the mrs had a great holliday. Keith & Chris October 16, 2002 Paul: Just thought I’d drop you a note on Mink von Ridgemount. He’s six months old now and man is he doing great! I belong to a SCH club that is mainly show GSD’s and the show dog owners love his structure. His drives on the other hand are another issue (I think they make them jealous) let me explain. At six months of age he is confident in his bite work with a deep firm grip. Heck at 12 weeks old he was carrying around the sleeve. I was working my older dogs and he was watching so when I let him out he tore past me and attacked the sleeve on the ground! I don’t have him on the sleeve yet when I work him he’s on a hard tug right now but I do let him carry around the puppy sleeve. Now for his obedience and focus, he will fuss and keep eye contact the whole time. He dose this all out of drive I have put no compulsion on him! It’s all for the ball. All I’ve taught him so far is sitz, platz, fuss and most important come. I have also started him in explosive detection work, which he is excelling at! For two weeks now he has been indicating on the hide. I use cans or a box to teach them the game and yesterday I hid one without them he found it and indicated! So far he is turning out to be very balanced! When it’s time to work he works and when he’s not working he’s sweet. So in a nutshell he’s sweet, confident, secure with all surroundings and he won’t take any crap! I just want to thank you for producing such sound dogs! Thank you John Carlo October 13, 2002 Dear Paul: This is just a short note to let you know how pleased I am with Kira Von Ridgemount. At 15 months of age, she is turning out to be the dog that I had hoped for displaying the drives necessary for all phases of protection, tracking and obedience. Regarding protection, she has a high degree of civil drive and her bite work is exceptional towards all helpers, with our without equipment, anywhere / anytime. She is excellent in the house and very protective of all those who live there. Without a doubt, I am very pleased with Kira and would recommend your judgment in placing your dogs in their appropriate homes. Yours truly, Glen Ramcharan Health update at 2 years of age! she just turned 2 years old june 29/03 and I had her hips & elbows x-rayed and sent to the OFA for evaluation. My vet said she has never seen a female with such heavy bone in her rear structure, well I got the results and it reads OFA EXCELLENT # GS-67151E24F-PI Regards Glen & Kira! Hi Paul, Thought I would send you a note to let you know how I'm getting along with the dog I bought from you last October. He's a son of Heiko and Zeta and I call him Angus (he's registered as Jute von Ridgemount). I don't know if you remember, but I decided on a German Shepherd Dog because I had a break in at my home and I wanted some protection. I've always thought these were beautiful dogs, but I used to be interested in friendly pets and so I stuck with retrievers. That changed with the break in and I started shopping for a Shepherd. I wasn't primarily interested in the dog's looks....I wanted and intelligent dog from working stock. A friend of mine bought a couple of dogs from you for Search and Rescue work, so I checked out your Kennel. Angus is now almost 11 months old, and so far I can't begin to describe how delighted I am with this dog. His goal in life seems to be to make me happy. He's eager to learn anything I want to teach him, he learns fast and he retains what he learns. I've never seen a dog so easy to train. I read a lot of books on German Shepherd dogs before I got him and he seems to be everything a good GSD should be. He's not afraid of anything. He watches everyone who walks by and if they linger outside our fence, he barks, but if I invite them in, he's perfectly happy to welcome them. He loves the kids that come to visit. In addition to the good job he does that way, he's a wonderful companion. He's funny, affectionate and well-behaved. As an added bonus he is an exceptionally beautiful dog. You may remember that you and your wife nicknamed him Fuzzy when he was a puppy and it was one of the reasons I chose him out of all the great puppies you had (Zeta had nine pups in that litter). So his coat is a wee bit longer than average which is what I wanted. He looks a lot like the picture you have of Heiko's sire. Every time we go walking someone is sure to comment on what a good-looking dog he is. I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you get these kinds of letters all the time, so I'll close by saying I can't begin to thank you enough. I would (and do) enthusiastically recommend your dogs to anyone. Sincerely, Wilda Orban