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Welcome to the Breeding Journal
For a long time, this journal existed quietly in a folder on my computer—labeled, organized, and created mostly for myself. Breeding is not just about puppies; long before a litter is born, there are countless hours of observation, science, ethics, planning, and sometimes very difficult decisions. While I understand that not everyone wants or needs to see this side of the work, I also believe that education—especially for novice breeders—is important. This Breeding Journal is a collection of real stories, experiences, and practices related specifically to breeding: what we’ve done, why we’ve done it, and what we’ve learned along the way. It is an ongoing space, and I promise to continue adding to it as our program evolves. Not every story here is intended for puppy families, and that’s perfectly okay. If this level of detail isn’t for you, we invite you to visit our Living with a German Shepherd blog, where we share reflections on dogs, families, and real life with our dogs. This section of our website is dedicated entirely to breeding—and to those who genuinely want to understand it more deeply.
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World Spay Day: Awareness, Education, and Responsible Ownership
World Spay Day is observed every year on the fourth Tuesday of February , and it exists to raise awareness about pet overpopulation, shelter intake, and the role spaying and neutering can play in reducing unwanted litters. It is an important conversation — and like most important conversations in the dog and cat world, it deserves nuance, education, and honesty. Over the years, and especially recently, there has been a massive amount of new research, discussion, and professio
Serge and Veronika
1 day ago4 min read
Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Good or Bad?
(And a Simple Homemade Treat Recipe) Yesterday was National Sweet Potato Day , and it’s the perfect time to talk about a question we hear often: Are sweet potatoes good for dogs? The short answer: yes—when used correctly. The longer answer is worth understanding, especially if you like making homemade treats or choosing whole-food snacks for your dog. Are Sweet Potatoes Good for Dogs? Yes, sweet potatoes can be a healthy addition to a dog’s diet when they are: Cooked properl
Serge and Veronika
3 days ago2 min read
Puppy Scams Are Real — and They’re Breaking Families’ Hearts
Puppy scams are not rare, and they’re not obvious. They are widespread, sophisticated, and emotionally devastating—especially for families who are simply trying to do something joyful: welcome a puppy into their home. I want to talk about this openly, honestly, and from experience. This post is meant to educate, not shame. If even one family avoids heartbreak because of this information, it matters. What a Puppy Scam Really Is A puppy scam is not a disagreement about breeding
Serge and Veronika
3 days ago3 min read
Why We Love Dogs
There are many animals we admire, many we care for, many we coexist with—but dogs are different. Our love for dogs runs deeper than preference or habit. It’s emotional, instinctive, and profoundly human. Across cultures, centuries, and lifestyles, dogs have earned a place not just beside us, but with us . So why do we love dogs so much? The answer isn’t simple—but it is beautiful. They Love Without Conditions Dogs love us exactly as we are. They don’t care about our productiv
Serge and Veronika
4 days ago3 min read
National Walk Your Dog Day: Why Quality Walks Matter More Than Quantity
National Walk Your Dog Day is the perfect moment to pause and rethink what our daily walks really mean for our dogs. Too often, walks become a checkbox on a to-do list: distance logged, step count met, leash clipped and unclipped as fast as possible. But for dogs, a walk is not a fitness tracker—it’s an experience. The truth is this: a shorter, enriching walk can be far more beneficial than a long, rushed one . Let’s talk about why quality matters more than quantity , and ho
Serge and Veronika
4 days ago3 min read
“Pet Quality” — What Does That Really Mean?
Few phrases in the dog world frustrate us more than the words “pet quality.” We see it everywhere—dozens of posts advertising German Shepherd puppies at bargain prices, proudly labeled pet quality , while the sire and dam have no show titles, no working titles, no health clearances, and often no documentation of any kind. Please stop. Please do not support this kind of breeding. We say this not out of arrogance or competition, but out of experience—and heartbreak. We have se
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Dogs, Children, and Growing Up Together
Growing up, dogs were always part of our home. They weren’t accessories or background noise—they were family. They slept nearby, played in the yard, and stayed close when our parents were away, offering both companionship and a quiet sense of security. But more than that, they taught us—often without words—about responsibility, patience, empathy, and care. Those early experiences shaped how we live with dogs today and how we raise our puppies. We cannot imagine a household wi
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Homemade Pumpkin Treats
Homemade Dog Treats: A Simple Recipe from Our Home to Yours There is something deeply satisfying about making food from scratch—especially when it’s for those we love most. These homemade dog treats come from the same philosophy that guides everything we do: simple ingredients, thoughtful choices, and respect for the bodies we are nourishing. This recipe was born out of everyday life with dogs on the farm. We wanted a treat that was wholesome, easy to digest, and versatile—so
Serge and Veronika
Feb 192 min read
Socialization Isn’t “Meet Everyone” — It’s “Learn How to Live in the World”
We talk about socialization a lot—during the first interview, again when your puppy goes home, and again in our follow-ups with families. And we do that on purpose. Socialization is one of the biggest predictors of the dog your puppy becomes. But here’s the part many people don’t realize: Socialization isn’t just going places and meeting people. Socialization is learning how to behave in those places, and how to behave around those people, animals, and everyday distraction
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Deworming & Young Puppies
All young puppies are subject to internal parasites. Nearly all puppies are born with worms – most mothers have dormant larvae in their tissue. These larvae come to life at the end of the pregnancy and migrate into the new pups. We take de-worming seriously and all new litters of puppies are being regularly de-wormed while in our care. We follow the following protocol: Week 2: RFD once Week 4: RFD once Week 6: RFD once Week7: Safeguard three days in a row RFD Liquid Wor
Serge and Veronika
Feb 192 min read
Choosing a Veterinarian
So, you are a new pet owner OR you are awaiting for your puppy to come home in the nearest future and you are wondering how to choose a veterinarian? What is means to "have a veterinarian" and how much a veterinarian will be involved in the future of your puppy? If you are a pet owner and do not have a veterinarian yet - be aware that a veterinarian will be your new best friend! So, please choose carefully! You see, being a pet owner, you are in control where to take
Serge and Veronika
Feb 195 min read
Study on Early Spay & Neuter
We believe in educated choices. We believe that with our contract we provide both, a choice and education. We do not require spay or neuter per our signed agreement, we however, ask to wait until dog matures before doing the procedure. The information below provides plenty of reasons why we do this. Study on Early Spay & Neuter: ~ Neutering Dogs: Early Spay/Neuter by Gretel Torres de la Riva, Benjamin L. Hart , Thomas B. Farver , Anita M. Oberbauer , Locksley L. McV Messa
Serge and Veronika
Feb 1913 min read
RED FLAGS when searching for a puppy
So, you have chosen to get a puppy from a breeder, but is every breeder the same? How to understand if the breeder is honest and provides quality puppies? How not to get scammed? We will list some very common red flags here and will be happy to hear back from you! Share your stories and ask questions! Please note, that not all red flags mean "scam" - ask your breeder to explain and if you do not feel comfortable with the provided answer - run! In most cases, price point will
Serge and Veronika
Feb 1911 min read
WHEN DO GERMAN SHEPHERD EARS STAND UP?
Here’s What Every New Owner Should Know One of the most iconic features of a German Shepherd is their tall, upright ears. These expressive ears not only give them a noble appearance, but also serve as an early signal of maturity and development. If you're raising a GSD puppy, you might be wondering: When will those ears finally stand up? Let’s walk through what’s normal, what to expect, and what you can do to support healthy development. What’s the Typical Timeline for Germ
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Puppies, Poop, and Real Life: A Gentle Truth About Potty Training
Who doesn’t love a puppy? The round belly. The chubby cheeks. The wiggly back end that somehow always looks a little too big for the rest of the body. Puppies are irresistible—and we absolutely love them. But here is the honest truth that every future puppy owner needs to hear: Bringing a puppy home is a lot like bringing home a toddler. And toddlers… make messes. If the idea of cleaning up poop makes you uncomfortable, frustrated, or angry, it’s important to pause and rethin
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
Puppy Buying 101: How to Find the Right Start for a Lifetime Companion
Bringing a puppy into your home is one of the most joyful decisions you can make—but it is also one that deserves patience, intention, and care. A puppy is not a short-term commitment or an impulse purchase. It is a living being who will rely on you for guidance, safety, and love for the next 10 to 15 years . The good news is that there are ways to ensure that your search leads you to a healthy, well-raised puppy and a breeder who truly stands behind their dogs. Puppy buying
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Choosing a Breeder: A Thoughtful Checklist for Future Puppy Owners
Bringing a puppy into your life is not a casual purchase—it is the beginning of a relationship that will likely last 10 to 15 years . This puppy will grow with your family, share your home, and depend on you for guidance, care, and stability. Because of that, choosing a breeder deserves time, reflection, and thoughtful questions. This process is not like shopping at a big-box store, where price tags and convenience take priority. A responsibly bred puppy represents years of p
Serge and Veronika
Feb 194 min read
Vaccinations, Holistic Values, and Thoughtful Decisions in Our Breeding Program
If you have met us, you already know that our approach to life—and to dogs—is deeply holistic. On our farm, we honor organic practices, slow-growing vegetables and fruits, grass-fed animals, and time-tested principles passed down through generations. We make as much as we can from scratch, follow old recipes when possible, and approach both human and animal care with intention rather than convenience. That philosophy extends into everything we do, including our full line of d
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
The hand of a breeder
When You Shake a Breeder’s Hand When you come to my home, you shake my hand. A simple gesture. Polite. Ordinary. But this is not an ordinary hand. This is the hand of a breeder. It is the hand that felt your puppy move for the very first time, long before you knew they existed. The hand that rested on a mother’s belly late at night, quietly counting movements, listening, watching, waiting. The hand that calmed her during labor, steady and reassuring, when instinct and trust m
Serge and Veronika
Feb 193 min read
On Guarantees, Ethics, and How We Approach Stud Service
One of the most common questions we receive from breeders inquiring about our stud service is whether we offer “guarantees.” This question often leaves us both uncomfortable and genuinely concerned, and we believe it deserves a clear, thoughtful response. When working with live animals, reproduction, and breeding , there are no guarantees—ever . Breeding is not a transactional process; it is a biological one. No matter how experienced, knowledgeable, or prepared a breeder ma
Serge and Veronika
Feb 163 min read
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