Welcome to Holtgrew's German Shepherds

Hello, we thought we would drop you a line and say, "hi" and that Diego (Dillinger) is doing great here in California. As you can see from the pictures, he has plenty of kids to play with... He is learning so many things so fast. He is an absolute joy.

Jon and Mikko (California)

Dillinger von Holtgrew "Diego"

(Half x Sammi)

We have been busy with Filly the last couple months and I thought it was time to check in with you on her. She has been a really good puppy and now she is doing really good with house breaking. She eats really well and loves to play with her big brother Duke (no relation). They both can't get enough of the water and need to be together all the time. Walking and running is something they both need and Filly loves to run. And boy can she keep up with Duke.

Kimberly and Duane, Minnesota

Filly von Holtgrew

(Half x Atti)

I THINK OF HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE DAKOTA AND FORREST. I NEVER OWNED A GERMAN SHEPHERD BEFORE AND IF IT WASN'T FOR MY HUSBAND CONVINCING ME THAT THIS IS THE ONLY BREED I SHOULD CONSIDER, I HONESTLY BELIEVE I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SO LUCKY. DAKOTA AND FORREST SURPRISE ME EVERYDAY WITH THEIR LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE, THEY LEARN EVERYTHING I TEACH THEM SO QUICKLY. BUT THEY ARE ALSO INDEPENDENT ENOUGH TO KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AS WELL, AND HAVE A GREAT WAY OF LETTING ME KNOW WHAT THAT IS. I NEVER HAD A DOG THAT I COULD INTERACT WITH, THE WAY I INTERACT WITH THESE TWO. YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB OF BREEDING AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUPS FOR ME AND MY FAMILY, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR MY WONDERFUL BABIES.

Angie, New Jersey

Dakota von Holtgrew (Half x Sammi)

Forrest vom Adel Haus (Rick x Sira)

Schautzi is AWESOME! He prances around the house like a "little" prince! He has the sweetest personality. He is very loving to all... We think he is just perfect. I'm also sending you a picture of his buddy, Miss Chamois. They are very

close.

Natalie, Kansas

Frost von Holtgrew (Half x Atti)

Isaiah, who we call Prophet, has brought so much love and life into our home. We would like to thank Jennifer for matching us up with our puppy. If anyone is looking for the best in a German Shepherd Dog, Holtgrew Kennels is the place. Isaiah is not only beautiful, full of personality, and super smart, he is fun and funny. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, everything about this kennel is top notch . Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kevin & Cat, Wisconsin

Isaiah vom Adel Haus

(Rick x Zarah)

The other day I took her to visit Opportunities Unlimited, & I showed her to a resident who sustained a brain injury many years ago, this guy doesn't respond to much and has limited movement. He kept watching Ethny, so I put her on his lap and Ethny licked his face until he started to respond, and by the end of the visit he was even feeding her treats. Most of the time this guy just stares in space, as we haven't found much he responds to...

Thanks again for providing us with such a great dog, we have truly enjoyed her.

John & Sandy, Iowa

Ellie von Holtgrew "Ethny"

(Half x Sammi)

Hi Jennifer,

Just a little update to let you know that Neiko is three months old today and weighs 32 pounds…and he is definitely not fat....He comes to work with me every day and is so good. He is undoubtedly the most socialized puppy in the city! Everyone loves him from the mailman to the auditor. As a matter of fact, we had a cake today to celebrate his three month birthday! No, he didn’t get any. We took him tracking one time and he did really well. For his age, he is excellent at paying attention to directions and seemed to understand what I was trying to instruct him to do. I was impressed to say the least.

Georgie, Kansas

Nero vom Adel Haus

(Rick x Avery)

Hi Jennifer,

Here's are most recent picture of Luke. As you can see he LOVES the snow. We got about a foot of snow last night so Luke was in heaven this morning. Luke just had his 1st birthday last week. We can't believe what a wonderful dog he is and he's huge. He's the most beautiful dog and has the best personality. Eventhough he's almost as big as me he thinks he's a lap dog, every morning he lays on my lap when we're waiting for the kids to wake up. They love playing with each other. Our daughter who's 2 now loves laying on him.

Pat & Alicia, Pennsylvania

Foxx vom Adel Haus

(Rick x Sira)

Hi Jennifer, Just an update on Nakota vom Adel Haus ( We named her " Boji" ) Rick x Avery . Boji is doing really good, she was basically house trained within a week, a few accidents but all of them by the door so it is my fault for not getting there fast enough. Crate training was a breeze she never and I mean never cried or anything since day one!!! I have been really pleased with that!! Her mouthing has really gone away now. My children are very happy with that!!!! We started our OB classes and Boji has impressed the instructor with her focus on me. With 12 other dogs in class Boji is never distracted and accomplishes most tasks in short order. Boji is one of the younger Pups in class but is often referred to as an example. I will surely recommend your kennel to anyone that is looking for a German Shepherd. I will send pictures as soon as I figure out how to do it... Thanks Again Jennifer for breeding a wonderful dog.

Best Regards, Marc, Nebraska

Nakota vom Adel Haus

(Rick x Avery)

Jennifer,

Presley has been changed to Parker and what a wonderful addition to our family he is. We have started Super Puppy Classes! He loves to socialize with the other puppies and will do anything to please you. He is now use to the leash and can sit and drop. All of us are doing the dominance exercises with him, and he could care less. Hopefully that means he loves and trusts us. He is our little buddy and goes everywhere with us. He now weighs about 28 pounds at 12 week, and is so handsome. We will miss him when he goes to the show in April, but we know it will be a great experience for him. He and Paris will have a great time together again. Thank you again for providing us with such a special puppy.

Mike, Diane, John & Laura - Ames, Iowa

Presley vom Adel Haus "Parker" (Rick X Biena)

Go Cyclones!

Hello Jennifer!

She is truly an amazing animal! I had no idea I could enjoy a dog so very much! She accompanied me to Oklahoma and was an attentive companion during that stressful time... We get so many compliments on her, her looks and her attitude. She has done much in this area to quell the bogus and false reputation German Shepherds have for being vicious, man-eating canines! :-) Everyone is amazed at how smart she is, too. It only takes about two or three times for her to pick up on something. I have a lot of fun with her, teaching her new things and seeing how fast she can learn it. She really likes to search for her ball. I'll hide it in the front room somewhere and then bring her in. She'll look until she finds it. I'll have the boys hid it, too, because they think I cheat and hide it in the same place! But she finds it wherever they hid it, too. It is kind of a game to try to stump Eden, but her nose outwits us all! Thank you, again, for the opportunity to buy Eden. Just know that she is in a home where she is very much loved and appreciated!

Trish, Iowa

Eden von Holtgrew (Half x Sammi)

Jennifer

We just wanted to say thanks for the puppy. She is a quick learner and is getting along fine with our older dog. Our vet told us you had taken good care of her by the health record you sent us. I am including a couple pictures of the dogs playing ball.

This Month...

Just wanted to say hi and congratulations on the showing in CT last week... I included some pics of our pup from Half x Zarah. She is a great girl for us. It is hard to get her to stop playing with her ball. She does some crazy things like lay on the back of the older dog.

Thanks again.

Neil, Missouri

Hailey von Holtgrew

(Half x Zarah)

******

Hi Jennifer,

We love Quaide. He is quite a cuddler and loves a lap. He is so smart. We are starting puppy kindergarten on Sunday for 8 weeks. He has learned to ring the bell at the door when he wants to go outside, which is often. While I originally intended it for when he needs to use the restroom, he uses it more frequently, but I don't mind. I started ringing it when I opened the door, and he caught on within the day. (Sometimes I think he rings it just because he is so pleased with himself for

Hi Jennifer,

I am writing to you to let you know how well Rudy is doing. He recently turned 10 months old and is growing into a big, fluffy and beautiful dog. We have been taking obedience classes and he is doing great! He is very intelligent, eager to learn, and extremely confident. As a member of our family, he is cuddly, thoughtful and affectionate. I can’t thank you enough for matching us so well!

* Rudy & Sharon just earned his CGC *

Best Regards

Sharon, Pennsylvania

Iggy vom Adel Haus "Rudy"

Rudy is one of our few long coated boys - a gorgeous guy

(Rick x Zarah)

As Jager comes up on his first birthday I though I would send you some updated info on him as well as a couple of attached photos. We have been very pleased with his personality and his temperament. He enjoys pleasing us and adapts to new challenges and tasks surprisingly quick. I am of course basing this on my exposure to my own dogs and some of those I know with other handlers. I would like to think I have learned something while now on my 3rd dog in my life time, but do give Jager a great deal of credit for his workability.

get in as much search and rescue (SAR) scent training as I had hoped this Winter as work unexpectedly took me out of town several times. True to his form though, Jager doesn't seem to be behind much in this training as to where I had hoped he would be.

Mark, Minnesota

Elmo von Holtgrew "Jager"

(Half x Sammi)

Hi Jennifer~

Inferno (Chief) is doing great !!!! We sometimes call him Chief Inferno. Above is Chief with our beloved Caesar... the BIG BOY.

He carved out a spot in every one of our hearts already!!!! Even Caesar and Cody. He has really figured out potty training (3 days), and he sleeps with us in bed !! ( Spoiled little thing ) He has the most wonderful personality, who wouldn't love this little boy !!!!!

Thanks Jennifer !!!

Kari , Colorado

Inferno von Holtgrew "Chief"

Chief is pictured with his big friend Caesar, no relation

Roxy (aka Delta) is doing great. She just finished an agility class and she did great. She isn't afraid of anything and she did the obstacles with ease. She almost acted bored with it all, like it was too easy...

I will try to keep in touch more often and let you know how things are going with Roxy. She is a great dog and so athletic and smart, she is great with everybody and a sweetheart to boot. Thanks for the great work you do and giving us the opportunity to own such a wonderful dog.

Deanna, Illinois

Roxy (Half x Sammi)

Jennifer,

She is doing great, growing like crazy. Her ears are the funniest part of watching her grow... one day both will be up and the next day only one will be up. My youngest son says" Dad she looks really funny with only one ear up! " Anyway thanks you for such a great pup.

Take care,

Kirk, Indiana

Ky (Rick x Sira)

Good Morning-

Just a quick note to let you know how our "baby girl" is doing.She is an absolute joy to take anywhere. I have been talking her for walks and she is already heeling so well. She LOVES our two other dogs. They adore her, too.

We had a picnic at Okaboji and everyone kept remarking about what a wonderful puppy she was and how well behaved she is. I just wanted to pass along the praise!

WE LOVE THIS PUPPY!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

Sharon, NE

"Isabella" Iriah von Holtgrew

Rick x Sira

Update

Hi Jennifer,

Quaide is our constant companion. (I sometimes think he thinks he's human.) Whether we are vacuuming, cleaning the fish tank, working in the yard, cooking, or watching TV, he wants to be by our sides. He is so alert, intelligent, and brave and afraid of nothing. He loves fetch and last week showed us that he also loves to swim. He probably fetched his tennis ball at least 50 times as we threw it into the lake. We couldn't keep him out of the water. At 55 lbs, he is a beautiful dog.

Ivy is our sweetheart. She LOVES to perform her tricks and never tires from performing for others. She is our cuddler and always spends several minutes in our laps each morning. At 33 lbs, she still fits in our laps...but barely. Ivy is actually our more protective dog. She is the first to bark at a strange sound or to let us know when something is amiss. Her ears are still down, but we occassionally see them both up when she is alert. We know she'll someday grow into them.

We took them to the beach together one evening, and we never even sat down. From the minute the two of them arrived, they had a captive audience. For over an hour, people never stopped coming up to us to meet them and pet them. They all commented on how beautiful and friendly they were. Even toddlers could meet them. We felt so proud of them.

Thanks again for these special dogs.

Emily & Greg, Indiana

Quaide vom Adel Haus Half x Maya

Ivy von Holtgrew Rick x Sira

Hello Jennifer!

I thought I would send you an updated photo of our handsome boy! Priest(Rick and Biena) is 8 months old now and has been a true blessing in our lives. He has made his home here and protects his home out in the country very well. I cannot begin to tell you how loved and cared for he is. He is a joy to come home to everyday and I could not have asked for a more perfect dog. He loves to fetch his frisbee's and is a freak about them everytime I bring them out for him to play with, he absolutely loves them. I get comments from strangers about him everywhere I go, they all tell me how handsome and well behaved he is. Priest is highly intelligent and obeys to all commands that we've taught him with ease. I wanted a loyal and mild tempered dog and that is exactly what I got. He follows us everywhere we go and does not let us stay out of his eye site for very long if he can help it. Thank you for allowing us to have such a great companion, he truly is perfect.

Sincerely,

Troy and Erica, Iowa

Priest vom Adel Haus (Rick x Biena)

Jennifer –

Here’s a picture of Fonzie. This past weekend, Fonzie was in Springfield, Illinois, doing an introduction to “Urban Search and Rescue.” Fonzie did really well on the agility tests, as well as, the searches inside the warehouse. The instructor said that Fonzie is really smart – on Fonzie’s first try he found the victim inside a box by standing up to look inside!!!

This weekend, Fonzie will be camping in Northern Wisconsin and swimming in a lake deep in the middle of a forest. Fonzie is as happy as can be and he’s doing really well.

Greg, Illinois

Fonzie von Holtgrew (Half x Atti)

JENNIFER,

DANNY,GRISSOM,PAYTON AND I JUST RETURNED FROM A LONG SUMMERVACATION... WE TRAVELED IN A HUGE SUV,SO THAT GRISS AND PAYTON HAD LOTS OF ROOM. GRISS IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL. GRISSOM AND PAYTON ARE VIRTUALLY INSEPARABLE. FOR INSTANCE,WHEN PAYTON WHINES OR CRIES WHICH IS OFTEN AND FOR NO REASON,GRISSOM WILL STOP WHAT HE IS DOING AND LICK PAYTON'S FACE. THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE TRULY AMAZING OCCURRENCES THAT TAKE PLACE WITH THESE TWO DOGS... COULD NOT ASK FOR A MORE ADORABLE,ENTERTAINING FAMILY MEMBER. GRISS ALSO IS AN EXCELLENT WATCH DOG AND GETTING BETTER AT IT WITH EACH PASSING DAY.

PHOTOS WILL BE MAILED SOON,DEVELOPING SOME TODAY. THANK -YOU- FOR BEING A

KIND,WELLSPOKEN BUSINESSWOMAN FROM THE BEGINNING.

Dan, Pennsylvania

Grissom, SG1 Cristo vom Adel Haus (Rick x Biena)

Jennifer,

I hope things are going well with you and your dogs. I thought you might be interested in the following pics of Toby. We are going for a BH certification this fall, and potentially an AD. I am testing for NASAR (National Assoc of Search and Rescue) this week. We are expecting to get get certified in Grand County SAR at the end of the month. Mary Kay has been working as a part of our team-- it is quite a commitment.

Toby is a wonderful companion and a high drive working dog. He is independent, but very playful with children...

Fred & Mary Kay, Kansas

Toby aka VP1 Frodo vom Adel Haus

(Rick x Sira)

All things here are good. Jersey Girl is doing great...I hope you enjoy these few pics that I have sent, they are from the cabin trip I just got back from. She loved the water and was always seeking out her next victim to throw her ball or her frisbee!!!!

Congrats on all the recent success with Venice, Cristo (Grissom), Quax and all the new youngsters!!!

Let me know if you have any questions and I hope is well with you guys.

Take care

Travis, Iowa

Jersey, Jasmine von Holtgrew (Lutz x Sira)

Jennifer,

We bought two puppies from you. They are both great puppies even tho the two of them are so different. They are both very smart and learn easily. I will use Hope more on the working line. Faith is more show or obendience. One thing I'd like to say is when ever we have gone to the kennel we have been treated so well, like one of the family. I think that is a gift in itself. We have fun when we go its a joy to visit.

Thanks Jennifer for the great puppies and making us always feeled welcomed when we visit.

Lori, Iowa

Hope von Holtgrew (Half x Zarah)

Infiniti von Holtgrew (Rick x Sira) "Faith"

Jennifer,

Heidi is so obedient – really a good girl. Don’t let her face fool you. She is real nut when it comes to any water. Whether at the beach, lake or in the sprinklers, she actually thinks she is a fish. Once the boat stops she’s out on the swim step and into the water. As a matter of fact, she has really become a favorite at the lake with our friends and fellow boaters. She basically plays in the water with all the kids all day long. When we are camping, she plays with the kids and loves to sit at my feet by the fire. She is such a great family dog. I would love to see pictures of the new pups.

Thank you,

Mike, CA

"Heidi" (Half x Sammi)

Deere von Holtgrew

Update

Just wanted to let you know Angl is doing great we just finished or first 6 weeks of beginners training and our going to do another 6. Everywhere we go somebody always stops us to tell us what a beautiful dog she is. As you can see by the pictures her and Sara are becoming close friends.

*******

Angl is turning into a beautiful dog. she is growing fast up to 20 #at 3 months. We take her every where we can and she is great around people. Housebroke already and easy to train. She is a great dog.

John, Lori, & Sara Iowa

Angl

(Rick x Sira)

figuring out that I'll open the door when he does!) The vet was shocked that he had picked up on the bell at 11 weeks and said she thought he was too young to be able to learn that. He loves the outdoors! We have to watch him like a hawk because he wants to eat everything outside--from sticks to leaves, etc. He likes to play hide and seek (where we hide). From the very beginning, he put his nose to the ground and always finds us by scent. It is amazing to watch him. He has made friends with a neighbor's cat through the fence. He loves cats. Nugget, our kitten, and he play every day for a little bit. Crate-training went really well. After the first night, he stopped crying and goes in their whenever he is tired and can't find a lap. He drags all of his toys inside, as well. He is such a joy. Thank you so much for selecting him for us.

Greg & Emily, Indiana

Quaid vom Adel Haus

(Half x Maya)

Samson is doing great. He's healthy, happy, and getting big! His ears arn't up yet (not sure how old they are when that happens?), but they are pointing forward more and up sometimes. He gets so many complimints from neighbors and people about how beautiful he is. He's becoming such a good listener and has gotten quite playful & energetic. It's fun watching his personality grow now that he's getting use to home & us. Samson's full of affection too. We can't thank you enough for such a wonderful addition to the family. I think you where right about the rock eating phase, lol. He's not very interested in them anymore. Walking, throwing ball and running are all fun games & exercise for us all. Oh yeah, he's potty trained too!

Had Marvel's hips and elbows x-rayed on Oct 18. Vet was happy with what he saw but we sent them off to OFA for confirmation. The OFA Preliminary (Consultation) Report came back with "Good Hip Joint Conformation" and elbow joints "negative for elbow dysplasia". Yeah!!

... I don't have any nice pictures of him tracking or rallying (our current training activities), but here are a few from our summer/fall in N. VA...you might call them "Mr. Marvelous goes to Washington".

Nolte vom Adel Haus, Marvel

(Rick x Avery) in Colorado

Just passed his CGC! - Way to go!

Forrest is doing great. We had finished our private basic obedience class a few weeks back and we ended it with wonderful progress. We worked alot on focus and staying relaxed. I am very proud at how well he did. We will be starting up again in a novice group class next time, soon. he is such a sweetie and very loyal to me. I cant begin to tell you.

Enjoy the pics and stay warm...

Angie in New Jersey

Forrest (Rick x Sira)

Hello again!

Last month one of the ladies who goes to our church was admitted to the hospital. This lady, Norma, has always loved Eden and has watched her progress from a pup to now. She has kept up with all of Eden's tricks.

Anyway, I called the hospital to ask what I needed to bring my "therapy dog" to visit Norma.And really, Eden is Norma's therapy dog. Norma had a stroke 8 years ago but if we talk about Eden, she talks really well. So, even though Eden hasn't had formal training to be a TD, she has the ability... Eden did so well! She woofed once at the head nurse(oops) but after that, she was fantastic! I let her put her front paws on the bed and then she moved "close" so Norma could pet her and get some "kisses." Then I put Eden on a down-stay in the corner, and she laid there with her head between her front paws and waited for me to finish up the visit. Again, she received much praise for being so well-mannered and friendly. She is my wonder-dog!

Hi Jennifer. Just a quick note to let you know that Maya has gone into heat. Of course this started the day before we were leaving for vacation (Wednesday the 28th)! She's not doing too bad with it - and actually leaves her diaper on!!! She also had a great time on Christmas and loved to open her own presents. She didn't touch the tree or the presents - until we would throw her one and then she knew it was for her...

I attached a few pictures since you have not seen her for awhile. Can't believe she is one year old already. Hope all is well with Minnie and the rest of the dogs!

Deanna

Sioux City, IA

Maya (Half x Maya)

Jennifer

Jax has been a wonderful puppy. He has been good in every situation I have put him in, whether it is been with my cousins (five little girls running around screaming) or with a room full of strangers (people and dogs of all sizes). His focus while I am working through sit and stay in the puppy play group has been amazing. He definitely has great drives.

*****

We were at PETCO last night in the puppy play class and he did very well with the other dogs. When they put the tube out everybody was trying to entice their dogs through and Jax just walked up put his head in the tube and continued on through like it was no big deal...

Charlie, Council Bluffs, IA

Jax (Quax x Venice)