Training:
The Flood Farm breeding program is a small operation, just one breeding pair, and one litter at a time. This allows us to give personal attention, handling, socialization, and training to each pup individually. By 8 weeks of age, when our pups are ready to go home, each puppy has begun learning how to Sit, Come, Lie Down, walk on a leash, and is on their way to being completely housebroken. This solid foundation for later training in addition to the excellent breeding lines, certified by the German SV for healthy hips and elbows, hold the Flood Farm German Shepherds to a high standard.
Placement:
When the puppies are 49 days old, we administer the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, as described by the Monks of New Skete in their book, The Art of Raising a Puppy. This, combined with our previous knowledge of the puppies’ personalities and energy levels allow us to make an educated decision concerning what kind of home the puppy would be best suited to.
Through the application process, Cindy learns all she can about the lifestyles and homes of the families who will be taking the puppies into their hearts, ensuring that the puppy placed in their care will be happy and successful in his or her new life.
Resources:
We ask that all of our puppy buyers read The Art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete, watch Leerburg's "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 12 Months" Program, secure a trainer familiar with German Shepherds, and schedule a vet appointment before taking their puppy home.
Adoption Process:
If you are interested in adopting a Flood Farm pup, the first step will be to fill out a questionnaire, which can be requested by email through the Contact Us page. The second step is a phone interview with Cindy, and finally, a visit to the farm itself to meet our family, both two- and four-legged. At this point, it’s time to put down your $500 deposit to get your name on the wait list for the next litter, and start counting down days until your new family member comes home!