Darkenwald Keeshonden

At Darkenwald, the nursery is an accurate description of our puppy rearing facilities. Our philosophy is that puppies, like children, deserve a safe, enriched environment with plenty of opportunity for socialization so that they can grow into adults who will be welcome in our society.  They are encouraged to play and explore and learn both inside and out.  Their nursery is in the kitchen so they are constantly exposed to activity, noises, smells (mostly delicious...grin), people and some other dogs. By 4 weeks they have been introduced to the outside on our puppy proof deck and by 6 weeks, grass, concrete sidewalk, porch and steps. Nothing like fresh air and sunshine to grow happy, healthy puppies.  Because we live out in the country, we have to import more people so we frequently invite friends and  people interested in the breed to come visit and play with the puppies.

Raising puppies right is a LOT of work...it's time consuming both physically and mentally. In addition to socializing and caring for the physical needs of the babies, a good breeder will spend a lot of time screening homes so that she can find the very best home for each puppy based on the mutual needs of the puppy and new owners. A good breeder takes responsibility for the puppies she produces throughout the puppies' lives.  And the effort does not end when the puppies leave for new homes...support for owners is critical to the success of placements. At Darkenwald a good percentage of our puppies are sold either to repeat buyers or to people who have been referred by happy owners who adore their dogs.  We must be doing something right.  What makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile is the satisfaction of knowing that I have been able to help others know the love and joy that a happy, healthy Keeshond brings to our lives.  

Have we never had an issue? Health or otherwise? I wish!  But, no one can ever guarantee that she will never produce a puppy that may end up with a problem...all we can do is make the best breeding decisions we can, always work to improve, learn from mistakes, and stand behind ALL the puppies we bring into this world.  No breeder wakes up in the morning and says, "Gee, I sure hope I have an unhealthy puppy to bring misery into someone's life..." but, what separates a good breeder from the pack is how she handles a problem when it arises. Some try to put the blame on the owner or on outside issues...anything but accept the possibility that they have produced a puppy with a problem.  I am not saying that I believe that all health problems arising in dogs are genetic either. Some are very much environmental, dietary, etc. It may very well be that an owner did not follow recommendations but that doesn't mean they need to be sent on a guilt trip, either.  Just as no breeder hopes to produce a health issue, I doubt that a properly screened owner wakes up and says "How can I screw up this puppy so I can complain to the breeder?"  The Golden rule is truly precious and one that I do my best to live by...and always, my first allegiance is to the dogs...their best interest has to come before any other motivations.  They bring us such joy and ask for nothing in return except to be loved and cherished. Buying a puppy is a major exception to the statements that you 'can't buy love' or 'money cannot buy happiness!"  You can!  It's called a Keeshond.