Working Dogs

Bred to Work!

The German Shepherd breed is instinctively bred to work. Working is natural to them and whether a show quality dog or not, they need to have an outlet to release their energy. Kingdom Shepherds makes certain all our dogs have a job to do in effort to maintain brain stimulation and to allow their intelligence to be utilized.

Outdoor activity to run and play amongst themselves is part of this process, but we go further and evaluate each of our dogs to determine what specific job suits them best. We have dogs that participate in AKC performance coursing timed trials that have earned Coursing Ability an FASTCAT titles. We also have dogs that have explored herding, and some dogs have been placed as service and therapy dogs. Like individual humans are different, so are individual dogs.

We are committed to working with all of our dogs to help each dog find what job best serves their drive and energy level. Kingdom bloodlines are not high drive, and best described as the ability to thrive in a domestic environment easily and can use their job of choice to share with their family companions.

Coursing Ability Test – CAT

CAT is a AKC sanctioned sport whereby the German Shepherd chases after an artificial lure on a 600 yard course and must complete the run within 2 minutes. Each successful run earns the dog a qualifier toward ultimately earning an AKC Coursing title. As CA titles are earned, the dog can continue toward more advanced CA titles by running additional qualifying runs for higher level achievement.

Fast CAT

Fast CAT is an AKC sanctioned sport whereby the German Shepherd chases after an artificial lure in a timed 100 yard dash drag strip. The dog is timed during their run and earns points based upon how fast the run is completed. Each successful run serves as a qualifier toward earning an AKC Fast CAT title. As additional Fast CAT qualifier runs are earned, the dog can continue toward more advanced Fast CAT titles for higher level achievement.

Kingdom Shepherds has several CAT and Fast CAT titled dogs. These sports serve as performance venues which are competitive, but fun opportunities for owners and family members to be directly involved with their dog as they work toward success. Offers opportunity for the dog to expend their energy, utilize their prey drive in a safe way, and to excel in the breed as an athlete. All Kingdom puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club and are eligible to participate in these athletic performance events upon reaching 12 months of age.

Therapy Dogs

The German Shepherd are great service dogs and can serve in various capacities . Because of their intelligence and affectionate nature, German Shepherds make some of the best therapy dogs. German Shepherds are incredibly smart, which means they can be trained to do almost anything. With some dedicated time, German Shepherds can learn to be patient, quiet, and calm even in hectic settings.

Kingdom Shepherds has had the privilege to provide individuals with a puppy to assist with special needs such as Autism and PTSD. This is truly where we have received the most blessing in our ministry as a breeder. We do not advertise our kennel as a breeder for therapy or special needs, however we have watched God allow us to breed the perfect puppy for the perfect owner. It has truly been God's perfect timing when a person in need to be served has been matched with the perfect puppy in need to serve.

Letting Our Dogs Do What They Love to Do

While not all of our working dogs are show dogs, we do have many show dogs that are also working dogs. What is most important is identifying what activity each dog enjoys best, and sometimes it is showing and working. Some dogs will excel in showing to a level that it is a full time job and involves traveling and conditioning for various show competitions held 3 to 4 days a week. This is true work!

We also have some dogs identify multiple working activities and find their job consists of various performance events such as Coursing Ability and FASTCAT. Regardless of the activity, it takes practice and work in achieving titles and accolades. This requires the dog to be focused and willing to participate, while Kingdom Shepherds is consistently willing to provide the encouragement and support for the dog to achieve their accomplishments. Travel to AKC sanctioned events is a commitment to our dogs which ultimately gives them the opportunity to be the best they can be!

Lastly, and most importantly, whether showing or working, it is all about the dog having fun. If the dog becomes board or is not benefiting from the activity, it is time to find something else for the dog to do.