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At Gillridge216 Canine Campus
A new session of Group classes begin every two months.
At Gillridge216 Canine Campus
A new session of Group classes begin every two months.
Breeding CKC Registered Working Line German Shepherds
Breeding Philosophy & Standards
At Gillridge216, our breeding program is rooted in purpose, preservation, and responsibility.
We are committed to producing clear-minded, structurally sound German Shepherd Dogs with the health, drive, and stability required for active working and engaged companion homes. Our program is not volume-based, nor do we breed frequently. Each pairing is carefully considered with long-term goals in mind.
Two generations of our dogs are raised and developed here on site. This allows us to evaluate temperament, working ability, trainability, and health over time — not simply on pedigree alone.
Health & Working Standards
All breeding dogs are health tested with hips and elbows certified. Titles and working ability matter to us. Our foundation dogs hold recognized titles in tracking, scent detection, obedience, and working certifications, including NAPWDA Tracking and Area Search along with obedience.
We believe proven ability, stable temperament, and sound structure must accompany good lineage. Pedigrees are available for review for approved families who wish to learn more about the depth behind our program.
Temperament & Drive
Our goal is to produce dogs that are clear-headed, confident, and capable of meaningful work. These are not low-energy or casual dogs. They are bred with purpose and require leadership, engagement, and structured activity.
While many of our puppies thrive in active companion homes, they are best suited for owners who value training, consistency, and a working relationship with their dog.
Early Development & Puppy Raising
From the earliest stages, our puppies are raised with intentional neurological stimulation and progressive environmental exposure.
They are introduced to varied textures, sounds, unstable surfaces, scenting exercises, and foundational life skills appropriate to their developmental stage. Early imprinting toward sport and working aptitude begins while we carefully observe individual temperament and confidence.
Each puppy receives daily handling, structured interaction, and thoughtful socialization designed to build resilience, curiosity, and stability. We believe careful early development lays the foundation for a capable and confident adult dog.
Placement & Ongoing Support
We are selective in our placements. Not every home is the right fit for a high-drive working-line German Shepherd.
Prospective families are encouraged to contact us well in advance of planned breedings. Approved families are invited to follow litter development through a private group as the puppies grow. We are transparent in our process and committed to placing each puppy thoughtfully based on temperament, drive, and the goals of the home.
Our responsibility does not end at placement. We remain available as a resource to our puppy families and believe in long-term support throughout the life of the dog.
Our Dogs
Our breeding program is built on carefully selected dogs with proven working ability, certified health clearances, and stable, trainable temperaments. Each dog contributes specific strengths to the program, and all are actively trained and evaluated in real-world working environments.
Emmett VII
TD, TDX, ETD
NAPWDA Certified – Tracking & Area Search
Hips & Elbows Certified Good
Emmett came to us from Kenny Harrison in the United States and represents the type of working German Shepherd we sought to build our foundation upon. His certifications through the North American Police Work Dog Association in Tracking and Area Search and obedience reflect proven working ability under recognized standards.
Emmett brings intensity, drive, and clarity of purpose to our program, paired with structural soundness and certified health clearances. His working titles and temperament demonstrate the balance of capability and stability that we value in a breeding male.
Akira
ETD
Qualifying Ribbons – Scent Detection (Containers & Interior)
Hips & Elbows Certified Good
Akira joined us from Von Rothhaus Kennels. After observing her dam’s working ability, we intentionally selected a female from this lineage to strengthen the depth and consistency of our program.
She has earned her ETD title and qualifying ribbons in scent detection for both container and interior searches. Akira contributes focus, environmental stability, and working aptitude while maintaining the clear temperament and structural integrity required of our breeding females.
Aanya
NTD, ASD
Hips & Elbows Certified Good
Born August 3, 2021
Born and raised here at Gillridge216, Aanya represents the second generation of our program developed on site. She carries forward the temperament, drive, and structural qualities we have worked intentionally to preserve.
Aanya demonstrates trainability, clarity, and confidence, with titles reflecting her foundational working development. As a home-bred female, she allows us to evaluate lineage, health, and temperament over time — strengthening the consistency of our breeding goals.
Cye
NTD, ASD
Hips & Elbows Certified Good
Born September 19, 2021
Cye came to us from Leslie Markey in Ottawa, Ontario. He holds foundational working titles and certified health clearances consistent with the standards of our program.
Cye contributes structure, balance, and working engagement, complementing the strengths of our females while maintaining the clear-headed temperament essential in a capable German Shepherd.
Apply below to be on our waiting list.
No puppies currently available, next breeding in spring of 2027
Sign up Below for A life Changing experience with your dog-
Class Options
Private Classes - Available at mutually convenient times.
Group Class Registration
Training Programs at Gillridge216
We offer structured, progressive training programs designed to develop capable handlers and reliable dogs at every stage of growth.
Our curriculum is intentionally tiered. Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring clarity, consistency, and measurable advancement.
Pre-School
Private Session | $120.00 (HST Included)
Designed for new puppy owners, this private 60–90 minute session provides foundational guidance before your puppy is ready for group classes.
We cover:
- Safe and appropriate socialization
- Foundational obedience concepts
- Crate training and structure
- Household management
- Navigating common puppy challenges
This session gives owners clarity and confidence during the critical early weeks.
Junior Kindergarten (JK)
For puppies under 6 months of age
The foundation stage of our group training program. Early structure and clear communication are essential during this developmental period.
Senior Kindergarten (SK)
For dogs over 6 months of age or those with no previous training
A structured starting point for older puppies and young dogs requiring foundational obedience and handler development.
Grades 1–6
For handlers whose dogs have graduated from JK or SK with us
This level strengthens reliability, consistency, and responsiveness under increasing distraction. Handlers refine timing, clarity, and structured expectations.
Grades 7–12 Obedience
For those who have completed Grades 1–6
Advanced obedience for handlers who wish to elevate precision, control, and working partnership to a higher level.
Continuing Education
Available to teams who have completed our elementary and secondary programs.
These classes allow handlers and dogs to focus on specific disciplines, including:
- Tracking
- Agility
- Scent Detection
- Rally Obedience
- Formal Obedience
- Tricks
- Therapy Dog Preparation
- Seasonal offerings as appropriate
Handlers may begin with our General Studies Intro Session, where each week introduces a different continuing education discipline, including tracking when seasonally appropriate.
Private Behavioral Consultations
For dogs struggling with specific behavioral challenges, we offer private consultations tailored to the individual dog and handler. These sessions focus on clarity, structure, and practical implementation strategies.
Group Class Registration
Private Classes - Available at mutually convenient times.
Group Class Registration
Group Training Sessions
We look forward to the start of each new training session and the progress that develops over the six-week program.
Each session runs for six consecutive weeks, with one one-hour class per week.
Classes are held:
- Outdoors (weather permitting) through the fall
- Indoors for specific skills or during inclement weather
Each 6-week session:
$225.00 (HST included)
Class Levels Offered
- Junior & Senior Kindergarten (Puppies)
- Grades 1–6 Basic Obedience
- Grades 7–12 Advanced Obedience
Our programs are progressive. Each level builds on the previous one to ensure reliability, clarity, and handler confidence.
Scheduling
Evening sessions are typically offered May through December.
Saturday sessions are generally scheduled January through April.
Class times are finalized based on registration numbers and participant availability. Registered handlers will receive confirmation details by email.
Starting Point
Ideally, dogs begin with us in Pre-School and continue through our progressive levels. Training is not simply about obedience — it is about shaping the next 12–15 years of life with your dog.
For dogs joining us at an older age, a private introductory session is required. This ensures handlers understand our training philosophy and allows us to evaluate the most appropriate starting level.
Registration
To register, please follow the link below.
Private Classes - Available at mutually convenient times.
Private Classes - Available at mutually convenient times.
Private Training Sessions
Private sessions are available for individuals or families whose schedules do not align with our group programs, or for those who prefer one-on-one instruction.
These sessions allow us to address foundational skills, advance specific training goals, or focus on individual concerns. In many cases, multiple group-level concepts can be covered within a single private session.
Participants may be included in the corresponding group class Facebook community when appropriate. This allows access to weekly homework guidance, instructional materials, and continued support alongside a structured curriculum.
Private Training Session:
$130.00 (HST included)
Approximately 60–90 minutes
All private sessions include follow-up email support in the weeks following to address questions or minor adjustments as needed.
Behavioural Consultations
All behavioural concerns — including reactivity and aggression — begin with a private assessment session.
These consultations allow us to evaluate the dog, clarify contributing factors, and outline a structured plan moving forward.
Behavioural Consultation:
$150.00–$200.00 (HST included)
Fee determined by the complexity of the concern
Rescue Restart Program
Designed for families who have recently adopted a dog, our Rescue Restart Program provides guidance during the critical transition period.
We assist owners in establishing structure, clarity, and appropriate boundaries from the outset. Early leadership and consistency can significantly influence long-term stability and integration into the home.
Rescue Restart Session:
$130.00 (HST included)
Approximately 60–90 minutes
Pre-School New Puppy Class By Appointment only
Are you adopting a new little one? Those first few weeks from when you pick that new little one up until it is safe to bring them to a group class are crucial in the development of your happy well socialized pup.
This is a private class that allows you and your family to you get off to a great start in a safe environment. Learn all the tricks to a good nights sleep, how to deal with some of those crazy pup challenges from chewing to house training and more. 120.00 including HST for this one hour to one and a half hour session
Behaviour Modification By Appointment only
Behaviour Modification Classes -For those struggling with a particular behaviour challenge and require specific behaviour modification . Includes a 4 week plan and follow up emails. These participants are not included in a FB group page, but receive private email follow-ups. Beginning at 150.00 per hour including HST
Aggressive Behaviour Issue Sessions
$175.00 per hour
Must complete a aggression evaluation form prior to attending first session.
https://forms.gle/C6mA3UAxTkkG2nAC7
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Courses- All participants in these classes must have completed Elementary and Secondary school to participate in any of our continuing education or post graduate studies. The foundation for how to break down skills and train your dog new skills are covered in our programs. It is important that we are all on the same page when it comes to basic cues and expectations. We all need to speak the same language.
Rally Obedience- 101 & 102
Tricks
Agility Fun 101
Tracking 101
Scent Detection 101 and up
Therapy Dog Prep 101
CGN prep