Catawba Working Dog Club

Training is integrated into puppy rearing from birth using Puppy Culture and Michael Ellis methods. Foundation obedience, crate training, and recall are started early. Puppies are exposed to livestock and environmental stimuli. Formal French Ring and Schutzhund/IGP training occurs on our 2 training fields and 8+ acres of tracking terrain. Herding training with sheep, geese, and cattle is being developed. Training is tailored to working and competition goals, with lifelong support provided to owners. All training is conducted on-site at our farm.

Pricing Summary

Puppies priced at $2600–$3800 depending on breed, cropping, and coat color. Ear cropping aftercare costs $400. Boarding is $35/day. Transportation via air or ground is available for $100–$200. All puppies must be paid in full via Venmo prior to pickup; no checks or money orders accepted. Health guarantee requires adherence to contract and delayed spay/neuter (minimum 24–30 months).

Policies

All puppies must be paid in full via Venmo before pickup; no checks or money orders accepted. De-sexing before 18 months voids the 5-year health guarantee. Owners must agree to our placement policy—reselling or rehoming without our approval is grounds for fines and legal action. We will take back any dog from our kennel at any time for any reason. Ear cropping aftercare must be scheduled in advance; holding fees are $35/day if pickup is delayed.

Our dog training business is operated by the Catawba Working Dog Club, which is affiliated with Von Katzenstein Kennel, a breeder and trainer specializing in AKC and FCI working breeds such as Dobermans, Beaucerons, and German Shepherds. We offer structured training in French Ring, Schutzhund/IGP, and AKC herding sports using our 2 dedicated training fields and over 8 acres of tracking terrain. Our training methods are rooted in early socialization using Puppy Culture and Michael Ellis techniques, with puppies exposed to livestock, other dogs, and environmental stimuli from birth. We provide foundation obedience training, crate training, and recall work before puppies go home at 9–12 weeks. Training is integrated into daily life, with all dogs engaged in active sports rather than passive confinement. We also offer ear cropping and docking services aligned with breed standards, raw diet feeding guidance, and lifetime support for all puppies placed from our kennel.

We do not offer general pet obedience classes for non-working breeds, but our programs are designed for owners seeking high-level working, competition, or protection sports training. We provide transportation options for puppies including air and ground transport, and offer aftercare services for ear cropping including medication, stitch removal, and ear posting instruction. All training is conducted on our 20-acre farm in Vale, North Carolina, and we emphasize health testing, temperament evaluation, and responsible breeding practices as foundational to training success.

Accomplishments

Breeding and training AKC Dobermans since 2012; expanded to Beaucerons in 2020. All dogs are DNA tested, OFA certified for hips/elbows, and cardio screened. Dogs are temperament tested through AKC ATT, CGC, and FDC programs. Puppies are raised indoors with mothers using advanced socialization protocols. No DCM or cancer observed in generations fed raw diet.

How to Get Started!

Prospective owners must submit a puppy application via Google Form. Puppies are reserved based on lifestyle match and training goals. Ear cropping dates and pickup schedules are coordinated in advance. Transportation must be booked weeks ahead. Contact via phone or email to inquire about availability and schedule a consultation.