About Helgyn Haus

Helgyn Haus is all about the love of dogs, something I come by honestly. I’ve always been surrounded by dogs, as well as other animals. After my father retired from his job as director of the zoo in Des Moines, Iowa, my parents imported several West German Showline dogs from Germany. Their dogs came from top lines, including Busecker Schloss and Holkamper See. Their lives felt empty without elephants, lions, and wolf cubs around, so they chose the next best thing, GSDs. Over the years, they bred several litters, and my father started a Schutzhund club, mentoring others in the sport. Their kennel was named Helgyn Haus, and I am very proud to carry on this tradition.

Since those days, my three children and I have had many wonderful dogs, including Angus and Nana the Newfoundlands, Spike the Jack Russell, Rhodesian Ridgebacks named Rhaja and Archie, and Australian Cattle Dog named Kimba and Paulo. 

After my kids grew up and left home, I was without a pet for a couple of years, which was as long as I could stand it. I decided to get a dog of my own, and that was Gretel, my first GSD.

Two more GSDs have followed, and they keep me very busy. Managing a multi-dog household is a challenge, but it is also very rewarding. Watching the dogs interact with each other is fascinating and usually fun, although a great deal of management is involved to keep everyone happy and well-behaved.

The focus here at Helgyn Haus is on socialization and training. I’ve long understood that the owner of a GSD had better also be a trainer. These are not dogs that can forego competent and consistent training, otherwise problems will ensue. Truth be told, all dogs need training, as I have learned from previous pets as well as dogs of all breeds that I have trained for and with other people. Of course, the real training is with us and one thing I find deeply satisfying is helping others find joy and success in teaching their dogs.

Training is fun. It must be, or it will not work! Our dogs are rewarded with praise, attention, lots of treats, and fair and appropriate redirection as needed. Training comes in a lot of different forms around here. Manners and obedience are crucial, not only with pups but for the lifetime of the dog. We also do a lot of agility training. Gretel excels in this. Tricks are a great way to engage with dogs and have fun as well. Tracking is a favorite for Gretel and Elsa and Janie. All three dogs have earned titles in AKC, WDA, and Gretel in IGP tracking. We have tried herding and hope to do more of this as time allows.

I am also pursuing IGP protection work with Janie. She demonstrates plenty of drive for this sport. I’d planned on entering her in a breed survey, which requires a protection test, but that will have to wait as we don’t have sufficient decoy help at this time.

A primary focus is on RH (rettungschunde, or rescue dog), also known as sport search. I have been active in RH for sevearl years now and have hosted seminars by lead trainers and judges and organized (along with Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club) three RH trials. This is a demanding sport, with a rigorous obedience element, dexterity work, and scent portions that include area search, tracking, and/or mantrailing. Gretel and Janie have earned titles in area search and Janie has earned a title in RH tracking.

One goal is to produce a few litters of quality pups. Our dogs will only be bred if the required health criteria are met, their temperament is strong and stable, overall health is excellent, and structure meets the standard for GSDs. Breeding stock will have earned titles before being bred, demonstrating that they will be a contribution to the breed.

I currently train with several clubs, including Rogue Valley Schutzhund Club, Battery Point Working Dog Club, and Buena Vista Dog Sports, which focuses on RH, or sport search, training.

Stay tuned for more. And thank you for checking out Helgyn Haus GSDs!