Cantor

Cantor (Cantor vom Wenner Haus at Celhaus PTN, PTA, PTS, PTM, PTE, AI, NE, ATD, THDN) 

whelped 3/24/16

came to Celhaus 9/5/16 at 5 months of age

see Cantor at 4 years 7 months
see Cantor at 3 years 11 months (3/12/20)
See Cantor at 5 years 7 months, playing with puppy Justice

Cantor, 18 months old, received his Canine Good Citizen title in September 2017

NADAC Agility titles:  NAC (Novice Regular).  Finally, in April 2021, he got his act together, didn’t get so overexcited that he blew things, and had some fantastic runs, including three where he qualified in Regular.  Before, he would blow his contacts, but at this trial he nailed every one.  So proud of him and excited for more titles now.

UKC Nosework titles:  PTN, PTA, PTS, PTM, PTE, SI, AE
see Cantor at our May 2019 nosework seminar and at our October 2019 nosework trial

OFA GOOD hips:   GS-99355G24M-VPI
PennHip at 1 year:  .37 left; .42 right
(PennHip no longer gives percentile ratings unless they’re in their excellent range, which is below .30)

OFA Elbows:  GS-EL37972M24-VPI

OFA Cardiac:  GS-CA1790-18M/P-VPI

OFA Thyroid:  GS-TH830/33M-VPI

OFA Eyes:  GS-EYE525/26M-VPI

OFA DM (spinal myelopathy) free:  GS-DM7517/18M-PI

free of bleeding disorders (vonWillebrand’s and hemophilia) and EPI

Cantor carries the long coat recessive.  He has produced one long coat, a son (Mr. Purple in the RR litter).  And, of course, he gives the black recessive to all his pups.

He is urrently training in agility, nosework, tracking and obedience and doing exceptionally well in all venues.

pedigree

Cantor is a therapy dog, certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and has his AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) title, which requires 10 verified therapy dog visits. 
He is working on his AKC Therapy Dog title (THD) which requires 50 verified therapy dog visits. 

Cantor being a therapy dog at the children’s library

Cantor is doing extremely well in training.  He is amazing in agility; for instance, he learned the weaves in 6 sessions, including being consistent in finding the entrance to the set of 12 weaves from all angles and at great distances, no matter where I happen to be positioned, which is unheard of.  See agility photos.   He competed at his first agility trial in April 2019.  He had some amazing runs but goofed on one or two things so we didn’t earn any titles, but he showed he’ll have amazing distance and speed – and soon will put everything together and begin earning titles.  He did qualify once each in Novice Tunnelers and Novice Hoopers.  (It takes 3 Q’s to earn a title.)  He competed at his second trial in July, 2019.  He did better but still struggled, having some brilliant runs but knocking down a jump bar or going right instead of left and getting the wrong obstacle.  He only had 1 Q for the weekend, but it was a sensational run with great distance in Novice Chances.  One judge said that he is begging to be a distance dog, to which I replied I’m trying, but I never know when we go out whether I have my distance dog or a “baby” dog who keeps looking at me instead of ahead at the obstacles (the reason he’ll drop bars and so on).  Sometimes he’ll be both dogs in the same run.  All the judges agree he has great talent and just needs experience to put it together.  Other competitors came to me and commented that they’re impressed with his sheer power AND that, with his speed and size, he can still collect when needed to negotiate a tight sequence of obstacles, then go back to full speed for a more open set.

He excels in nosework, and also enjoys obedience.  Cantor received his Canine Good Citizen title in September, 2017.  In October 2017 he passed all his nosework pre-test titles.  In May 2019 he received his Novice Interior title.  In October 2019 he received his Advanced Interior and Novice Exterior titles.

In September he attended a tracking seminar, which he also loves.  Due to my worsening foot condition, we have not been able to continue tracking so far.  See tracking photos.  

When Faith’s hip prelims knocked her out as a breeding prospect, her breeder offered a replacement.  Her next litter was a year away, but she had a male from this year’s litter who had been too busy for his previous home.  I had already begun thinking that I’d need to soon start searching for a male who could be bred to my Quasi daughters who were also Chaos granddaughters (Mercy, Lovely & Jamboree).  Cantor is out of Faith’s mother, Linea, and sired by the dog who was the sire of Valentine, a male I had whom I really liked but who had an elbow problem.  I surgically fixed the elbows and placed him in a Search & Rescue home and he is doing fantastic.  Valentine (now known as Laser) had showed incredible promise and focus from a puppy in nose work classes, with a natural and intense use of his nose, so it was a heartbreaker to lose him just as it is to lose Faith.  I decided to give those genetics one more try, and told Melissa, his breeder (www.vomwennerhaus.com), that I’d take Cantor.  

Amazingly, I had a chance to name this five-month-old pup.  His first owners had registered him, but Melissa wasn’t too fond of the name and had already gotten the paperwork to change his AKC registration.  An AKC name was no problem, since they allow 36 letters, but since I compete in UKC nosework, I had to have a name that would work for their registration rules, which allow only 30 letters AND spaces between words.  We could shorten our kennel names to “v WennerHaus Celhaus,” but that left only nine letters for a name.  I worked hard and came up with 16 possibles.  Melissa only liked six.  We left it there until I had a chance to get to know him and his personality to pick both a registered name and call name (different if necessary) that fit him now and would fit him as an imposing adult German Shepherd male.  The first thing one notices about this pup is his mouth.  Bark, bark, bark.  Bark, bark, bark.  Bark, bark, bark in his crate, while playing, all the time except when he was mercifully asleep.  He’s naturally a talkative boy, but that was compounded by the frustration barking he had developed in his previous homes.  The barking can be decidedly rhythmic, so I was really wishing Melissa had liked one of my possible names, Chant.  Thankfully, as I continued to deliberate on names, “Cantor” came to mind.  That hadn’t been on my original list, but since the cantor is the one who leads monks in chanting – or leads a congregation in singing – it was close enough that I liked it – and I liked the sound of it, too.  Melissa approved it – and the pup immediately responded to it, so he must like it, too.

Cantor had gone to his first home at 8 weeks, and to a second home at nearly 4 months.  In both homes he was just too busy and intense.  Sometimes working-line puppies can be real handfuls and prove far too much dog for people who thought they wanted one.  He had developed a bad case of frustration barking from not being a “fit” in his first homes, so the first order of business here was to teach him “Quiet!”  It was soon obvious that he has no impulse control, either.  His life here was totally different for what he knew before – lots of exercise, both playtimes with my other dogs and individual ball sessions with me, as well as training sessions involving shaping behaviors using a clicker and lots of treats.  That was the physical component.  He knew the clicker but acted like he had only been taught through luring or commanding behaviors; shaping makes the dog an active participant in training by using no commands but instead rewarding actions you want.  It creates a dog who can take responsibility for his choices and is also free enough to continue trying things to earn a reward while not worrying about any corrections.  This mental component helped him relax mentally, and by day six I was seeing a HUGE difference in his overall attitude. He was able to settle quietly by my side and enjoy petting.  He began offering silence while crated, when other dogs walked past his crate, he figured out that he would not be let out of his crate while he barked and lunged about, but as soon as he quieted the door would open and he’d be able to play.  Being quiet is EXTREMELY difficult for him.

I immediately got him into training classes, the first class being a shaping class.  He definitely did not respect the leash or his person, so much work was needed there.  Once we got into the building, he was great, very interested in everything and willing to give me some nice attention, for which I frequently rewarded him.  When it was his time to work, he was at first more interested in trying to visit with everyone but soon settled down and did a good job; second time out he was nicely focused.  From the beginning I noticed that this is a cool pup, wanting to please and giving evidence of some really nice intelligence when he is clear headed and I see a lot of potential in him.

I also began his nose work training.  When I do nose work, I train all dogs (11 at the moment).  We were retraining our indications as a result of a fantastic seminar with Karen Kroyer in August 2016, so I was working in the living room, teaching all my dogs the indication to their box (for more info see www.davekroyer.com).   He got to watch three of the older dogs work before taking a turn and seemed to pick up what was wanted just by watching.  He really enjoyed the nose work session and immediately showed that he has a great nose plus he really enjoys using it.   He is very serious in his work and has provided our nosework training group with a lot of discussions as we compare his work, having only been trained in the Kroyer method, to that of all our other dogs who were initially trained in a different method and occasionally struggle to give the indication we now ask of them (a stare at the hide from either a down or sit, depending on the height of the hide).

We had a chance to attend a tracking seminar in September 2017 and he again showed a fantastic nose as well as real enjoyment figuring out problems.  On the first day we started off doing very short tracks (approximately 10 steps) with food in each footstep. On the second one, when he started nose down before we reached the flag and went right down the track, the instructor said he was doing so well that we should just do food every 2 or 3 steps, varying. On the third track she introduced a curve and he did so well she said he was ready for longer tracks. Then she asked if I was willing to try a couple of 90 degree turns with him while she had the others watch him for any body signals that he was on or off track. I said sure. She laid the track. She told the others she would try it with him because she was sure he wouldn’t be blown away by trying turns this early and it would really help them begin learning to read a dog. He overshot the first turn and on his own circled behind me and found it. Not pretty, but he was so obviously working out he problem that I was proud of him. On the second turn he lay down and did a perfect indication on the flag, with it between his front feet and his nose tugging the flag part. Everyone laughed (these nosework dogs!) but she said to reward him because, after all, it DID have her scent on it. Then he turned and went down the third leg to the glove. After we discussed what he had done and what people had noticed, she invited anyone else who wanted to try it but got no takers. No one felt their dog was close to ready for a turn regardless of how well they did on the curve. Of course none have done tracking like I did for close to 30 years (got 4 or 5 TD’s, last one in 2000) and had one dog ready for TDX who got hurt so we never competed, and SAR tracking (wilderness & urban) and a tiny bit of Schutzhund tracking. He was very good both days, obviously trying to figure out what I wanted him to do. I was very proud of him.  We are putting on a three-day nosework trial the first weekend in October, so all training time is tied up preparing for that, but after it’s over we’ll seriously begin tracking.

Cantor, 18 months, relaxing with me during the seminar and after our last track

He also enjoys obedience so we’ll continue that and also do rally as classes are offered.  This is a very busy, intense boy and he needs to work.  He absolutely loves to learn and has intense focus on figuring out what a new command will involve.  He is always thinking, unless he gets too excited and shuts off his brain to jump up and down and bark, but as he matures that happens less, so I’m excited to see what he’ll be like once he’s out of the typical idiot teenage male stage.

 

Info on Canto’s Parents/Grandparents from his breeder:

Buzz & Linea

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Sire:  UCH SG Buzz vom Gildaf IPO2 AD CGC HIC
OFA EXCELLENT, normal elbows, DM clear, CERF normal

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Buzz is best described by his owner and breeder, Melinda Clark…

“Buzz is a dark sable male with a lot of substance. He has a huge, masculine head and a lot of bone. He’s fit, athletic and 100% health cleared. Buzz is 100% stable. I can take him anywhere. He goes to parades with me, loves kids, good with dogs.  His versatility is endless. I’ve only just begun with him. He is naturally protective of his family. He is extremely driven, loves to work and full of enthusiasm. At home, he has a nice off switch and settles easily.

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Buzz is a high drive male. His tracking nose is excellent. His protection work is fast and confident. He hits hard and is serious. His obedience is biddable and very clean. Buzz has an excellent temperament. Buzz has nearly 20 progeny actively working and certifying in Search and Rescue. (one of those puppies is from the Vom Winner Haus A Litter, Laser)

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In the August 2009, Buzz made his UKC Conformation debut. His Championship came very easily to him. In one weekend, he earned 4 Best Puppy, 4 Winners Male, 4 Best of Breed, 1 Group 4 Win and 1 Group 1 Win! On February 13, 2010, he earned his last 20 points needed for his UCH.

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On May 15, 2010, Buzz made his debut in the German Breed ring. He was being shown for his Breed rating and earned an SG3. We are VERY proud that not only did Buzz earn his SG (Very Good) rating, but that he placed 3rd with his SG as well. He goes SG EVERY TIME he’s shown.

Buzz’s progeny are being trained and performing well in Search and Rescue, Flyball, Obedience, Schutzhund and more….

Dam:   UCD URO2 UAG2 Int CH UGRCH H’Linea von Holtgrew BH CD BN RE CA HIC NW1 OV TC TDI CGCA
“a1” normal, normal elbows, DM Clear, CERF normal CHIC
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Linea taking High in Trial at the 2015 German Shepherd Dog Club of American National Specialty

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Linea taking a Group 4 and winning her UKC Grand Champion title

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Linea is a beautiful bi color female with rich pigment and is the granddaughter of Melissa’s great male, Jaryn “Logan” von der Dornburg.  She is clear headed and has an amazing personality and temperament; she gets along with everyone she meets whether they have 2 legs or 4. Linea is very athletic and built to work just like grandfather and very eager to learn and please. She is a powerhouse when it comes to nosework!  She is happy worker and loves working with me no matter what it is.  She loves to jump and does so with ease. Linea, like all my dogs, competes in a wide variety of venues including: Schutzhund, AKC/UKC obedience and rally, conformation, weight pulling, herding, nosework, barnhunt, lure cursing and whatever else we can find. Plus she is a working Therapy Dog.  She is the total package.

These are photos I took of Linea when Melissa delivered Cantor.

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with Cantor

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Some of Linea’s Accomplishments :
UKC Grand Champion
UKC Best of Breed x7
UKC Group 3 x2
UKC Group 4 x2
IABCA Best of Breed x3
IABCA Group 3
High In Trial (AKC) x2
High Combined In Rally (AKC) x3
High in Trial Rally (UKC)
High in Trial Barnhunt Novice (BHA)
2013 #10 in Beginner Novice GSDCA
2015 GSDCA National High in Trial
2015 GSDCA National Elite Award
2015 UKC Obedience All Stars-Novice

Linea’s grandsire (dam’s side) is Int. CH, UCH, UCD OB1 Jaryn “Logan” von der Dornburg SchH 1, TR 2, AD, CDX, TD, Can. CD, RE, RL1, OV, TDI, CGC, has a truly amazing pedigree just check out his page for complete details.  Logan is the son of V Rocky von den Zinglegärten SchH3 IP3, FH1 Kkl1’a’ who has competed well at the world level as well as many of his offspring. Rocky has competed at the WUSV for Germany, and at the Bundessieger, placing third in 2001and tenth in 2000! Rocky is described as a friendly and out-going dog in person and he shows wonderful concentration in his work. He is known for producing mentally stable progeny. Logan’s dam, Isa von der Kinzigau SchH3 Kkl1’a’, is best described by her owner, Laurie Tollifson, “Isa is a little power house. Wild as a March hare yet as intense as a hawk. She has a strong work ethic, balanced drives and a fun-loving personality. Also, extreme trainability and hits like a Mack truck.” Isa earned her SchH 3 at 24 months and took SG1 at the 2001 South Central Regional Conformation Show. Logan’s pedigree consists of many world and national competitors- 3 WUSV participants, 11 BSP participants with 1 Sieger and 9 with V scores! and 3 LGA participants…

Linea’s dam is SG Valley von Holtgrew SchH 1 Kkl1. She is a Logan daughter and has a super temperament. When she was in Germany being trained and titled she would work with anyone and was one of their favorites.

Linea’s sire is V14 ’11 Gordon vom Fuchsgraben SCHH3 IPO3 FH2 Kkl1 and is best described by his owner, Kris Taylor, “Gordon is an exceptionally powerfully built dog.  He has superb explosive muscle tone with a very easy gait and has an extreme pigmentation that is second to none with working line dogs.  He carries these traits with many of his offspring as he reproduces himself very well. He is amazingly well balanced in his drives, temperament and nerves.  Gordon is a top sport level competition dog currently still competing nationally and will continue to compete in the conformation ring at the highest levels.  His character is magnificent which makes him the picture perfect family dog. Gordon is completely neutral to other dogs showing zero aggression to other dogs, cats or any other animals. He is wonderful with small children and anyone acting in a normal fashion.  Try to break into his house or approach a vehicle he is occupying and he would trigger every natural fear in a human nervous system.  He is not a dog any stranger could just walk off with.”

Gordon

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Linea’s grandsire (sire side) is V KK1 Vito vom Waldwinkel SCH3. Many think that Vito vom Waldwinkel to be the best son of WUSV Sieger Tom van’t Leefdaalhof, producing dogs to the BSP and WUSV. Vito is known for producing strong working ability, as exhibited by his progeny at the top level of the sport in the present time. This is exemplified by the strong working kennels in Europe that bred to him and dogs that are on the competition field.

Linea is linebred on 1989 WUSV SIEGER Fado von Karthago SCHH3 FH IP3 on both the sire and dam’s side. Fado von Karthago SCHH3 FH IP3 Kkl1 won the WUSV in 1989 and 2nd Place in 1990!

 Info on the other Cantor grandsire from his owner:

Paternal Grandsire:  V Puck vom Grafental SchH3 AD
“a” normal, HDZW = 74, normal thyroid, DM clear

Puck is one of the few 100% DDR dogs in the USA to attain a V rating in conformation in West Germany.  Puck is a grandson of two great DDR sires, V Larry vom Wolfseck and V Murphy vom Schwarzhorn and continued their legacy of 100% DDR lines that are known to give exceptional working ability, structure, bone and pigment.  Others of the greatest DDR dogs of all time also appear in his pedigree.  Paternal side includes:  V Larry vom Wolfseck, Ingo vom Rudigen, Held vom Ritterberg, Hassan vd Hassllelweisen, Pushkass vom haus Himple.  Maternal (bottom) side includes:  Muchta vom Schwarzhorn (littermate to Murphy vom Schwarzhorn), Don vom haus Iris, Alf vom Kornersee, Xito vom Barutherland and Condoe vom Marderphal.  He is linebred on Don vom Rolandsteich (5 – 5).

A translation of Puck’s Koer Report states:  Absolute middlesize, middle strong, contentful, strong head, nice expression, harmonious structure, emphasize stress structure firmness, correct front, pronounced wither, correct sufficient long croup, correct angulation shoulder blade, somewhat steep upper arm, good angulated rear, free movement with powerful strong supplies.  Drive, self sureness and strainless pronounced, does out.

Constance Krebs (Hesed’s breeder and owner of Puck) told me this about Puck:  “He passed away at almost 14 years of age back in October (2015)…very sad day.  Anyway, he was world renowned.  He was a gorgeous GSD.  He was old DDR in type, not over the top in drive, but certainly held his own in the work.  He produced better than he was.  He had nerves of steel and a very stable temperament.  I never replaced a pup from him…   He was known for producing good bones and joints… was DM clear/clear.  Several pups went to different varieties of working homes.”

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