About Von Reinem Herzen Shepherds
My name is Amanda, and my journey with animals began at a very young age. I started riding horses at four years old, and by the time I was fourteen, I knew my future would be rooted in the pet industry. What began as a passion quickly became a lifelong calling.
My professional path started with my personal dog, Andrew, earning his therapy dog title. Together, we visited nursing homes every weekend until his retirement. Experiencing firsthand the joy, comfort, and healing that animals can bring to people changed my life and solidified my commitment to working with dogs on a deeper level.
From there, I obtained my first internship with a local trainer, where I learned the foundations of pet dog training and behavior. I fell in love with dog training instantly and never looked back. In 2004, a chance encounter at a local dog park sparked the next chapter of my journey. I met a woman speaking a foreign language to her dogs — which I soon learned was German. That moment introduced me to the world of working dogs and what was then known as Schutzhund.
I acquired my first sport dog, Rita, a Belgian Malinois, and together we competed both regionally and nationally. We earned our IGP 2 title, placing first regionally and second nationally, before Rita was medically retired. That experience cemented my passion for working dogs and the incredible partnership that can exist between handler and dog.
For the past 22 years, I have owned and operated a dog training business specializing in behavior modification. During this time, I also conducted temperament testing for breeders, sport prospects, and family dogs. I have whelped multiple litters and personally temperament-tested each puppy to ensure the best possible match for their future homes.
Through years of hands-on experience, I became deeply invested in the preservation and development of high-quality working dog breeds — particularly the German Shepherd Dog. I sought out mentorship from respected German Shepherd breeders, eager to learn, observe, and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
Today, after nearly 23 years in the industry, I am proud to bring that experience into my own breeding program: Von Reinem Herzen Shepherds.
Our goal is to produce working-line German Shepherd Dogs that exemplify exceptional temperament, health, structure, and adherence to the true breed standard. We prioritize biddability, environmental stability, strong nerves, and an outstanding work ethic — dogs capable of excelling in working roles while seamlessly integrating into family environments.
Every breeding decision is made with purpose, integrity, and respect for the breed. This program is not just about producing dogs — it is about honoring the German Shepherd Dog for what it was meant to be.