About Us
We are a privately owned and operated breeding / training kennel that specializes in working line German Shepherd dogs. Our facility is located in St. Peter, Minnesota one hour south of the Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities metro area.
The name Wir Vertrauen stands for “We Trust” because we provide German Shepherd dogs trustworthy of protecting you or your family. IDWT was founded by Summer Duggan and Josiah Neuman, professional dog trainers for Neuman K-9 Academy, Inc.
As trainers, we have personally handled and trained German Shepherds from around the world (Germany, Czech, and the U.S.). We have taken this experience and developed a breeding program to accommodate clients, families, and working level professionals with a dog that is functional, intelligent, trainable, and trustworthy.
Josiah Neuman
Josiah Neuman developed an avid interest in dog training in 2001 with his involvement in various protection sports (Protection Sport Association, K-9 Pro Sport, Chicago Iron Dog Triathlon, and the Iron Dog Association). He studied with the North State K-9 Academy under Jerry Bradshaw, one of the most recognized leaders in police K-9 training and protection sport training in the United States. Josiah received his certification as a Master Trainer in May 2007. His areas of expertise include Professional Obedience Training, Behavior Modification, and Protection Training; scoring 96% or greater in all areas of study. Josiah earned the designation CDT / Certified Dog Trainer from the International Association of Canine professionals.
As a trainer, decoy, and coach for competitive protection sports - Josiah has assisted several teams that have gone on to compete and win on a national and international level.
In 2008 Josiah was part of a training team that prepared a dog for the Mondio Ring World Championships in Asti, Italy. This team placed 6th out of 33 teams world wide and ranked #1 for the USA.
In 2009 Josiah assisted another team that would go on to win the Mondio Ring National Championship in San Antonio Texas.
Josiah is a member of the United States Mondio Ring Association, Protection Sport Association, International Association of Canine Professionals, and Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and he is a certified decoy for the National Tactical Police Dog Association.
Summer Duggan
Summer Duggan has been an avid animal lover her entire life. Some of her past experiences include, many years of horseback riding lesson in the classical style of Dressage and working at the San Francisco Zoo handling birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and marsupials while speaking to the public about animal education and habitat conservation. Summer has also volunteered extensively at several animal shelters and breed rescue organizations.
In 2007 she started Dog Days With Summer, LLC a professional pet sitting and dog walking company to offer solutions for busy dog owners with multiple pets or owners with sick or senior pets who needed the extra help. She is also the part time kennel manager at Sethfield Kennel. Some of the seminars and workshops Summer has attended include "New Perspectives on Canine Behavior, Emotion and Training" with Dr. Patricia McConnell and Steve White of i2i K9 held at the University of Minnesota and completion of the Three day Bedrock Training Method Course taught by Margo Woods of Applewoods Dog Training.
Summer is an Accredited Member of Pet Sitters International as well as an associate member of the IACP. She also belongs to The United Schutzhund Clubs of America and she is training her German Shepherd Dog Eriel Von Tajgetosz to compete in the sport of Schutzhund.
In 2009 Summer was approved by the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
What is the meaning of trust?
1. (n) Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or dog.
What to expect from Wir Vertrauen German Shepherds:
Dogs of Integrity
- Vertrauen dogs can be relied upon because of our adherence to the code of what we value in a true working dog.
Dogs of Ability
- Vertrauen dogs have the mental and physical ability to learn, think, and solve problems and over come challenges.
Dogs of Character
- Vertauen dogs will fill your home with smiles and laughter and you will sleep better at night knowing your companion is there to protect your family.