Carissima Kennels

In late winter we ventured off to visit Carissima Kennels; we put down a deposit for a pup. We wanted a male GS pup that would become a gentle, loving family pet; his name “Leo” already picked out. What we ended up with was someone that is a little different (more to follow, and to be fair, Rob warned us).Rob knows his dogs! He is a knowledgeable breeder who is honest and cares about his dogs. Not only was this evident during our first visit with Rob but we are constantly reminded of this during the weekly training classes that we attend with our pup. Rob always greets both owners and respective dogs with a genuine warmth. As we get out of our vehicle, for training, Rob’s daughters come running to see their “Daisy” and they are quick to pat, play with her and inform us of which sibling or cousin is also there for training. This family run establishment is, well run, clean and it is obvious that all dogs are well taken care of. Rob continues to answer our questions and share his knowledge even after our pup came home. Carissima offers on -site training which is a bonus and worth the Sunday drive and boarding of which we have yet to take advantage of this service.We were to obtain a pup in early spring but due to a false pregnancy we would have to wait perhaps till early August. Rob was willing to refund our deposit if we wanted. Instead we resolved to wait till August; our “Leo” would not come home till them. We got a surprise call from Rob in early May – he wanted us to come up and meet a female pup that would be available within a week. She was her litter’s pack leader; she was an independent and dominant pup. She didn’t follow her litter mates; she did her own thing. On the drive up we were coming up with female names “Skylar” and “Lexi” just in case … Our first meeting with our pup was special; she walks up and eagerly greets both my husband and son then walks up to me and totally snubs and ignores me. We walked away that day not sure if we wanted a female; I was not sure that she wanted THAT female. We would take a few days to decide.We then got another call from Rob saying that within that week her dominance and spunk had increased. Rob wanted us to know that she would be a feisty, independent, high energy dog and that perhaps she would try to dominate our 12 year-old son who is meek and gentle. He did not want our son to resent her. We would go up one more time to spend time with her to decide. My husband and son wanted the pup and I was hesitating. We left that day; on the drive home I looked up the meaning of “Skylar” and “Lexi” and took that to be our sign. Sklyar = “sexy badass that can do anything she wants.” In that instant we simultaneously laughed and said that “Skylar” would be her name.Skylar is very social with both other dogs and other people. She is stubborn, fiesty, yet a very smart pup. She is quick to learn new tricks but she doesn’t perform them unless she wants to. If she wants to do something and you don’t want her to do it she doesn’t hesitate to let her opinion be known by giving a bark or two and then usually walking away. At 14 weeks old she is a non-barker unless she sees an unusual object in our home or yard.Skylar continues to surprise us; recently during a park visit she allowed a stranger’s two year-old to feed her grass – no nipping - it’s almost as if she knew she was dealing with a young vulnerable child. What a wonderful temperament she has.Skylar is now crate trained and came pretty much house trained. She sits at back door and barks only if she has to go out to do her business. However, she will never be allowed in our bathroom(see below).Based on our experience to date we do not hesitate one bit in the decision that we made; Skylar is our perfect family pet! Our son loves her! We highly recommend Carissima Kennels. Rob is knowledgeable, he is honest and he cares about his animals!!

Carissima is a special place. It’s a family run business and they know and love shepherds. Rob and his girls are fantastic. The whole experience from when we first spoke to meeting Rob and our pups parents to puppy selection and pick up was simple, comfortable and unpretentious. The wait was 8 months for us but keep in mind it’s not a bakery. Also, Rob has NOT jacked up prices as I have heard so many breeders have done recently due to high demand. If you’re lucky enough to get one of Robs shepherds it will change your life. Our pup is just amazing. We have put a lot of effort in to raising our pup. He is 5 months now and we have been working with Rob and his training partners every week for everything from socialization with other pups and adult dogs to one on one training. One thing I really like is how simple they keep it and with so many years of experience with these dogs they have helped a lot with our first GSD.We’ve had zero issues with our pup, Rob has been super helpful answering my text messages with questions he has probably had a million times.We are going to continue to work with Rob and his training partners for the foreseeable future. It’s been just a great experience.

The staff at the kennel is amazing. Rob always takes personal interest in the well being of the puppies, which gives us peace of mind while we are away. Grooming and training services also really well priced. Bruno smelt and looked great at pick up! Definitely recommend Carissima Kennels, they are always available to accommodate even on short notice!

Most reviews are for puppies, so this might be helpful if you are wondering a 3 years old GSD from here. Our Kona is a well-balanced sweetheart. She is healthy, strong, smart, active and quite, protective and enjoy to play with kids and toddlers. She fits our family perfectly.

I bought Max my German Shepherd from Carissima in 1998 and now I went back.Rob and Michelle are amazing. They will spend the time to educate you on the breed and more importantly pick the right puppy for you based on their wealth of experience.I’m happy every time I go to Carissima. VooDoo is a must see if you are going there. He is the main stud and the father of our new puppy.If you are looking for a German Shepherd as a family dog, guard dog, police dog or a blend of family and guard dog. Rob is the man you need to meet and learn from.I wouldn’t have purchased a puppy without a person like Rob to support.If you are getting a German Shepherd the first time, get educated by Rob and his team first.He genuinely wants his dogs to have a good home and will ask you very specific questions.A+ Kennel, people and dogsWouldn’t recommend another place for a German Shepherd!Go check them out!Thank you Rob and Michelle for Eva! She is the perfect dog for our family. Below is a picture of her at 2 years. Ultimate member of the family with fierce security for our home. Always on alert!

I highly recommend their Obedience Classes. My GSD and I have come a long way together as a team, with Tony's insight and experience.

The whole puppy purchasing experience went above and beyond our expectations. Rob was great to work with. Could not be happier with our new puppy. The puppies demeanor and personality are excellent.

Bought our GSD puppy with Rob three years ago. Best thing we have done. Great temperament and personality. Coat is second to none. Everyone stops us out walking to comment on her.

This review is few months past due. We bough our first dog from Rob and Michelle in Feb 2019. Athena has been such a wonderful addition to our family and we couldn't be any happier. Carissima does an awesome job with their dogs and puppies! Athena, and her parents, and other dogs we saw at their kennel, all had great temperment. We met the parents and other dogs and we were so comfortable with the choice. Rob and Michelle were there to answer many of our questions at the multiple meetings and were very honest and open. The support they provided to help us when we took Athena home was amazing. HIghly recommend them and their breed and cant wait to to bring home a sister or brother soon!!