Natural Rearing is a holistic approach to life. Simply put, it’s about caring for animals as close to nature as possible, getting back to basics, and the nature of how animals were created.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy coined the phrase “Natural Rearing” (also referred to as NR). Around 1930, while studying to be a veterinarian, this intrepid Englishwoman adopted a nomadic lifestyle, traveling among peoples who raised their animals naturally. She was a well-known breeder of Afghan Hounds and began practicing what she learned for her dogs and clients- feeding raw foods and treating illness with herbs. For decades, her book “The Complete Herbal Handbook For The Dog and Cat” was the only reference for owners and NR breeders around the world.
And then in 2017, Dr. Jeannie Thomason published her definitive work “Natural Rearing: Raising and Breeding Dogs the Way Nature Intended”. Dr. Jeannie (as she was affectionately referred to) was an NR breeder of standard Poodles and Boston Terriers, a Veterinary Naturopath, co-founder of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy, founder of the Natural Rearing Breeders Association, and much more.
The foundation of Natural Rearing is building a strong immune system. This is accomplished by feeding a biologically appropriate raw diet, fresh air, clean water, minimal stress, appropriate exercise, and lots of love; using natural alternatives to chemicals/medication when appropriate, and supporting natural immunity. In this way, each dog has the opportunity to live a long, vital life, in turn passing this strength to future generations.
Dr. Jeannie Thomason described NR this way: “The basic principles of natural rearing are both simple and elegant. Simply stated, natural rearing means going back in time and raising, caring for, and ethically breeding our animals as close to how they lived in the wild, prior to being domesticated.”
Natural Rearing is like a high-quality diamond to which precisely cut facets are applied so its brilliance can radiate outwardly, like a fire within.
The “facets” of Natural Rearing are: a species-specific raw diet, proper exercise, clean water, sunshine, allowing mothers to raise and wean young on their own schedule, fresh air, proper rest, appropriate supplements, vaccine-free (except as compulsory by law), a toxin-free environment, and trust in nature’s ways.
Natural Rearing is about eliminating toxic substances from every area of life- in the garden and landscape, household and laundry cleaners, air fresheners, human and animal grooming products; not putting toxic substances in, on, or around animals. Period. This includes chemical flea/tick/de-worming products.
Natural Rearing’s vaccine-free protocol relies on the dogs’ natural immune responses and healing ability to see it through a dis-ease cycle. Experience and science itself provide solid evidence that dogs not given vaccines are far stronger and resistant to all dis-ease than those who have received them. Natural modalities such as herbs, homeopathy, essential oils, etc. are used if needed.
Natural Rearing is not a fad… it is an intentional lifestyle. Commitment to it will change your dog’s life and your view of the world.
Of course, this is not the only way of rearing dogs. However, we do feel it is the optimal method because it raises and maintains the dogs’ overall good health and vitality. Our English Shepherds thrive on Natural Rearing.
We are happy to assist you in learning how to apply the principles of Natural Rearing with your own animals. In the meantime, our Research page is for your use in investigating the details. It lists many wonderful sources and files of information devoted to the above topics.
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.”
~ Unknown
A Brilliant Gem
To us, Natural Rearing is like a high-quality diamond to which many precisely cut facets are applied in order for its brilliance to shine outwardly, like a fire within. Those “facets” in Natural Rearing are a species-appropriate raw diet, vaccine-free, no chemicals on, in, or around the dog, and the use of natural treatments (allopathic methods being reserved for trauma injuries, emergency, and diagnostics).
Some feel there is no need to follow all of the Natural Rearing principles; that it is beneficial enough to include some raw food in their dog’s diet or to “minimally” vaccinate. There is a glimmer of truth in that reasoning in the sense that if one weren’t doing those things, their dog would be worse off.
However, removing even one NR principle significantly reduces the overall and long-term beneficial effects. Every “facet” must be present for Natural Rearing to brilliantly shine like the beautiful gem it is.
A feeling of responsibility as stewards of our beloved English Shepherd breed and commitment to the increased health and longevity of future generations runs deep within our hearts. As Natural Rearing breeders, you have our word that we will keep to every principle of Natural Rearing so that you may enjoy your companion and partner for many years to come!