Training for Personal Protection
Shirley
Robinson
When I got Shasta, a magnificent long hair German Shepherd, I wanted
her mainly as a family pet and companion to our disabled son, Sterling
because of her sweet disposition and her gentle, tolerant personality.
Her father was a working police dog in Germany. Because we live in a
big city, I wondered if Shasta could be a good candidate for training in
personal protection. When I inquired, some professional trainers warned
that if I trained Shasta in bite work (personal protection), she would
no longer be a good family pet. In other words, I couldn't have it both
ways
I
decided to take the chance and began training sessions on a weekly basis
with Neil Berkow. I knew him to be a professional personal protection licensed
trainer with years of experience. Working with Neil, I found out that he
did not take the dog from me to train her. Instead, he worked with me and
taught me how to train the dog myself. We worked together as a team---me,
Neil and Shasta.
The first thing Neil taught me was to do good obedience training with
Shasta. Good obedience training is important for the dog and the owner.
This is also neccessary for safety reasons.
Because of Neil, training sessions were a lot of fun for both me and
Shasta. I learned to train my dog in motivation mode, meaning that
she is eager to please me and do a good job. I also learned how to correctly
praise her for good accomplishment and how to administer proper
correction..
A bite work session with Neil can vary in length to prevent the dog from
tiring or being bored. We always finished the training on a strong bite
to
give Shasta a win that she'd done a good job.
I feel very safe now in the big city with Shasta by my side all the
time. I never leave the apartment without her. She is fiercely protective
and instantly acts (attack) on command. Because she is very well trained
in obedience and will instantly stay put on command I have no need to keep
her on the leach when I take her for a walk. Shasta is very friendly and
playful with other dogs and she has also remained a perfect family pet.
Her sweet disposition and gentleness with my handicapped son and with people
and children in general has not been affected by the personal protection
training. With Shasta, I do have it both ways!
How I cured Shasta's severe health
problems: a drugless approach
When I got Shasta at age 2, she was in extremely poor health with a
host of chronic symptoms: severely emaciated and weak: chronic diarrhea;
massive wax discharge from her ears which were continually irritated and
inflamed; ongoing eye and nasal discharge and skin eruptions.Soon she developed
miosotis of the jaw bones (very painful inflamation of the muscle) and
the vet suggested that I put her to sleep because "nothing could be done
to ease her suffering or to cure her" Instead, I turned to holistic health
and she completely recovered her health. Learn how
I saved her life.
Note: I would never board my dog in a kennel for personal protection
training because:
-
I believe that the separation can cause a great deal of stress and grief
to the dog, not to mention the owner.
-
Some dogs may experience a change of personality at the hand of rough and
bad trainers
-
I believe that best results are achieved when working together as a team
- you, the dog, and the trainer
Personal protection Dog Training
- Training
in Drive
A
great book that I recommend: "Training in Drive"
(Schutzhund obedience)
by by Sheila Booth - with Gottfried Dildei. This book is probably the best
book ever written on how to train a dog using motivational techniques.
This book is for lay/dilettante and professional trainers.
Schutzhund
Obedience' is an excellent introduction to the concept of motivational
obedience training. The basic concept of 'training in drive' is to teach
the dog that accurately completing obedience commands will earn him a chance
to satisfy his desire for food or play. The dog should therefore learn
to enjoy training and approach it with an enthusiastic, focused attitude.
Although a little theory is included, this book is basically a series
of step-by-step 'cookie cutter' recipes to be followed, with the end result
a dog that can happily and accurately compete in a Schutzhund obedience
trial.
Although the recipes in this book are aimed at readers wishing to teach
Schutzhund obedience to large dogs, with a little creativity they can be
applied to training for any competition obedience with any moderate-to-high
drive dog. The main differences between training for these two disciplines
are found in the heeling chapter - unlike Schutzhund heeling, competition
obedience heeling does not follow a set pattern that the dog can learn
by heart, and it is also difficult to use the 'lure' food method to teach
heeling with smaller dogs.
Here are techniques that give our dogs credit for being intelligent,
sensitive creatures who enjoy working when we allow them to think for themselves.
This happy attitude assures your dog will work joyfully and correctly many
more years than any force training can ever produce." Where
to buy the book
Personal Protection Training A personal
account by the author of this web site
Dr.
P's virtual library of info about dog training and behavior. This
is a noncommercial site sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point.
Training with the prong collar: Professional dog trainer, Ed
Frawley writes: "I call a prong collar "Power Steering for Dogs".
A prong is probably the most misunderstood training tool there is in dog
work, next to the whip. So many people take one look at it and say "Oh
!!! I could NEVER use that on MY DOG!!!". Then when I explain how its used
and why it used they call back and say "ED, THIS IS THE GREATEST THING
SINCE SLICED BREAD!!!!" (prong collars are available at most pet stores)
read more--- Learn
how to fit a prong collar properly
Farewell to Shasta
In early May 2003, at age 12 1/2, Shasta began to urinate blood. She
appeared in no pain but she became feeble. On the 10, she suddenly became
paralized in her hind legs. I suspected kidney trouble. She was at the
end of her road and I had to have her euthenized on May 12. It was a quick,
peaceful and painless death. I held her and said farewell. I was filled
with gratitude for the 10 marvelous years she shared with us in love and
respect. She had a wonderful life and it is a miracle that she lived that
long. When I adopted her at age two, this poor girl was so overloaded with
toxins from routine chemical deworming, vaccines and toxic kibble food
that the vet wanted to euthenize her then. I believe she would have lived
a much longer life if she had been bred from healthy parents and had not
been poisoned by all these chemicals.
Do no stand at my grave and
weep,
I am not there, I do not
sleep.
I am a thousand winds that
blow;
I am the diamond glints
on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened
grain;
I am the gentle autumn's
rain.
When you awaken in the morning's
hush,
I am the swift uplifting
rush
Of quiet birds in circled
flight.
I am the soft star that
shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave
and cry,
I am not there; I did not
die.
St. Francis of Assisi
Meet my new
boy
That same
day I adopted a splendid 18 month old GSD from the German
Shepherd rescue of Los Angeles. (the lady with
Kuuma in the last picture in not me). This magnificent healthy
boy is very cudly and affectionate, fearless, sensitive and smart as can
be. He actually looks like he could be Shasta's brother. I named him Kuuma,
an African male name that means "love".. The only health problem Kuuma
has is a hotspot on his left thigh, right were he was vaccinated. Clearly
this is a reaction to the toxins injected under his skin in that area.
As soon as he came home I gave him a dose of Lyssin 200c to antidote the
bad effects of vaccines (available from Dr. Loops' office) and I immediately
began to transition him to raw food diet. Later I may also have to give
him Thuja and/or Sulphur homeopathic remedies to counteract the bad
effects of vaccines.
SICK OF DRUGGING YOUR PET?
Dr Charles E Loops DVM - "After
10 years of traditional veterinary practice I became tired of having no
treatment for chronic disease, incurable conditions, and a plethora of
allergic maladies which seem to plague all veterinary practices. I was
frustrated with giving animals cortisone because
I had no other solutions, or using antibiotics
for infections which I knew were of viral origin. There is so much that
can be done for an animal, bird, or reptile that is ailing by utilizing
homeopathic medicine."
For years dog health supplies have included toxic
materials to artificially maintain dog health as a temporary measure.
The time has come to change to a more natural approach toward animal health.
Natural remedies have been shown to achieve more immediate, more complete
and longer lasting health, vitality, quality and longevity of animal lives.
Learn
about herbal remedies and other safe alternatives to drugs, chemo, radiation
and surgery
Michael Dym, VMD - "Over the past 40 years and 17 generations
of dogs and, cats we are seeing tremendous increases in chronic ill health
in our pets that was rare back in the early 1960's. Most of these illnesses
revolve around breakdown in our pets' immune systems, and include chronic
skin/ear allergies, digestive upset, thyroid/adrenal/pancreatic disorders,
seizures, gum/ teeth problems, degenerative arthritis, kidney/liver failure,
and cancer across all ages and breeds. We are also seeing a record number
of behavioral and emotional disorders including alarming and unexplained
fears/aggression., as well as difficulty focusing/training and paying attention.
The analogy of these compared with escalating immune/behavioral diseases
in children is quite disturbing. The two biggest factors in our pets' population
health decline over these generations has been the severe overuse
of multiple vaccines and nutrient poor and toxin
filled commercial pet foods. We have also failed to address the underlying
cause of disease by only sup pressing symptoms with antibiotics,
cortisone
and related drugs, so the disease progresses and goes deeper. Homeopathy
offers a viable alternative in truly curing pets and making their bodies
healthier."
Dr. Pat Bradley, DVM, Conway, USA - "The most common problems
I see that are directly related to vaccines
on a day to day basis are ear or skin
conditions, such as chronic discharges and
itching.
I also see behaviour problems such as fearfulness
or aggression. Often guardians will report
that these begin shortly after vaccination, and are exacerbated with every
vaccine. In a more general and frightening context, I see the overall health
and longevity of animals deteriorating. The bodies of most animals have
a tremendous capacity to detoxify poisons, but they do have a limit. I
think we often exceed that limit and over-whelm the body's immune system
function with toxins from vaccines, poor quality foods,
insecticides,
environmental toxins, etc. This is why we've seen such a dramatic increase
in allergies,
organ failures, and behaviour problems." (NOTE:
a growing number of holistic veterinarians use
Transfer Factor before and after vaccination to minimize the side effects
and help the animal recover)
Dr. Blanco, D.V.M - "You take healthy animals
and often very quickly after you vaccinate, you
can see simple things like itching of the
skin or
excessive
licking of the paws, sometimes even with no
eruptions. We see a lot of epilepsy,
often after a rabies vaccination. Or dogs or cats can become aggressive
for several days. Frequently, you'll see urinary
tract infections in cats, often within three months after their
[annual] vaccination. If you step back, open your mind and heart, you'll
start to see patterns of illness post-vaccination." more
about vaccinosis
Will Falconer, DVM - "Most of the chronic diseases we commonly
see in animals (and humans) have an immune basis, e.g. diabetes, allergies,
asthma, thyroid disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, repeated ear infections,
cancer, etc. While they can be cured through the careful use of homeopathy,
the road to cure can be a long one -- often years if the animal has had
years of disease. Transfer factors can significantly shorten the course,
by giving a much needed balancing effect to the immune system. If the immune
system is overactive as in allergies, ear infections, asthma, diabetes,
or hypothyroidism, Transfer Factor can balance this overactivity so the
system is not attacking its own organs, overreacting to things that shouldn’t
be perceived as a threat. If, conversely, the immune system is under-active
as in mange, parasites, viral infections, or cancer, Transfer
Factor Plus can clearly stimulate it to better meet the challenges
it needs to be alert to." Prevaccination
Protection Dr. Falconer D.V.M. explains how to protect your animal
from vaccines damage
Sam Jones, DVM - "Two cats, both about 8 years old, had severe
diabetes. It was impossible to get the insulin requirements adjusted. They
had lost weight to a point that they were skin and bones. Both cats had
no quality of life left. After one week of being on transfer
factors; we were able to get their insulin requirements adjusted. It
is now 6 months and they have regained their weight and have a great quality
of life and health."
Our
pets are prone to suffer from minerals and trace mineral deficiency. For
optimum health, I supplement my animal's diet (and my diet too) with the
following: fulvic minerals , marine phytoplankton (consist of an immense
arsenal and array of naturally occuring powerful phytochemicals, biochemicals,
supercharged antioxidants, free-radical scavengers, super oxide dismutases,
nutrients, enzymes, hormones, amino acids, antibiotics, antivirals, and
antifungals), bee pollen (rich in naturally occuring
vitamins),
kelp (marine plants),
the
right kind of salt
(not common table salt) and therapeutic
clay (to promote healing and to detoxify) and with omega
3 oils. Shasta does not drink
tap water. I give her only
energized,
alkaline microwater which is free from toxic chlorine and fluoride.
I never cook or warm up food in a microwave
oven. Please read about the Hidden Hazards of
Microwave Cooking. Shirley
Just like humans, domesticated animals like dogs and cats are affected
by the health hazards of modern living. Pollution, poor nutrition, stress
and unhealthy lifestyles can lead to a variety of illnesses and conditions
that are very similar to those experienced by humans. These days, emotional
and psychological problems like depression, anxiety, ADHD and behavioral
problems are just as prevalent in pets as they are in their owners. Similarly,
physical ailments such as diabetes,
arthritis, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, cystitis, kidney and liver
disease, skin disorders, obesity, thyroid dysfunction and other problems
are becoming more and more common in domesticated animals. Many, if not
most of these conditions can be prevented by helping your pets to live
a healthier lifestyle. For pets already suffering from existing conditions,
a combination of lifestyle changes and natural medicine can work wonders!
Dr. John Hanover, DVM - "Young puppies and kittens with
respiratory infections are given Shipibo
Treasure Tea which they will lap up even when they will not drink water.
I frequently recommend Amazon Herbs for my patients, especially geriatric
animals and our Search and Rescue dogs.” more...
Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D.
says that marine phytoplankton contains
almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing
the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. Learn
how phytoplankton saved a dog's Life
CHLORINATED
and FLUORIDATED WATER.... A BIG NO-NO !!! There
is a perception among many people that bottled water is somehow more healthy
or pure than water from their tap. This is simply an illusion of marketing.
A four-year study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), released
in 1999, found that one-fifth of the sampled bottled waters contained known
neurotoxins and carcinogens such as styrene, toluene and xylene. Another
NRDC study found that, out of 103 brands of bottled water, one-third contained
traces of arsenic and E. coli. This means that out of a sample of 1,000
bottles sold in the U.S., at least 300 would have some level of chemical
contamination. It is well known that the average city water today contains
over 500 chemicals that do not belong in it. Part of this is due to the
fact that most delivery systems in the U.S. include cement, asbestos pipes,
cast iron, PVC (porous to certain solvents, herbicides and pesticides)
and that lead, cadmium and other toxic metals leach out of valves and couplings
of pipes between a water treatment plant and a faucet in the home. Why
Purified and Distilled Bottled Water are Bad For You and Your Animals
Safe,
toxin-free, Ionized,
Energized, Drinking Water helps to naturally flush toxins and acidic
waste from the body and is a powerful antioxidant. Ionized Water makes
more oxygen available to our cells than distilled, reverse osmosis, filtered
only, bottled or tap water and is the best possible drinking water. "Disease
and early death is more likely to be seen with the long term drinking of
purified water. Avoid it except in special circumstances." Zoltan P.
Rona M.D
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
in Veterinary Medicine
Hot
Spots? Flea bites? Ear Canal inflammation?
Managing flea bites, allergies
and hotspots: the natural, drugless approach
In his best selling book, "Pet
Allergies: Remedies for an Epidemic", Alfred Plechner, DVM, paints
a dismal picture for the future of our pets: "The most common and most
visible symptoms of nutritionally caused deficiencies are allergies
of one kind or another.
Because many commercial foods are woefully deficient
in key nutrients, the long term effect of feeding such foods makes
the dog hypersensitive to its environment. . . . [I]t's a dinosaur effect.
Animals
are being programmed for disaster, for extinction. Many of them
are biochemical cripples with defective adrenal glands unable to manufacture
adequate cortisol, a hormone vital for health and resistance to disease."
All safe and natural treatments for skin, eye and ear canal inflammation.
A clear alternative to the steroidal therapy methods of treatment. Treatment
for: "Hot Spots, external ear canal inflammation, Tick, Flea, Mosquito,
and Fly bite lesions and abrasions; burns;Traumatic skin abrasions (Road
Rash); Hives; Superficial Wounds; Poison Ivy; Allergic Dermatitis;all types
of Eczema; Lick Granuloma, Skin Fold, Dermatitis and mouth/teeth/gum
disease. learn
more
Routine
Vaccination: Is it really safe and effective?
Dr. Richard Pitcairn D.V.M. Ph.D - "In this article we begin
to address the subject of vaccinosis, the general name for chronic dis-ease
caused by vaccines. For some readers the very idea that vaccines are anything
but wonderful and life-saving may come as a surprise, and it's not a very
pleasant one. After all, the general population pictures vaccines as one
of modern medicine's best and brightest moments, saving literally millions
from the scourge of diseases like poliomyelitis and smallpox. "
Dr. McCluggage DVM - - "...we must stop advocating yearly
vaccines because of the harm we are doing to the animals we vaccinate.
He covered the homeopathic concept of "vaccinosis". Vaccinosis is a disease
entity that may be introduced through vaccinating animals or people. Once
vaccinosis develops, there is a disturbance in the bodies vital forces
that leads to symptoms of chronic disease that can be very difficult (and
often impossible) to cure. Dr. McCluggage also stated that there are no
good reasons to recommend annual vaccinations for our companion animals.
"
Donna Starita Mehan DVM -"Routine" vaccination has adverse side-effects,
either short or long term. With vaccines that are repeated year after year,
the frequency and severity of these side-effects in our pets has increased
dramatically. Most of the problems involve the immune system. After all,
the immune system is what vaccines are designed to stimulate. But they
do so in a very unnatural way that can overwhelm and confuse the immune
system and can result in increased susceptibility to acute infections (such
as ear infections in dogs, bladder infections in cats), chronic tapeworm
problems, or in more degenerative cases, cancer."
Read about the comments of other
vets
who believe that vaccines are damaging our pets. Read
the above quotes in their entirety Please get informed!
Correctly
prescribed homeopathic remedies can often undue the damage caused by vaccines.
Homeopathy
is
noted for its success to antidote or remove the toxic effects of vaccines
and to re-establish balance in the organism and restore health. Certain
homeopathic remedies taken after vaccination can minimize
vaccine damage. A professional homeopathic vet should
be consulted for more information.
WHAT
VETS DON'T TELL YOU ABOUT VACCINES Read
the comments of veterinarians who believe that vaccines are damaging our
pets. This information will make you cry and aware of the scam that is
the mainstay of the veterinary field. Learn the truth about the terrible
suffering of pets and their owners and what can be done to protect your
animals from the drug companies and ignorant vets. 'Shock
to the System' covers the latest information on the vaccine issue,
and puts the other pieces of the puzzle into the picture. Diet, environmental
toxins, pharmaceuticals and stress all play a part in the health of companion
animals.
Animals aren't the only ones at risk! What Every Parent Should Know
BEFORE Their Childen Are Vaccinated!
Vaccines:
are they really safe and effective? Why
are a growing number of parents and health care professionals around the
world questioning vaccination? The controversy stems from the thousands
of deaths and permanent disabilities attributed to vaccination annually,
as well as the many published medical studies, government statistics, congressional
testimonies, and other credible sources that directly contradict commonly
held assumptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
More pictures of vaccine damage available
to view at the
CDC
website
"Bart Classen, a Maryland physician,
published data showing that diabetes rates rose significantly in New Zealand
following a massive hepatitis B vaccine campaign in young children, and
that diabetes rates also went up sharply in Finland after three new childhood
vaccines were introduced." Nicholas Regush ABCNEWS.com
In
fall 1997, two influential professional magazines featured articles asking
the question: Has the decrease of infectious diseases in childhood through
the mass use of vaccines been replaced with an increase in chronic diseases
such as diabetes and asthma? The Economist, a prestigious international
magazine read by world leaders in government, business and public policy,
and Science News, a magazine read by both health care professionals and
the general public, explored the reported links between vaccines and chronic
diseases in their November 22, 1997 issues. Learn
more about vaccine and diabetes connection --- asthma and
vaccine connection --- SIDS and autism and vaccine connection
--- "Shaken Baby Syndrome": the vaccination link
Please get informed! Enter the vaccine
information site
Are we placing our animals at risk too? Most recently, an article appeared
in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association entitled
"Are We Vaccinating Too Much?" Read the comments
of veterinarians who believe that vaccines are damaging our pets.
Allergies can be, and often
are,
unrecognized deficiency diseases. Recognizing nutritional deficiencies
will save you a great deal of frustration and allow you to make the necessary
adjustments in your dog’s diet.
Wendy Volhard's website has more about pet nutrition and choosing the
Right Food for your animal.
"Doctors tell you that steroids (cortisone, prednisone) only cause side
effects after many years. But new research shows that permanent damage
is immediate and devastating. Studies show that steroids cause permanent,
debilitating effects after a single dosage. 'Steroids are probably
the most sleazy of modern day medications" says John Mills, former professor
of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and chief of
infectious diseases at San Francisco General Hospital more
on the danger of steroids
Looking for a HEALTHY German Shepherd puppy raised with
the holistic approach?
In the USA: Steel Cross
Shepherds. Renee Thacker Renee@steelcross-gsd.com
520-982-7603
In the USA: Valerie Gainer breeds working line GSDs. She has excellent
dogs. She also feeds a 100% raw diet. email: GSD2727@aol.com
and website
In Canada: German Shepherds Harphill Kennels. They specialize in breeding
dogs for Tracking, Obedience Trials and Therapy and loyal companions in
family environments. They use raw diet and with the minimal vaccinations
to produce working and competition litters.
In Canada: Riveriene
Farm puppies are naturally reared on
natural
nutrition. Riveriene Farm has experienced the positive effects of wholistic
care and feeding since 1989. All their dogs are presently reared and maintained
successfully on their explication of Dr. Ian Billinghursts BARF
program (BARF = bones and raw food). Riveriene Farm consults and teach
alternative feeding methods for dogs (and cats). Their German Shepherd
puppies have apptitude for training in Schutzhund, competitive obedience
or as a top companion.
BARFingGSDs EGroup
- For owners of German Shepherds who are feeding, or seriously considering
feeding BARF (Bones And Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
diet. This will be a relaxed forum where we can discuss how a BARF diet
can help optimize our German Shepherd's health and to discuss the breed
in general. New members are encouraged to post an introduction to say hello
and to tell us a little about yourself and your beautiful Shepherd.
For additional listings of German Shepherd dog breeders using holistic
health and nutrition, please visit the NATURAL
REARING BREEDERS DIRECTORY which is dedicated To Dog and
Cat Breeders Using Holistic Health Care For Their Animals. This directory
is a compilation of breeders who care and pride themselves in the health
of their animals. These special people have chosen to learn and incorporate
natural health care methods for their animals. Some are at the beginning
of their education, but are committed to giving the best health care possible.
There are a few who have chosen to be included in the directory, although
not breeders, that can offer guidance for the breed
German Shepherd Web Board is
a great place to adopt GSD in need of good home and to conect to others
for help and support.
.
Dog Owner's Guide:
Living with the high prey drive dog
German Shepherd
Dog FAQ
German Shepherd
Forum
Do
You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food?
Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks D.V.M. twelve-minute FREE audio or video
presentation to learn more about how you can improve the health, well-being,
and longevity of your cherished pet. more
Bitework
Training
for
Natural
Immune Booster
Natural
Health for Women:
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you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance?
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