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 ? There is a better way to bring your
pet to health and keep it healthy
 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
 Ayurvedic
Remedy for Dogs
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geared towards optimizing your dog's overall health, appearance, and longevity.
 
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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.
Why
I won't use the Elizabethan collar on my animals. The Elizabethan
collar is a type of plastic collar that is effective in preventing pets
from licking or biting themselves. The only time I will use such collar
is to prevent my animal from tearing up surgical sutures, until healing
is complete. I will never use such collar to prevent my dog or cat
from licking skin eruptions, hot spots, or inflammed and infected
area on their bodies. The built in germicide found in the saliva
of a dog or a cat amazingly heals wounds in record time. Any injuries are
carefully licked and coated with antiseptic saliva from the tongue. This
aids in preventing infection entering into a wound. Learn
more
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about safe cleaning products
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Daily Supplement with Phytonutrient Power for Dogs
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and Kittens. Why should you give your animal a nutritional supplement?
A deficiency in one vitamin or mineral may leave your dog vulnerable to
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long ? healthy life. Most of us take supplements and eat right to get all
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Last
Chance for Animals (LCA), a national, nonprofit animal protection organization,
invites you to participate in a national campaign aimed at raising public
awareness of a threatening epidemic - pet theft. learn
more
More at Shirley's Wellness Cafe: holistic
animal health section
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Optimum
Animal Nutrition - raw food, no grains
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Do
You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food? Listen to Dr. Jane Bicks
D.V.M
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Transfer Factor)
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Sample
Recipes of Optimum Rawfood Diet for Animals
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Health Food (raw or kibbles) for dogs, cats and ferrets.
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Treating
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part 2
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Toxic shampoos,
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 Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance? contact
Shirley or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
 Natural
Animal Health Overview of Natural, Holistic Veterinary
Medicine
Deadly,
Contagious Dog Flu Virus - Dr. Cynda Crawford, an immunologist
at the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine who is studying
the virus, said that it spread most easily where dogs were housed together
but that it could also be passed on the street, in dog runs or even by
a human transferring it from one dog to another. Kennel workers have carried
the virus home with them. Read
what Dr. Falconer D.V.M. recommends to protect your pet from
the Canine Flu disease
cats  that
ate poisoned pet food could total in the tens
of thousands says Dr. Paul Pion, president
of the Veterinary Information Network. More accounts of stricken pets had
been coming in since the numbers were tallied over the weekend. He said
the final number for pets suffering from kidney failure could be in the
tens of thousands. more on the recall
Shop
for Safe, All Natural Human Ingredients Healthy Pet Food
Natural
Treatment of Pet Kidney Disease
 Dr.
Jones DVM - "The Truth Behind The Pet Food Recall"
Class
Action Lawsuit Filed Against Pet Food Companies
 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 and licking
of the air. 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."
learn more
 Do
you have a question about holistic animal health or need assistance? Kashmyra
is a Pet Wellness Consultant who volunteers her time to help visitors of
Shirley's Wellness Cafe website. She'll be happy to answer your question
and offers guidance at no charge. The best time to reach her is after 3
PM ET 1 828 891 1602 You may also contact
Shirley or call 206-984-3009 or 323-389-0560
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Dr. Steven Slagle, DVM
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factors have turned out to be the most effective and versatile
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was very ill and emaciated. One month after transfer factors there was
some regression of the oral tumor, restored appetite with some weight gain,
and increased sociability. Five months later, she continues to improve,
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Myth - Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill!
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asthma: a drugless approach
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