So I’m talking with a breeder friend of mine last night. After the pleasantries of “How was your Thanksgiving? How’s the grand kids doing and how’s the hubby,” we settled into what dog people do best…..talk about dogs! Now my friend owns both American and German bred dogs so is very familiar with the traits of both of these dogs. We got to talking about the purpose of the German Shepherd Dog. I mean what was he really bred for? We weren’t talking about the dog bred for the conformation ring. We were talking about the mind of the dog, the capabilities of the dog and his service to man. We got onto the subject of the German Shepherd Dog as a herding dog because I had said that I remember when I first got into the breed, they were in the working group according to the AKC. I wanted to know why they got put into the herding group. She asked me; just how many German Shepherds do you know that are herding sheep? How many people do you know that own sheep? I don’t know anyone that has sheep I told her.
I know one thing, I see more people training their dogs to herd sheep now then when I first started in the breed. Perhaps these are people who do own their own sheep or other grazing animals.
So as I always do, I started doing some investigation on this subject. I found a great group where people were discussing this very topic about the German Shepherd dog used for herding. So I thought I’d share some of their ideas and look forward to hearing from others on this subject as well.
Although the German Shepherd did herd sheep in Germany, when their country became industrialized, the breed was used for other working tasks. More people moved from the country to the cities. This is when the breed began being used as a protection dog. This is when they started to use this breed for the military and police work. We all know the great service that they do for the blind. They are wonderful search and rescue dogs. It’s not unusual to see the German Shepherd used as a therapy dog in hospitals. It’s as if this breed could talk, you might hear him say, “Tell me what it is you want me to do and I’ll do it!”
From my research it seems that some farmers prefer to use the Border Collie rather than the German Shepherd for herding. It seems that breed excels in this task. I read a comment by someone saying that the German Shepherd is another example of a breed that is not being used for the purpose that it was intended.
Someone said that the German Shepherd are natural drovers, meaning that they push and not fetch stock. I can understand that statement as I have a alpha bitch that loves to push her sister by nipping at her ankles to make her get into the crate or dog house when she wants her to! But that’s a whole other story!
When comparing herding dogs, it seems that the different breeds who do this well, are different types of herders. It seems that the Border Collie and Aussies is an up close and personal herder, whereas the German Shepherd is more of an open range type of herding dog. To tell you the truth, I don’t know the difference between these different types of styles of herding dogs. Perhaps those who are reading this can fill the rest of us in.
Because the German Shepherd is such a versatile breed, he can do most anything that is asked of him. Because of these attributes, many times his sheep herding roots have taken a back seat to other things that he’s capable of doing.
Time and time again, I read how important the dog’s instinct drive needs to be to herd sheep. It would seem that not all dogs have this instinct to have the sheep herding ability. Along with the instinct drive, the dog needs to have courage and strong nerves. The German Shepherd must know how to do boundary patrol or flock containment. These dogs are selected for their high prey drive (attraction to the sheep). They have a very positive energy flow and seem to love what they do.
Some feel that the herding dog should also include protection work because one of the tasks years ago for what this breed was bred to do is to protect the shepherd and his flock from thieves.
I read that someone said that the German Shepherd is a dog who can do it all, but is a master of none. What they meant was that this breed is not just known for his ability to do one thing. He can do so many different things and do them all well. With this thought in mind, I wish the AKC would have kept this breed in the Working Group.....he's not just a herding dog. He's that and so much more.
When I read about all the great things that this breed is capable of, I know that I’ve failed miserably with my own dogs. I’ve concentrated on their beauty and movement, but haven’t done too much to educate their minds and bring out their natural talents. I’ve missed the opportunities that this highly intelligent breed can perform. I know that the German Shepherd is the happiest when he’s doing something. He really does enjoy obedience and performance work. It’s in his genes. He truly does enjoy being with his master so training can be fun and very rewarding for this dog. I’ve enjoyed looking at my dogs over the years, but I forgot that they are more than a pretty face. It’s what’s inside this dog that needs to be brought out to truly appreciate what this wonderful breed is really about. I’ve only enjoyed half of a dog. I’ve never fully known what it’s like to live with the “looks and brains” of a German Shepherd. I remember how much fun it was all those years ago taking my first German Shepherd to obedience classes. I must have got lost along the way.
My rating: herding dog training: (4), obedience titles: (4)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
MICRO-CHIPS AND TATTOOS
When researching for this article I was amazed to find out that one in three pets will become lost in their lifetime. That’s frightening. More than one million pets are lost or stolen each year. According to the American Humane Society, only 17% will ever find their way back home again! Many pet owners have a collar on their dog with the dog’s license and identification. They may think that this is enough to bring “Rover” back home again. Sadly it is not. Many times the dog will slip out of his collar or it gets caught on something and he no longer has his identification on him. They end up in an already over crowed animal shelter that can only hold him for a very short time. This is why the shelters are working over time putting millions of animals to sleep because they can’t find their owners.
There are two better ways besides a dog collar to identify someone’s pet. They are micro-chipping and tattoos. I have used both of these methods with my own dogs. There are pros and cons with both. Micro chipping a dog is a permanent way of identification. The only problem with this method is sometimes the micro chip can migrate under the skin and there has not been any long term safety testing with this procedure. A tattoo is also a permanent means of identification. Sometimes, however, the tattoo can smudge and become unreadable.
It has been estimated that over 94% of lost pets who had a micro chip has been reunited with their owners. Microchips are computer chips that are about the size of a rice grain that stores an identification number and transmits that information to an appropriate scanning device. These scanning devices are available to all U.S. animal shelters and veterinary clinics. They read multiple microchip frequencies sold by different microchip manufacturers. All veterinary clinics and shelters scan a lost pet when it is brought in to check for identification.
The procedure for micro chipping a dog is a simple one. Microchips come pre-loaded in a syringe. The veterinarian inserts the needle under the skin between the shoulder blades and injects the chip. The procedure takes less than 10 seconds and is only as painful as a vaccination injection. The chip must then be registered with the company who made the chip. Although your veterinarian's information will be registered with the company, it’s a good idea to register your pet in your own name for faster notification when your lost pet has been found. There will be a small additional annual fee for this but it is well worth it! Microchips are designed to last at least 25 years and do not need replacing.
Many pet owners worry about the safety of a permanent micro chip in their dog’s body. Usually microchips are composed of silicone and encased in glass. The materials used are biocompatible, so rejection and infection are rare. Some worry that the site of the implantation may cause cancer. There has been no proof of this in dogs and cats. Probably the risk of having your dog lost and possibly euthanized is much higher than anything you can worry about a micro chip and its possible side effects!
It’s wise to have your veterinarian check your dog’s micro chip at his annual visit using his scanner to make sure that the chip is working properly. Also confirm your dog’s information with the manufacturer database every year. Contact them if you have a change of address.
Years ago before micro chipping was available, some breeders had their dogs tattooed. There were three main places that they could be tattooed. The inside of the ear, the inside of the thigh of the back leg or the stomach were the most common places. I chose to have my dogs tummy tattooed. The reason I chose this area was because of dogs being stolen and sold to labs for experimentation. A dog that may have had an ear tattooed could easily have that ear removed before selling him to a lab. The same thing is true about a rear leg although this would be a more difficult area to do, it was still done. The stomach was the best place because this is not a place that someone could remove the number from. If you use this method, you must make sure that the numbers are clear and precise as they can smudge and identification is harder with a number that you can’t read. Once a dog is tattooed it is a permanent identification. A lab can loose its license if they have a suspected animal that has a tattoo on it. Federal law does not allow a lab to use a tattooed animal. Professional dog thieves will not steal a dog from a kennel, yard or car that has a warning sign telling them that their dog is tattooed.
Some breeders both tattoo and micro chip their dogs. It is not unheard of that some breeders will tattoo or micro chip their litters before they sell them. This gives the breeder a better peace of mind because some new pet owners may forget to do it themselves.
Listing your tattooed or micro chipped dog with a national registry gives you access to the registry's database and services. Often, registries also work through a network of animal shelters across the country. However, many shelters and laboratories now routinely scan strays they receive for microchips, and even if you haven't listed your dog with a registry, the lab or shelter can still find the owner of a chipped dog by tracing the code number to the veterinarian who implanted the chip.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is assuring that if your dog should get lost or stolen, that he has some form of permanent identification. The chances of your dog finding his way back home is very slim without it.
My rating: tattoos: (4), micro-chips: (4), identification collars: (1)
There are two better ways besides a dog collar to identify someone’s pet. They are micro-chipping and tattoos. I have used both of these methods with my own dogs. There are pros and cons with both. Micro chipping a dog is a permanent way of identification. The only problem with this method is sometimes the micro chip can migrate under the skin and there has not been any long term safety testing with this procedure. A tattoo is also a permanent means of identification. Sometimes, however, the tattoo can smudge and become unreadable.
It has been estimated that over 94% of lost pets who had a micro chip has been reunited with their owners. Microchips are computer chips that are about the size of a rice grain that stores an identification number and transmits that information to an appropriate scanning device. These scanning devices are available to all U.S. animal shelters and veterinary clinics. They read multiple microchip frequencies sold by different microchip manufacturers. All veterinary clinics and shelters scan a lost pet when it is brought in to check for identification.
The procedure for micro chipping a dog is a simple one. Microchips come pre-loaded in a syringe. The veterinarian inserts the needle under the skin between the shoulder blades and injects the chip. The procedure takes less than 10 seconds and is only as painful as a vaccination injection. The chip must then be registered with the company who made the chip. Although your veterinarian's information will be registered with the company, it’s a good idea to register your pet in your own name for faster notification when your lost pet has been found. There will be a small additional annual fee for this but it is well worth it! Microchips are designed to last at least 25 years and do not need replacing.
Many pet owners worry about the safety of a permanent micro chip in their dog’s body. Usually microchips are composed of silicone and encased in glass. The materials used are biocompatible, so rejection and infection are rare. Some worry that the site of the implantation may cause cancer. There has been no proof of this in dogs and cats. Probably the risk of having your dog lost and possibly euthanized is much higher than anything you can worry about a micro chip and its possible side effects!
It’s wise to have your veterinarian check your dog’s micro chip at his annual visit using his scanner to make sure that the chip is working properly. Also confirm your dog’s information with the manufacturer database every year. Contact them if you have a change of address.
Years ago before micro chipping was available, some breeders had their dogs tattooed. There were three main places that they could be tattooed. The inside of the ear, the inside of the thigh of the back leg or the stomach were the most common places. I chose to have my dogs tummy tattooed. The reason I chose this area was because of dogs being stolen and sold to labs for experimentation. A dog that may have had an ear tattooed could easily have that ear removed before selling him to a lab. The same thing is true about a rear leg although this would be a more difficult area to do, it was still done. The stomach was the best place because this is not a place that someone could remove the number from. If you use this method, you must make sure that the numbers are clear and precise as they can smudge and identification is harder with a number that you can’t read. Once a dog is tattooed it is a permanent identification. A lab can loose its license if they have a suspected animal that has a tattoo on it. Federal law does not allow a lab to use a tattooed animal. Professional dog thieves will not steal a dog from a kennel, yard or car that has a warning sign telling them that their dog is tattooed.
Some breeders both tattoo and micro chip their dogs. It is not unheard of that some breeders will tattoo or micro chip their litters before they sell them. This gives the breeder a better peace of mind because some new pet owners may forget to do it themselves.
Listing your tattooed or micro chipped dog with a national registry gives you access to the registry's database and services. Often, registries also work through a network of animal shelters across the country. However, many shelters and laboratories now routinely scan strays they receive for microchips, and even if you haven't listed your dog with a registry, the lab or shelter can still find the owner of a chipped dog by tracing the code number to the veterinarian who implanted the chip.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is assuring that if your dog should get lost or stolen, that he has some form of permanent identification. The chances of your dog finding his way back home is very slim without it.
My rating: tattoos: (4), micro-chips: (4), identification collars: (1)
Monday, December 7, 2009
KENNEL FLOORING FOR DOG RUNS
Can I start off by saying how much I HATE my dog’s kennel run! Oh the fencing is good so I’m happy with that. I did like the roof that I had on it (actually a tarp type of roof) until a bad winter storm blew it to shreds last year. What I do hate is the type of flooring that it has. It’s just a dirt floor with shavings. Without doubt, it is the worse type to have. Rain and snow = mud! Lots of it! Mud when it rains, mud when the snow melts, mud when you disinfect it. For now where I live, this is the only alternative that I have. I can’t put a permanent run on the ground.
Don’t even consider using a dirt or grass run for your dog if they are a digger. They can dig a hole under the fence and out they go! Also the dirt run is a breeding ground for fleas, worms and other undesirable yuggies! (new word)!
I used to have cement in my dog runs which I loved. I didn’t have any problem with the dog’s feet cracking and bleeding as I’ve heard from some other breeders. We used a fine enough grain without making it slippery. It was great to pick up after the dogs and a breeze to keep clean. The only thing is you must make sure you have something for the dog to lie on that is elevated off the cold hard cement. Sometimes I have seen dogs get calluses on their elbows from laying on this type of surface for too long. If you decide to use a cement run, make sure that you have the run a little elevated at one end so when you hose it down, there is good drainage and run off. Some people will put a sealant on a cement run, but if you’re not careful about choosing the right one, this can make it slippery when wet.
Some breeders have told me that they use patio blocks for their dogs run and like the cement run, they are very easy to take care of and disinfect.
When having a dog run that is put on the ground, it’s advisable to have wood shavings to pick up their droppings more easily and to keep the grounds clean. But with shavings, you must pick them up daily as the urine seeps into them and they can become smelly if not removed. And again, when it rains, you’ve got a whole run full of wet, smelly wood shavings.
There are other types of flooring you can use for your dog run. There are molded UV resistant plastic platforms that you might consider. These are elevated flooring systems so your dog doesn’t have to lie on the ground which can be painful if he has arthritis. Some of these plastic platforms trap the heat in the winter and coolness in the summer with the under body air chambers of the platform. They come in modular sections so are easy to install. Integrated channels help direct dog waste away from the dog’s living area.
Another alternative is a pea gravel run. I’ve never used this myself so I don’t know how easy it is to pick up. Like the cement run, you would definitely need an elevated platform for the dog to lie on. Again, if you have a digger, then a gravel run might not be the best for your dog either. This is not the best type of flooring for puppies as puppies love to put everything in their mouths. If they eat too much of the gravel, it can block up their intestines. Older dogs can do the same thing. If you use a gravel run, you need to rake it to keep it level. It’s fairly easy to keep clean as the urine runs right through it.
There are also different types of instant kennel flooring you might consider. One type is synthetic, perforated kennel tiles which are said to be resistant to warping and other damage by strong sunlight. These tiles are sturdy, strong and available in different colors. Liquid drains right through the tiles, and they're hygienic and easy to clean.
Another type, called "Instant Kennel Floor" is a sheet of flooring that can be stretched across the ground, and pegged into place. It's cheap, easy to install and comfortable for the dogs. It's also very portable. The woven design also allows liquids to drain through. Both of these types of instant kennel flooring are best suited for the small run or area than a long or larger run.
Other hard surface options might include masonry pavers, wood, and tile. The main drawback to hard surfaces is joint strain and splaying of the toes and as I mentioned earlier calluses.
Deciding on which kennel flooring to use comes down to price, convenience and durability. The cheapest, but in this writers opinion the least desirable is the dirt run. The cement run is probably the most expensive, but in my opinion, I like this one the best although I haven’t tried any of the others that I mentioned. They just don’t seem as desirable to me as the cement run. It’s permanent, easy to clean and attractive to the eye.
My rating: cement: (4), dirt: (1), pea gravel (2), others…..don’t know enough about!
Don’t even consider using a dirt or grass run for your dog if they are a digger. They can dig a hole under the fence and out they go! Also the dirt run is a breeding ground for fleas, worms and other undesirable yuggies! (new word)!
I used to have cement in my dog runs which I loved. I didn’t have any problem with the dog’s feet cracking and bleeding as I’ve heard from some other breeders. We used a fine enough grain without making it slippery. It was great to pick up after the dogs and a breeze to keep clean. The only thing is you must make sure you have something for the dog to lie on that is elevated off the cold hard cement. Sometimes I have seen dogs get calluses on their elbows from laying on this type of surface for too long. If you decide to use a cement run, make sure that you have the run a little elevated at one end so when you hose it down, there is good drainage and run off. Some people will put a sealant on a cement run, but if you’re not careful about choosing the right one, this can make it slippery when wet.
Some breeders have told me that they use patio blocks for their dogs run and like the cement run, they are very easy to take care of and disinfect.
When having a dog run that is put on the ground, it’s advisable to have wood shavings to pick up their droppings more easily and to keep the grounds clean. But with shavings, you must pick them up daily as the urine seeps into them and they can become smelly if not removed. And again, when it rains, you’ve got a whole run full of wet, smelly wood shavings.
There are other types of flooring you can use for your dog run. There are molded UV resistant plastic platforms that you might consider. These are elevated flooring systems so your dog doesn’t have to lie on the ground which can be painful if he has arthritis. Some of these plastic platforms trap the heat in the winter and coolness in the summer with the under body air chambers of the platform. They come in modular sections so are easy to install. Integrated channels help direct dog waste away from the dog’s living area.
Another alternative is a pea gravel run. I’ve never used this myself so I don’t know how easy it is to pick up. Like the cement run, you would definitely need an elevated platform for the dog to lie on. Again, if you have a digger, then a gravel run might not be the best for your dog either. This is not the best type of flooring for puppies as puppies love to put everything in their mouths. If they eat too much of the gravel, it can block up their intestines. Older dogs can do the same thing. If you use a gravel run, you need to rake it to keep it level. It’s fairly easy to keep clean as the urine runs right through it.
There are also different types of instant kennel flooring you might consider. One type is synthetic, perforated kennel tiles which are said to be resistant to warping and other damage by strong sunlight. These tiles are sturdy, strong and available in different colors. Liquid drains right through the tiles, and they're hygienic and easy to clean.
Another type, called "Instant Kennel Floor" is a sheet of flooring that can be stretched across the ground, and pegged into place. It's cheap, easy to install and comfortable for the dogs. It's also very portable. The woven design also allows liquids to drain through. Both of these types of instant kennel flooring are best suited for the small run or area than a long or larger run.
Other hard surface options might include masonry pavers, wood, and tile. The main drawback to hard surfaces is joint strain and splaying of the toes and as I mentioned earlier calluses.
Deciding on which kennel flooring to use comes down to price, convenience and durability. The cheapest, but in this writers opinion the least desirable is the dirt run. The cement run is probably the most expensive, but in my opinion, I like this one the best although I haven’t tried any of the others that I mentioned. They just don’t seem as desirable to me as the cement run. It’s permanent, easy to clean and attractive to the eye.
My rating: cement: (4), dirt: (1), pea gravel (2), others…..don’t know enough about!
Friday, December 4, 2009
HATE YOUR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR, BUT DON'T FORGET TO SAY GRACE
OK, baby boomers, what song is that lyric (the title of this article) taken from? As old as that song is, it’s sad to say that it’s as relevant today as it was then! I grew up in a time that heard the echoes of “Peace and love man” while the Viet Nam war raged on and demonstrations on campus’s across the nation was viewed on television almost every night. Have we come a long way from those times? Well um, we’re still in war only in a different country and I don’t hear too many songs preaching about peace and love. Now it’s more about beat them up, shoot them down and F--- you if you don’t like it. You think maybe this is kind of an angry society we live in? One thing I know for sure, it is definitely a more violent society than ever before.
I was watching a show yesterday about a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence for his heinous crimes. It made mention of how he liked to torture and kill animals when he was younger. Having done a study about these predators, I remember reading about the torture and killing of animals by many of these killers.
Each week, we see pictures sent across many of our German Shepherd Dog lists showing how some of these animals have been mistreated and abused by man. The pictures that are sent are so awful that sometimes I can’t even look at them. When I wrote an article a few months back titled “Predators and Prey” I said that there was something so wrong with seeing an animal like the German Shepherd in a compromising situation where his life is one of pain and abuse. We look at our own dogs whose eyes are filled with life and hope for each day. Then when I look at these pictures that come across my computer screen of dogs whose eyes are filled with fear or ones who have just about given up on life, well there is just something so wrong with this.
Women who have suffered domestic violence in their homes have reported that they fear for their animal’s lives and some have remained longer in their homes because of this fear. Over 50% report that abuse has been suffered by their pets. At some veterinary schools they have added abuse recognition training to their curricula and this has been a subject for some seminars and training classes. Veterinarians are now learning the warning signs of animal abuse and how to distinguish injuries due to abuse from other injuries.
Children growing up in homes that see animal abuse many times grow up to be the abuser of animals and humans. Many studies have been done on this subject. Young children who grow up in an environment of abuse may become desensitized, and come to see violence as the norm. They learn that in order to have power or control they can abuse a creature that is weaker than them. Children who see emotional or physical abuse between their parents may "act out" their emotions, often through cruelty to animals.
It has been studied that people who abused pets when they were children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes when they become adults. In fact, one of the most reliable predictors of adult violence is committing animal abuse as a child.
Whenever I sold my puppies into homes that had children, I always watched how the children interacted with the puppies. Were they gentle and loving to the puppies or were they rough and mean spirited? Also just as important as to watching the children’s interactions with the pups were watching how the adults handled and played with them as well. Obviously you can’t tell everything in one meeting, but if I felt uncomfortable about the situation, then they weren’t leaving with one of my puppies.
Although in our country, most people view dogs as a beloved pet of the family and wouldn’t think of harming their dog. In other countries they are not necessarily viewed in the same way. But even in a domesticated society such as ours, violence has become more and more a way of life for some. Look at the illegal practice of dog fighting for profit. Then there are those who enjoy just going to watch the horrific spectacle. What does this say about this type of person’s personality? I remember many years ago seeing where a German Shepherd was used to fight against a Pit Bull. Although a Shepherd is a strong and threatening fighter, he is no match for the jaws of a Pit Bull. If someone finds enjoyment in watching two animals tear one another apart, there is something very wrong with this.
Then you read about those people who buy the meanest dogs that money can buy. Why? What goes through their minds when they do something like this? This type of dog in the wrong hands is a very lethal weapon. How many times do you see while driving down the street in a city some people who are walking down the street with very mean looking dogs with stud collars wrapped around their necks? If I see one of these dogs walking in my direction, I walk across the street rather than chance walking by these dogs.
None of this is the dog’s fault. He doesn’t have the same capacity as the human does when it comes to thinking and calculating his every move. It’s the mind of a sick society who takes pleasure in torturing and killing those who may be unfortunate enough to come across his path.
I believe that dogs are here for our enjoyment and the wonderful companionship that they give to us. They are not here to do our dirty deeds for us. We dog lovers and breeders need to educate the public better than we do. I believe that the public is really ignorant to some of the things that some people are doing. I believe that they don’t know enough about what becomes of a shelter dog when they dumped it there. They don’t know the stories about the abused dog that was picked up along the side of the highway. They really don’t know what goes on with those dogs that are used for dog fighting. They don’t know the conditions that these dogs are in. They don’t know the suffering that they endure. And they don’t know about those who never make it out!
What can be done? Animal cruelty needs to be taken seriously. I don’t want to see another picture of a German Shepherd who has suffered at the hands of his tormentor. If you suspect or witness an animal being abused, report it to your local humane organization, veterinarian, or call your local police. Encourage legislation. Learn more about the animal abuse laws in your state and advocate for appropriate legislation. We need to educate our children. Teach and encourage children to show kindness towards animals. We can urge our schools to integrate humane education into their curricula. Sometimes your local shelter may have outreach programs, education materials, camps, etc. We can work within our own communities to increase awareness of the link between animal cruelty and human violence by being an advocate against cruelty to animals. Give financial support by supporting our animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food, or supplies.
Will violence in our society against animals ever go away? Probably not in my or your life time. If we live in a society that promotes violence against one another (just listen to those song lyrics……if you can understand them) you tell me how our children and young adults can walk around with a “don’t worry, be happy” type of smile pasted on their face? Can we expect these types of people to be kind to our animals when they don’t even have a clue how to be kind to one another?
Man has made the kind of world that we live in. The animals are just here trying to survive the best way that they can. It doesn’t take the whole world to be at war with one another. It just takes one man who is at war within himself to wreck havoc on all those who are unfortunate enough to be near him. Pity the dog in this household. No dog should have to dread each day that he wakes up.
My rating: animal cruelty: (1), the need for educating the public: (4), trying to sell our pups into the best homes possible: (4)
I was watching a show yesterday about a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence for his heinous crimes. It made mention of how he liked to torture and kill animals when he was younger. Having done a study about these predators, I remember reading about the torture and killing of animals by many of these killers.
Each week, we see pictures sent across many of our German Shepherd Dog lists showing how some of these animals have been mistreated and abused by man. The pictures that are sent are so awful that sometimes I can’t even look at them. When I wrote an article a few months back titled “Predators and Prey” I said that there was something so wrong with seeing an animal like the German Shepherd in a compromising situation where his life is one of pain and abuse. We look at our own dogs whose eyes are filled with life and hope for each day. Then when I look at these pictures that come across my computer screen of dogs whose eyes are filled with fear or ones who have just about given up on life, well there is just something so wrong with this.
Women who have suffered domestic violence in their homes have reported that they fear for their animal’s lives and some have remained longer in their homes because of this fear. Over 50% report that abuse has been suffered by their pets. At some veterinary schools they have added abuse recognition training to their curricula and this has been a subject for some seminars and training classes. Veterinarians are now learning the warning signs of animal abuse and how to distinguish injuries due to abuse from other injuries.
Children growing up in homes that see animal abuse many times grow up to be the abuser of animals and humans. Many studies have been done on this subject. Young children who grow up in an environment of abuse may become desensitized, and come to see violence as the norm. They learn that in order to have power or control they can abuse a creature that is weaker than them. Children who see emotional or physical abuse between their parents may "act out" their emotions, often through cruelty to animals.
It has been studied that people who abused pets when they were children are far more likely to commit murder or other violent crimes when they become adults. In fact, one of the most reliable predictors of adult violence is committing animal abuse as a child.
Whenever I sold my puppies into homes that had children, I always watched how the children interacted with the puppies. Were they gentle and loving to the puppies or were they rough and mean spirited? Also just as important as to watching the children’s interactions with the pups were watching how the adults handled and played with them as well. Obviously you can’t tell everything in one meeting, but if I felt uncomfortable about the situation, then they weren’t leaving with one of my puppies.
Although in our country, most people view dogs as a beloved pet of the family and wouldn’t think of harming their dog. In other countries they are not necessarily viewed in the same way. But even in a domesticated society such as ours, violence has become more and more a way of life for some. Look at the illegal practice of dog fighting for profit. Then there are those who enjoy just going to watch the horrific spectacle. What does this say about this type of person’s personality? I remember many years ago seeing where a German Shepherd was used to fight against a Pit Bull. Although a Shepherd is a strong and threatening fighter, he is no match for the jaws of a Pit Bull. If someone finds enjoyment in watching two animals tear one another apart, there is something very wrong with this.
Then you read about those people who buy the meanest dogs that money can buy. Why? What goes through their minds when they do something like this? This type of dog in the wrong hands is a very lethal weapon. How many times do you see while driving down the street in a city some people who are walking down the street with very mean looking dogs with stud collars wrapped around their necks? If I see one of these dogs walking in my direction, I walk across the street rather than chance walking by these dogs.
None of this is the dog’s fault. He doesn’t have the same capacity as the human does when it comes to thinking and calculating his every move. It’s the mind of a sick society who takes pleasure in torturing and killing those who may be unfortunate enough to come across his path.
I believe that dogs are here for our enjoyment and the wonderful companionship that they give to us. They are not here to do our dirty deeds for us. We dog lovers and breeders need to educate the public better than we do. I believe that the public is really ignorant to some of the things that some people are doing. I believe that they don’t know enough about what becomes of a shelter dog when they dumped it there. They don’t know the stories about the abused dog that was picked up along the side of the highway. They really don’t know what goes on with those dogs that are used for dog fighting. They don’t know the conditions that these dogs are in. They don’t know the suffering that they endure. And they don’t know about those who never make it out!
What can be done? Animal cruelty needs to be taken seriously. I don’t want to see another picture of a German Shepherd who has suffered at the hands of his tormentor. If you suspect or witness an animal being abused, report it to your local humane organization, veterinarian, or call your local police. Encourage legislation. Learn more about the animal abuse laws in your state and advocate for appropriate legislation. We need to educate our children. Teach and encourage children to show kindness towards animals. We can urge our schools to integrate humane education into their curricula. Sometimes your local shelter may have outreach programs, education materials, camps, etc. We can work within our own communities to increase awareness of the link between animal cruelty and human violence by being an advocate against cruelty to animals. Give financial support by supporting our animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food, or supplies.
Will violence in our society against animals ever go away? Probably not in my or your life time. If we live in a society that promotes violence against one another (just listen to those song lyrics……if you can understand them) you tell me how our children and young adults can walk around with a “don’t worry, be happy” type of smile pasted on their face? Can we expect these types of people to be kind to our animals when they don’t even have a clue how to be kind to one another?
Man has made the kind of world that we live in. The animals are just here trying to survive the best way that they can. It doesn’t take the whole world to be at war with one another. It just takes one man who is at war within himself to wreck havoc on all those who are unfortunate enough to be near him. Pity the dog in this household. No dog should have to dread each day that he wakes up.
My rating: animal cruelty: (1), the need for educating the public: (4), trying to sell our pups into the best homes possible: (4)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
STANDING OVATION!
Whenever one thinks of any sport, you know in order to win you have to beat someone else. No one wants to lose. Everyone wants to win! Then there are those who play, win or lose just to have fun. It really depends upon the sport that you are playing. In the sport of showing dogs, egos are involved and sometimes the big “green eyed monster” shows its ugly head more times than not!
I have two friends who live on either side of the country. My one friend on the west coast has been in the breed for many years and has had her share of winning on the National level. She always seems to do well at most of the Nationals that she enters. Obviously to her credit, she is showing dogs of quality that can compete at the National level. She belongs to a specialty club in her area. She tells me that she gets very little support from her fellow club members and even less well wishes from them. If she received congratulations from any of them, she just might drop dead! What’s up with that, I wonder?
Then there’s my other friend over here on the east coast. She has a beautiful male champion that she shows who has done a lot of Best of Breed and Group winning in the all breed shows and she tells me the same thing. She doesn’t receive any well wishes either and wonders why it’s so darn hard for people to “shake her hand” and be happy for her dog’s winning record.
By nature, I am not a very jealous type of person when it comes to other people’s dogs or possessions. I’m happy for my friends wins and always cheer them on. Heck, I’m even happy for people that win that I don’t know. I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about seeing other people happy that makes me feel good for them also. Oh sure, I wish I had my sister’s walk in shower that’s the size of a closet, but that’s another discussion!
When we show our dogs, lots of times we will be competing against our friend’s dogs. On any other day, you might be clapping and shouting for your friends dog to win, but when you’re showing against them, you are there to beat them. Only one of you will win. That’s when you will need to show good sportsmanship towards your friend even if deep down inside you feel that your dog should have won. Some friendships have been tested when competing in the show ring. Most if they are good friends will remain so.
I have heard people talk behind one another's back about what they really think of their “friends” dog. It upsets me to hear these things because these two people are supposed to be one another’s friend. It’s like all bets are off of the friendship when it comes to showing their dogs.
In the showing of dog’s the competition is not only fierce inside the ring, but outside of it as well. Not only is the competitor looking to win the points on his dog, but many times these wins will generate business for the breeder. A dog who wins may start seeing people inquire about using the dog for stud service. If it’s a bitch who wins, the owner may have people approach her and ask when and who she plans on breeding her bitch to. So what this all amounts to then is money. Winning equals money in some people’s pockets. And anytime money is involved, good sportsmanship for some is thrown out the door!
For some people, their lack of good sportsmanship may not be limited to the show ring. Some of these people are jealous types to begin with and they have a very hard time wishing anyone good will about anything. These people are very insecure to begin with. For some reason it’s like if they were to congratulate you then it would take something away from them.
Ask some breeders to get together to look at one another’s puppies. Most breeders enjoy this so they can see what different lines produce together. But even here, some people have a hard time finding anything positive to say about the puppies. The green eyed monster gets in the way again!
And how about the ownership of stud dogs? Every dog is different. Every dog produces differently. Breeders come to different stud dogs hopefully to improve on what their bitch may be lacking or to double up on some good things the two dog’s exhibit. Tell a “friend” who also owns a stud dog that your dog was just used by “so and so” and you may hear him say, “Well if they were looking to improve fronts, why didn’t they call me about using my Joey? You couldn’t want for a better front then he has!”
How about when your dog just won a large five point major and you call up your “friend” to share the exciting news? Is your friend genuinely happy for you? Does she quickly change the subject and start telling you about one of her own dogs that she will be showing in another couple of months? Perhaps she might have asked you, “Well who else was in the ring with him? It doesn’t seem like the quality was very good. Thank goodness for you that there wasn’t tough competition!” This sure is a nice kind of person to be a “friend” with! NOT! But unfortunately, they are out there and it is times like this that your true friends will be known.
Some people have been in the breed for many years and have never bred or owned a champion. To some of these people seeing a person who has been in the breed only a few years winning can bring out the worse in them.
Many new people have left the showing of dogs because of the lack of good will and sportsmanship shown to them. Just think about it, who would want to get involved in something that wasn’t fun anymore? Being kind to one another and wishing one another well will go a long way in the future sport of showing of our breed. If new people come to this breed with high hopes and they are met with hostile, bad attitudes by people who have been in the breed for some time, how long do you think they will want to continue to show their dogs? So even if it doesn’t come natural to you, maybe once in awhile you need to bite your lip and suck it up and extend that hand of good will to someone. You can moan and groan about it all the way home if you have to, but sometimes (even if you have to pretend) showing good will to someone will go a long way in promoting the showing of dogs and nurturing of friendships.
Showing dogs should be a positive experience for the competitor. There is nothing more rewarding than when your dog wins and ringside approves and supports it. Hearing the cheers, receiving a standing ovation, hearing the whistles, well that’s like adding icing on the cake to your already elated happiness!
My rating: showing dogs: (4), sportsmanship in the breed: (2)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
THERE'S A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE!
(A Christmas Story)
By
Barbara J. Galasso
Hearing my daughter Olivia scream from the other room almost made me fall off of the small ladder that I was using to put the finishing touches on our Christmas tree. “Momma, Momma, she cried. There’s a mouse in the house.” I quickly ran to her side as she raced to my open arms. Her little body was shaking as she pressed her head against my chest. “Now, now my dear. It’s alright, I said trying to ease her fear. There’s nothing to be scared about" I told her as my eyes quickly scanned the room to see if I could find the object of her terror. “It was here momma. It was here,” my terrified seven year old whimpered. “Well, I’m sure it’s long gone by now dear”, I said trying to reassure my frightened little girl even though I wasn’t so convinced myself.
I brought her over to her bed and sat her down while still keeping an arm wrapped securely around her. I turned her little face towards me and while looking directly in her tear filled eyes, I asked her why she was so afraid of a little old mouse anyway. I knew I’d have a hard time trying to convince her not to be afraid of a mouse, when I knew that this was not a creature that I welcomed with open arms myself. Just then Daisy, our German Shepherd dog came in to see what all the commotion was about. I stroked her head as I thought about what she would have done if she saw the mouse. Daisy was a mouse catcher and pretty much anything else that moved. I didn’t need a cat with her around. Then I thought about my own mother and the stories that she used to tell me about living on a farm and about all the animals that she used to share her property with.
I told my daughter about her grandmother being one of the most humble and strong women that I knew. Grandmother didn’t have much I told her, but was happy for the little that she did have. She loved all of God’s creatures. She shopped at the second hand stores and most of the clothes I wore to school were hand me downs. I remember her rummaging through the used clothes bins as my sister and I sat on the floor reading the musty smelling old books that took us away to another time and place. We didn’t have much but we had a sense of “wonderment.” Mom would make due with the little food that she bought and many a night we would have a bowl of soup that warmed our tummies and comforted our souls. Yup, we were poor, but we were rich with love.
I remember momma telling me a story one time about a mouse in the house. She told me that one night as she sat reading by the light of her small lamp, she saw a movement from the corner of her eye. It startled her at first, but when she realized what it was, a smile escaped from her lips. Sitting on the rug not two feet away from her was a little mouse. Mom looked down on the floor where the small creature stood and said, “Well what is it that you want little one?” Then she said the most incredible thing happened. She told me that the mouse rose up upon its hind legs and stood there staring at her. She said she didn’t know what possessed her, but she wasn’t afraid of the mouse. Instead, with the gentleness she always possessed, she reached down and picked up the little animal and took it to the back door releasing it outside and told it to go find its own house. I remember saying, “Oh mother, how could you pick up that nasty thing?” With the wisdom that she learned from living without many material comforts, she smiled and say, “Child, it isn’t the animals that I worry about. They only do what they have to do to survive. Man could learn many things from the smallest of God’s creatures” she said as she turned back to her sewing.
My daughter’s eyes grew wide with excitement as she asked me, “Did grandma really pick up a mouse?” “Cross my heart and hope to die,” I said earnestly. “Yuck! Olivia almost shouted out. That’s gross.” “Well sweetheart, I told her, everything is here for a purpose and sometimes in life they loose their way home. And sometimes we have to help them find their way back again. That’s what your grandmother was doing when she put the little mouse outside and told him to go find his own house."
It was then that the “brilliant” idea came to me. I wanted to make this experience that frightened my child a positive one. I told her, “I’ll tell you what we’re going to do Olivia. Our little mouse friend is looking for a way to get back home again, and in the spirit of Christmas we’re going to help him get his wish. Now we got to make sure that Daisy doesn’t find him before we do because sometimes she can be too rough and she forgets how big she is. We’re going to buy a mouse trap for our little friend.” Just then Olivia piped in and said, “You mean we’re going to squish the mouse in the trap mommy? Oh, no dear. Not like that. We’re going to get a friendly mouse trap that only traps the mouse inside and then like grandma did, we are going to release it back outside. After all, we want the mouse to be back home with his family in time for Christmas. He’s just lost his way. That’s all.”
Now that I made finding and catching the mouse a game for Olivia, she changed from a scared little girl to one that was on a mission. Find the mouse and get it back to its home. It was three days before Christmas. The next morning after Olivia set the trap, she got up early to see if it worked. Nothing. “Maybe tomorrow,” I told her. The second morning was a repeat of the first. “Oh mommy, Olivia cried. I don’t know if we’re ever going to get Mister Mouse (that’s what she called him now) back in his own house in time for Christmas.” I saw the disappointment on my child's face. That night it was Christmas Eve. I went down the hall towards my daughter’s room and heard her talking to someone. As I tiptoed closer to her open door, I quietly looked in to find her on her knees praying next to her bed. I heard her say, “Grandma, if you can hear me, will you please ask God to send the little mouse back here in my room before Daisy finds him and let him crawl in to the box. We really want to get the mouse back to his house in time for Christmas. Thanks a lot. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I’ve been real good all year long and me and my dog Daisy would really like a new sleigh so we can ride down the hill next to our house. Good night and Amen.” I came in and tucked my daughter in to her bed, gave her a kiss and turned the light off.
Christmas morning Olivia was up at the crack of dawn gleefully opening her presents in the living room while her father and I sipped our freshly brewed coffee. “Oh yippee” she cried as she took off the ribbon wrapped around her new sled. Hey, Daisy look what Santa brought us. Daisy didn’t come when she was spoken to. Olivia turned around and asked us, Where’s Daisy gone to?” Just then we heard Daisy barking from one of the bedrooms. We called her but she still refused to come. So much for the obedient German Shepherd, I told myself. We all got up to see what the ruckus was about. We found Daisy in Olivia’s room looking up at the shelf. Olivia had placed the mouse trap up there she told us so Daisy couldn’t get at it like she could when it was on the floor. She told us that she thought Daisy was chasing the mouse away from the box so she decided to move it. Smart move on her part, because from within the box, we heard the familiar squeak of a mouse.
Olivia was so delighted and not afraid of the mouse anymore. “Momma, can we take Mister Mouse and let him go free now?” “Yes dear, I said. Let’s go do it right now so he gets home in time for Christmas with his family.” We all went to the back of the house where daddy opened the door and released Mister Mouse. We saw him running across the snow drifted hills just as fast as his little feet could carry him. With that, Olivia yelled out to the little creature who only days before had frightened her so much, “Merry Christmas Mister Mouse. Come back and see us again real soon.” I turned and looked at my daughter and biting my tongue, said to myself, “Oh child do be careful what you ask for.”
My rating: children & animals: (4), sense of wonderment: (4), keeping the holiday spirit: (4)
By
Barbara J. Galasso
Hearing my daughter Olivia scream from the other room almost made me fall off of the small ladder that I was using to put the finishing touches on our Christmas tree. “Momma, Momma, she cried. There’s a mouse in the house.” I quickly ran to her side as she raced to my open arms. Her little body was shaking as she pressed her head against my chest. “Now, now my dear. It’s alright, I said trying to ease her fear. There’s nothing to be scared about" I told her as my eyes quickly scanned the room to see if I could find the object of her terror. “It was here momma. It was here,” my terrified seven year old whimpered. “Well, I’m sure it’s long gone by now dear”, I said trying to reassure my frightened little girl even though I wasn’t so convinced myself.
I brought her over to her bed and sat her down while still keeping an arm wrapped securely around her. I turned her little face towards me and while looking directly in her tear filled eyes, I asked her why she was so afraid of a little old mouse anyway. I knew I’d have a hard time trying to convince her not to be afraid of a mouse, when I knew that this was not a creature that I welcomed with open arms myself. Just then Daisy, our German Shepherd dog came in to see what all the commotion was about. I stroked her head as I thought about what she would have done if she saw the mouse. Daisy was a mouse catcher and pretty much anything else that moved. I didn’t need a cat with her around. Then I thought about my own mother and the stories that she used to tell me about living on a farm and about all the animals that she used to share her property with.
I told my daughter about her grandmother being one of the most humble and strong women that I knew. Grandmother didn’t have much I told her, but was happy for the little that she did have. She loved all of God’s creatures. She shopped at the second hand stores and most of the clothes I wore to school were hand me downs. I remember her rummaging through the used clothes bins as my sister and I sat on the floor reading the musty smelling old books that took us away to another time and place. We didn’t have much but we had a sense of “wonderment.” Mom would make due with the little food that she bought and many a night we would have a bowl of soup that warmed our tummies and comforted our souls. Yup, we were poor, but we were rich with love.
I remember momma telling me a story one time about a mouse in the house. She told me that one night as she sat reading by the light of her small lamp, she saw a movement from the corner of her eye. It startled her at first, but when she realized what it was, a smile escaped from her lips. Sitting on the rug not two feet away from her was a little mouse. Mom looked down on the floor where the small creature stood and said, “Well what is it that you want little one?” Then she said the most incredible thing happened. She told me that the mouse rose up upon its hind legs and stood there staring at her. She said she didn’t know what possessed her, but she wasn’t afraid of the mouse. Instead, with the gentleness she always possessed, she reached down and picked up the little animal and took it to the back door releasing it outside and told it to go find its own house. I remember saying, “Oh mother, how could you pick up that nasty thing?” With the wisdom that she learned from living without many material comforts, she smiled and say, “Child, it isn’t the animals that I worry about. They only do what they have to do to survive. Man could learn many things from the smallest of God’s creatures” she said as she turned back to her sewing.
My daughter’s eyes grew wide with excitement as she asked me, “Did grandma really pick up a mouse?” “Cross my heart and hope to die,” I said earnestly. “Yuck! Olivia almost shouted out. That’s gross.” “Well sweetheart, I told her, everything is here for a purpose and sometimes in life they loose their way home. And sometimes we have to help them find their way back again. That’s what your grandmother was doing when she put the little mouse outside and told him to go find his own house."
It was then that the “brilliant” idea came to me. I wanted to make this experience that frightened my child a positive one. I told her, “I’ll tell you what we’re going to do Olivia. Our little mouse friend is looking for a way to get back home again, and in the spirit of Christmas we’re going to help him get his wish. Now we got to make sure that Daisy doesn’t find him before we do because sometimes she can be too rough and she forgets how big she is. We’re going to buy a mouse trap for our little friend.” Just then Olivia piped in and said, “You mean we’re going to squish the mouse in the trap mommy? Oh, no dear. Not like that. We’re going to get a friendly mouse trap that only traps the mouse inside and then like grandma did, we are going to release it back outside. After all, we want the mouse to be back home with his family in time for Christmas. He’s just lost his way. That’s all.”
Now that I made finding and catching the mouse a game for Olivia, she changed from a scared little girl to one that was on a mission. Find the mouse and get it back to its home. It was three days before Christmas. The next morning after Olivia set the trap, she got up early to see if it worked. Nothing. “Maybe tomorrow,” I told her. The second morning was a repeat of the first. “Oh mommy, Olivia cried. I don’t know if we’re ever going to get Mister Mouse (that’s what she called him now) back in his own house in time for Christmas.” I saw the disappointment on my child's face. That night it was Christmas Eve. I went down the hall towards my daughter’s room and heard her talking to someone. As I tiptoed closer to her open door, I quietly looked in to find her on her knees praying next to her bed. I heard her say, “Grandma, if you can hear me, will you please ask God to send the little mouse back here in my room before Daisy finds him and let him crawl in to the box. We really want to get the mouse back to his house in time for Christmas. Thanks a lot. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I’ve been real good all year long and me and my dog Daisy would really like a new sleigh so we can ride down the hill next to our house. Good night and Amen.” I came in and tucked my daughter in to her bed, gave her a kiss and turned the light off.
Christmas morning Olivia was up at the crack of dawn gleefully opening her presents in the living room while her father and I sipped our freshly brewed coffee. “Oh yippee” she cried as she took off the ribbon wrapped around her new sled. Hey, Daisy look what Santa brought us. Daisy didn’t come when she was spoken to. Olivia turned around and asked us, Where’s Daisy gone to?” Just then we heard Daisy barking from one of the bedrooms. We called her but she still refused to come. So much for the obedient German Shepherd, I told myself. We all got up to see what the ruckus was about. We found Daisy in Olivia’s room looking up at the shelf. Olivia had placed the mouse trap up there she told us so Daisy couldn’t get at it like she could when it was on the floor. She told us that she thought Daisy was chasing the mouse away from the box so she decided to move it. Smart move on her part, because from within the box, we heard the familiar squeak of a mouse.
Olivia was so delighted and not afraid of the mouse anymore. “Momma, can we take Mister Mouse and let him go free now?” “Yes dear, I said. Let’s go do it right now so he gets home in time for Christmas with his family.” We all went to the back of the house where daddy opened the door and released Mister Mouse. We saw him running across the snow drifted hills just as fast as his little feet could carry him. With that, Olivia yelled out to the little creature who only days before had frightened her so much, “Merry Christmas Mister Mouse. Come back and see us again real soon.” I turned and looked at my daughter and biting my tongue, said to myself, “Oh child do be careful what you ask for.”
My rating: children & animals: (4), sense of wonderment: (4), keeping the holiday spirit: (4)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
HAVING IT ALL - BEAUTY AND BRAINS!
There’s no denying that the German Shepherd dog is one of the most intelligent of all breeds. There’s not too much that this dog can’t do with proper and consistent training. It takes a caring owner to put the time and work necessary into training his dog. But this breed learns quickly. It’s just that the owner must do his part to insure that this dog’s capabilities are realized.
I was looking at the German Shepherd Dog of America’s website this morning at the different obedience awards that one may achieve at the National Specialty show. Upon further observation, I wanted to see how many dogs who achieved their conformation titles (champion) were also awarded obedience titles. Let’s take a look at each one of these titles and how they are earned.
Award of Excellence (AOE) – The parent club describes it as (and I quote): “This title is awarded to the animal who has reached the highest of all goals - to become the Total German Shepherd Dog. The animal must have superior conformation, trainability and be sound in both mind and body.” To achieve this title, the dog has to pass the temperament test. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every German Shepherd could attain this title – to not only be recognized for their beauty but for their brains as well? Many Grand Victors, Victrix’s and Selects have achieved this title showing that you can have it all!
Agility Victor/Victrix _ Agility courses are created with obstacles the dog must perform correctly which includes tunnels, jumps, etc. Records from 1998 until 2008 show that nine dogs have won this most prestigious title. I didn’t notice that any one of them was a champion at the time they were awarded this title.
Obedience Victor/Victrix – As stated on the Parent Club website, and I quote: “This prestigious and difficult to obtain title is awarded to the highest combined score in the Open B and Utility classes. Dogs meeting the following criteria will be awarded the title. The requirements are:
a) A combined score of not less than 380 points.
b) May have no disqualifying faults as described by the AKC standard for the GSD.
This is to be verified by an AKC approved breed judge at the time the award is given.
c) Spayed/neutered dogs who otherwise meet the breed standards are acceptable.”
From 1968 until 2009, 15 champions have been awarded this honor!
Performance Award of Merit (PAM) – As stated on the Parent Club website and I quote: “Given in recognition and appreciation of animals who display the versatility of the breed by performing in a variety of different performance events. To be eligible for this award a dog must have completed titles in three (3) different performance areas including: Obedience & Rally, Tracking, Herding, Agility, Working Dog Sport, or GSDCA-WD.” The requirements for this title is much more advanced so I recommend anyone interested in learning what is required for this class to check it out at: www.gsdca.com for a better description. From 2001 – 2006, I see listed five champions who have received this award.
So yes, a German Shepherd Dog can have it both ways, beauty and brains. Can all German Shepherds earn an obedience title? Yes! Can all German Shepherds win a conformation title? No! For my readers who are not a German Shepherd Dog Club of America member or for those who just own a beloved pet, let me explain to you the difference and why not all German Shepherds can be awarded both these titles. Like all breeds that are recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), they all have a breed standard. The breed standard tells you what the proper conformation and temperament for a breed is supposed to be. If your dog has these necessary requirements and is registered with the AKC, then you can enter your dog in conformation classes for him to be judged with other dogs who meet the same requirements.
With obedience dogs, your dog doesn’t have to meet the requirements of conformation as set forth in the breed standard. He does however, need to pass the requirements for each level of obedience titles. So as you can see, all German Shepherds can be appreciated for the attributes of his breed. So although your dog may never hope to realize his championship (because he lacks the breed standard requirements), he can still go on proudly to achieve his obedience titles. Whereas, a dog who has achieved his championship title, he can also be trained and entered in obedience trials to attain his obedience titles.
So all German Shepherds regardless of their conformation attributes can be recognized for what this breed has become known for, their superior intelligence. Some have asked why more champions don’t achieve an obedience title as well. I’ve talked to some breeders about this. Some of them have told me that they are afraid to take away their exuberance in the show ring. They feel if they start teaching them to heal for obedience that they won’t pull out for the show ring. However, some of them are not against putting a conformation title on them first and then doing the obedience later.
Let me tell you what goes into producing winning dogs in the conformation ring. It’s not just about another pretty face. These dogs are trained just like the obedience dogs are, but only with a different goal in mind. From the time the German Shepherd puppy is born until maturity, his dedicated breeder has hopes and dreams for the special puppy of the litter. This puppy learns the basics of show dog training from a very early start. Belonging to many dog show lists, all one has to do is look how many people start stacking their youngsters in a show pose before they barely are weaned from their mothers!
The show dog puppy learns how to stack up for a show pose and hold that stance. He learns to have his teeth looked at just as the judge will do when he's in the show ring. He learns to stand for examination. He learns how to pull out on a lead. This is important for the show dog puppy. He will not be trained as an obedience puppy would who needs to be trained to heal by his owner’s side. This is not acceptable in the conformation ring. The German Shepherd is judged (among other things including his conformation and temperament) on his movement. In order for the judge to evaluate his movement, he needs to see the dog pull out ahead of the handler.
The show dog puppy as he matures is exercised and/or road worked. He is taught the ever “subtle” art of double handling from an early age so he knows to look for his owner when the dog is in the ring. It is important for the show dog to look alert when his handler shows him. A show dog has a certain “presence” in the ring. If he is a special one, all ringside and the judge will know it by the aura that surrounds him.
So like the obedience dog who needs hours and hours of devoted and constant training, so the show dog does as well only in a different way. Some dogs are born to be great. And although they may have all the potential to be so, unless their owner recognizes the need for training and conditioning these dogs, their potential can never hope to be realized.
As we can see every German Shepherd born can serve a purpose. It is up to his owner to bring out the best in his dog. While every German Shepherd isn’t meant to be a conformation show dog, every German Shepherd can and should achieve some degree of obedience training. I applaud and love it when I see conformation champions who also have obedience titles. Their owners have taken the time to bring out the very best in their animals and have recognized that the German Shepherd is not just known for their beauty, but for their intelligence as well. In fact if you were to ask the general public what they thought about our beloved breed, I would dare say that most would comment on this breeds mind and all the services that they provide to man.
My rating: obedience titled dogs: (4), conformation titled dogs: (4), obedience and conformation titled dogs: (4+++++++++++++++)!
I was looking at the German Shepherd Dog of America’s website this morning at the different obedience awards that one may achieve at the National Specialty show. Upon further observation, I wanted to see how many dogs who achieved their conformation titles (champion) were also awarded obedience titles. Let’s take a look at each one of these titles and how they are earned.
Award of Excellence (AOE) – The parent club describes it as (and I quote): “This title is awarded to the animal who has reached the highest of all goals - to become the Total German Shepherd Dog. The animal must have superior conformation, trainability and be sound in both mind and body.” To achieve this title, the dog has to pass the temperament test. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every German Shepherd could attain this title – to not only be recognized for their beauty but for their brains as well? Many Grand Victors, Victrix’s and Selects have achieved this title showing that you can have it all!
Agility Victor/Victrix _ Agility courses are created with obstacles the dog must perform correctly which includes tunnels, jumps, etc. Records from 1998 until 2008 show that nine dogs have won this most prestigious title. I didn’t notice that any one of them was a champion at the time they were awarded this title.
Obedience Victor/Victrix – As stated on the Parent Club website, and I quote: “This prestigious and difficult to obtain title is awarded to the highest combined score in the Open B and Utility classes. Dogs meeting the following criteria will be awarded the title. The requirements are:
a) A combined score of not less than 380 points.
b) May have no disqualifying faults as described by the AKC standard for the GSD.
This is to be verified by an AKC approved breed judge at the time the award is given.
c) Spayed/neutered dogs who otherwise meet the breed standards are acceptable.”
From 1968 until 2009, 15 champions have been awarded this honor!
Performance Award of Merit (PAM) – As stated on the Parent Club website and I quote: “Given in recognition and appreciation of animals who display the versatility of the breed by performing in a variety of different performance events. To be eligible for this award a dog must have completed titles in three (3) different performance areas including: Obedience & Rally, Tracking, Herding, Agility, Working Dog Sport, or GSDCA-WD.” The requirements for this title is much more advanced so I recommend anyone interested in learning what is required for this class to check it out at: www.gsdca.com for a better description. From 2001 – 2006, I see listed five champions who have received this award.
So yes, a German Shepherd Dog can have it both ways, beauty and brains. Can all German Shepherds earn an obedience title? Yes! Can all German Shepherds win a conformation title? No! For my readers who are not a German Shepherd Dog Club of America member or for those who just own a beloved pet, let me explain to you the difference and why not all German Shepherds can be awarded both these titles. Like all breeds that are recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club), they all have a breed standard. The breed standard tells you what the proper conformation and temperament for a breed is supposed to be. If your dog has these necessary requirements and is registered with the AKC, then you can enter your dog in conformation classes for him to be judged with other dogs who meet the same requirements.
With obedience dogs, your dog doesn’t have to meet the requirements of conformation as set forth in the breed standard. He does however, need to pass the requirements for each level of obedience titles. So as you can see, all German Shepherds can be appreciated for the attributes of his breed. So although your dog may never hope to realize his championship (because he lacks the breed standard requirements), he can still go on proudly to achieve his obedience titles. Whereas, a dog who has achieved his championship title, he can also be trained and entered in obedience trials to attain his obedience titles.
So all German Shepherds regardless of their conformation attributes can be recognized for what this breed has become known for, their superior intelligence. Some have asked why more champions don’t achieve an obedience title as well. I’ve talked to some breeders about this. Some of them have told me that they are afraid to take away their exuberance in the show ring. They feel if they start teaching them to heal for obedience that they won’t pull out for the show ring. However, some of them are not against putting a conformation title on them first and then doing the obedience later.
Let me tell you what goes into producing winning dogs in the conformation ring. It’s not just about another pretty face. These dogs are trained just like the obedience dogs are, but only with a different goal in mind. From the time the German Shepherd puppy is born until maturity, his dedicated breeder has hopes and dreams for the special puppy of the litter. This puppy learns the basics of show dog training from a very early start. Belonging to many dog show lists, all one has to do is look how many people start stacking their youngsters in a show pose before they barely are weaned from their mothers!
The show dog puppy learns how to stack up for a show pose and hold that stance. He learns to have his teeth looked at just as the judge will do when he's in the show ring. He learns to stand for examination. He learns how to pull out on a lead. This is important for the show dog puppy. He will not be trained as an obedience puppy would who needs to be trained to heal by his owner’s side. This is not acceptable in the conformation ring. The German Shepherd is judged (among other things including his conformation and temperament) on his movement. In order for the judge to evaluate his movement, he needs to see the dog pull out ahead of the handler.
The show dog puppy as he matures is exercised and/or road worked. He is taught the ever “subtle” art of double handling from an early age so he knows to look for his owner when the dog is in the ring. It is important for the show dog to look alert when his handler shows him. A show dog has a certain “presence” in the ring. If he is a special one, all ringside and the judge will know it by the aura that surrounds him.
So like the obedience dog who needs hours and hours of devoted and constant training, so the show dog does as well only in a different way. Some dogs are born to be great. And although they may have all the potential to be so, unless their owner recognizes the need for training and conditioning these dogs, their potential can never hope to be realized.
As we can see every German Shepherd born can serve a purpose. It is up to his owner to bring out the best in his dog. While every German Shepherd isn’t meant to be a conformation show dog, every German Shepherd can and should achieve some degree of obedience training. I applaud and love it when I see conformation champions who also have obedience titles. Their owners have taken the time to bring out the very best in their animals and have recognized that the German Shepherd is not just known for their beauty, but for their intelligence as well. In fact if you were to ask the general public what they thought about our beloved breed, I would dare say that most would comment on this breeds mind and all the services that they provide to man.
My rating: obedience titled dogs: (4), conformation titled dogs: (4), obedience and conformation titled dogs: (4+++++++++++++++)!
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