German Shepherd is a kind of breed that caused different oppinion among different peple. While some see it fierce and threatening, some others, especially who had a German Shepherd look at it much more tenderedly.

The German Shepherd is often aloof – they don’t often walk right up to a stranger but size them up, as if silently figuring whether you are worth their time. Some dogs take longer than others to warm up and create a bond, but once that bond is made is a dog that will face any threat imaginable to protect their family.

It is this loyalty and sense of duty that has made the German Shepherd a dog that willingly guided the blind, works as law enforcement, herds livestock, competes not only in shows but in dog sports, is a friend to the military and performs countless duties in homes throughout the world.

In the late 1800s cavaly officer Capt. Max Von Stephanitz sought to perfect a dog for farm work. As with many animals bred for function, what was needed locally was different than the dogs available. The breed today takes the look of a defined breed but not all are the same. A dog developed as a show dog might look very different from one developed for police work, which may have a different body type from one working on the farm.

American soldiers brought the breed to the US after being introduced to the breed in the military. The breed is still today used to assist soldiers throughout the world.

By the standard, the male should be 24-26 inches at the shoulder with females 22-24. They should be longer than they are tall, with an image of power and grace. Disqualifications from show include: cropped or dropped ears, nose not mostly black, undershot jaw, docked tail and all white dogs. There are many many dogs that are larger than the standard, or all white dogs, as well as all black dogs, that are still fully German Shepherd. For those interested in details of show conformation requirements they can be found at http://www.akc.org/breeds/german_shepherd_dog/

In early development it was felt the GSD should be above everything utility and intelligence. The breed is still today a working machine…functional in the ability to cover ground easily whether after a loose cow or an escaped criminal. They are distinctive in appearance and although known by different names are the same breed throughout the world.

The GSD is one of the breeds some pet food companies have developed special formulas for. They are also many people who feed a raw meat and bones diet. An important factor in feeding German Shepherds is food selection. Do not feed for fast growth – it does not necessarily mean a bigger adult but can mean a weaker adult. High energy food that boosts fast growth should be avoided especially in the rapid growth time of 3-8 months of age. This reduces the chances of displasia later. While selection of breeding dogs and testing hips and elbows before breeding is certainly a factor, equally is diet.

Many things vary within this breed. One GSD charges fearlessly into a conflict that includes gunfire while another trembles in a thunderstorm. Some have been guilty of biting while others would never except under extreme threat threaten a human. Some are bold in any circumstance, some are borderline fearful. Handling and breeding can make an immense difference in this breed. Additionally the breeding and genetic markers for disease can affect an otherwise suitable working dog. Genetic issues affecting the eyes, skin, heart, neurological system, digestive and skeletal systems are all possible within the breed – and most are found by testing before breeding.

It is this testing and the maintaining of healthy, tested clean lines that makes a good GSD an investment. A few health issues to watch for besides the hip and elbow displasia include thyroid disorders, skin allergies, Addisons, vonWillebrand’s disease, heart murmurs, cardiomyopathy, epilepsy, wobbler syndrome and spinal bifida can all affect the breed. Many problems show up at under 2 years old. A condition called EPI, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, is another issue that can be overlooked.

A more complete list of the health issues that can affect the breed is at http://www.awsaclub.com/healthgenetics/caninegen.htm – and remember that although it can look like they are prone to every disease known to canines, many of these can be eliminated by genetics.

Although not genetic, owners of GSD should be familiar with the danger of bloat. Like many deep chested dogs, GSD is susceptible to this critical emergency that needs immediate medical attention. This condition is fast-striking and fatal.

Do not be deterred by the list of health issues in the breed – instead, use that to choose your dog wisely. Understand that without testing you have the risk of losing a dog you’ve become attached to – and it may well be worth $ 700-800 for a dog that has a healthy genetic family rather than getting one of unknown background for $ 150 then spending thousands treating problems that are lurking unseen. For a tested, working and show type dog bred for temperament, trainability and soundness do not be shocked by prices $ 1,500 or $ 2,000 and up. Many of these come with health and soundness guarantees.

Dogs of 12-15 years are not uncommon. With a reported average litter size of eight, it’s important to choose mates wisely.

The trainability of the German Shepherd is well documented. The movie “K-9” and it’s sequels revolved around a German Shepherd, as did the infamous Rin Tin Tin. The first seeing-eye dog in 1928 was a German Shepherd. The GSD is one of the most intelligent dogs in the canine world, in one test just behind the border collie and poodle. John Kennedy, Roy Rogers and Franklin D. Roosevelt kept GSD.

Schutzhund, a competition not for the faint of heart, is but one thing the GSD excells at. This competition tests the dog’s intelligence, soundness, tracking abilities, willingness to work, courage and trainability. While photos from these competitions show dogs scaling obstacles and making spectacular leaps to latch bites onto the arm of a “suspect” it’s important to remember these dogs are highly trained. They are not vicious…they are trained to get to a suspect, restrain them and ideally get them on the ground for the safety of their handlers.

No dog, German Shepherd or otherwise, should be teased or mistreated to induce aggression. The difference between an aggressive dog and a trained K-9 is extreme. A K-9’s training is based on play – an aggressive dog is based on survival, and this difference is critical to understand. It drives an aggressive dog to unspeakable acts and reflects poorly on the many great dogs of the breed that are highly trainable.

A good dog with obedience training doesn’t need special training for protection. These operate from a position of defense of the home – and the bark of a GSD is often enough to change the minds of someone who thinks they want to do harm. The natural protection instincts of a good GSD is normally sufficient to deal with a threat.

It is no surprise that there are many heroes in this breed. Ceasar, a K-9 handled by Corporal Mark Sarna of the Shaker Heights Ohio Police Department, had a resume that included drug detection, tracking suspects as well as being a certified therapy dog and friendly with children. Griff, a K-9 with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department, and his handler Deputy Kathy Wilmot is another awarded dog and a great illustration as to the unknown these dogs and their handlers can face. Called to a domestic disturbance where the suspect was threatening to burn down the house of a girlfriend with her and her kids in it, Griff tracked the suspect through freezing rain. While he wanted to continue, the humans insisted on returning to the command unit and before long a second call came in. The suspect returned to the home and was becoming violent. A very dangerous situation evolved with the suspect assaulting the dog and handlers, attempting to kill the dog hands on despite being tazered. Griff not only never gave up but never shifted position – he put himself between the suspect and his handler, willing to lay down his life if need be. After the incident was over it was learned the suspect had commited an armed robbery just hours before, was out on bond and had a previous stint of 13 years in prison.

In the dangerous work of police and military work many German Shepherds have paid the ultimate price for their instincts and training. They serve faithfully and have confronted the worst of humanity, not only on a daily basis but also in events such as the World Trade Center and Oklahoma City bombing.

Because these are bold, intelligent and trainable dogs they must have a home that will TRAIN them. Select a good, healthy dog and put the time into training them. This doesn’t take 6-8 hours per day…it’s teaching things in small ways on a day to day basis. Left to their own devices they will be unhappy and find their own means to entertain themselves, and you probably won’t like it. A bored, untrained dog can destroy vehicles, homes and lives. Once trained then you can sit back and enjoy your beautiful, functional, intelligent and well mannered dog.

For the right home the German Shepherd is a wonderful companion and security that doesn’t fail with power outages. If yours is the right home, do your homework and find the best dog for you. They’re a wonderful breed with a big heart.

A student practices the Heimlich Maneuver on a Hank Heimlich training doll. (L.E. Witcher Photography)

Cincinnati Reds fans can help the Heimlich Heroes program celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Heimlich Maneuver Reds home baseball games on June 7 and 8.

The Heimlich Heroes program teaches children ages seven and up how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver in order to save a person from choking to death.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Henry Heimlich, 94, developed the maneuver in 1974, while he was director of surgery at Cincinnatis Jewish Hospital. The maneuver has saved countless thousands of people from choking deaths since then.

You can find us in the Fan Zone before and during the game both days. We are excited to host a table set up to inform baseball fans about the Heimlich Maneuver and the Heimlich Heroes program, said program manager Terri Huntington. We encourage fans to use the drop box which will be set up so we can hear your story. Dr. Heimlich is planning to make an appearance and well also have Hank and Heidi our specially designed training dolls on hand so visitors to the table can actually practice the maneuver and learn how to save a life. Practicing the maneuver on a doll helps people gain confidence to act if they should encounter this situation in real life.”

The June 7 and 8 Cincinnati Reds weekend is the perfect time to remind families nationwide of the importance of learning the Heimlich Maneuver and acting quickly in order to save a life. Reds third baseman Todd Frazier was recognized as a Heimlich Hero for administering the Heimlich Maneuver to a man choking on a piece of steak at a Pittsburgh restaurant two years ago.

About 5,000 people die from choking each year because those around them do not know what to do, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Summer time is picnic time, and the chance of choking on a piece of food when talking, laughing or playing is increased, said Huntington. Hot dogs and pieces of hard candy are common choking hazards. This is the simplest first aid action proven to prevent a choking death and this teaching is critical to young and old alike. Four minutes is all you have before lack of oxygen to the brain causes permanent injury or death.

Heimlich Heroes is expanding rapidly throughout the country in school systems, national youth clubs, and other health-conscious organizations.

In the past few months alone, the program has trained more than 1,100 children ages seven through 18 in nine different states. For more information about the Heimlich Heroes program, visit the website at: http://www.heimlichheroes.com

Dr. Heimlich’s memoir, Heimlich’s Maneuvers: My Seventy Years of Lifesaving Innovation (Prometheus Books, 2014) describes how he came up with the Heimlich Maneuver and many other lifesaving innovations. It is available in bookstores and online.

Contact: Terri Huntington Email: thuntington(at)deaconess-cinti(dot)com Phone: (513) 559-2468

The Heimlich Heroes program is a Deaconess Associations, Inc. and Heimlich Institute initiative that teaches children ages seven and up how to become super heroes by learning to perform the Heimlich Maneuver correctly in order to save a life.

Clicker training for dogs is one of the most scientific ways to bring out the best behavior in dogs. Clicker training for dogs is one of the most scientific and efficient dog behavior training as it eliminates all the problems that exist with the dog. Clicker puppy training and the behavior conditioning is really important if you want to see your dog excelling in all aspects. This method surely gives you the edge over other trainers training their dogs using different methods. The clicker training for dogs will not only enable your dog to understand all signals but will also help you to understand all the practical conditions under which certain animal reactions arises.

With the positive reinforcements and behavior motivation that arises from the clicker training your dog will be trained in a positive way. To understand the clicker training for dogs you first need to understand what a clicker is. It is a plastic toy which makes a distinctive clicking noise with the in-built metal strip. You will be able to learn about the different psychological problems that will be faced by the dog during its training and the measures required coping with them.

The basic advantages of the clicker training for dog are as follows:

An automatic development of bonding and mutual respect between the dog and the handler.

It is a sort of motivational training that is not only scientific and it does not involve any violent punishments, which for the record never helps.

Clicker puppy training is the best and it trains the dog from a very young age and firmly imprints the lessons in its mind.

The clicker training for dogs makes it stress free and happy and hence it has a healthy effect on the overall growth of the animal.

The clicker training for dogs actually encompasses a set of steps that will help your dog to understand all that is required from it. The first is that of the conditioning. Now conditioning can be distinguished into the operant conditioning and the classical conditioning. This actually includes the understanding for the dog that if it is successful in performing what was desired, it will be repaid in the way it expects. Like if you want your dog to greet you every time you return from the workplace you should understand that your dog will want to be repaid for the affection it is showing. It is not only about belly rubs or a friendly as you need to make the dog understand that you are its true companion and you will never harm it.

Positive reinforcement is another something that should be employed while training your dog. Like in the clicker training with the sound of the clicker it knows that it is being appreciated. So that is the motivational and the driving force for it to perform the work it will be doing.

The clicker training for dogs is an efficient tool so use it wisely and make yourself the proud owner of a trained dog.

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Ashley Starling – Owner

In an effort to better serve his current clients and dog owners throughout San Luis Obispo County and beyond, Ashley Starling, owner of Canine Tutors, a local dog training company, is pleased to announce the launch of his new company website. The new site, caninetutors.com, is more responsive to the latest advances in technology and therefore allows visitors to peruse dog obedience training videos and additional information on their Smartphones, iPhones, tablets and more.

It was time to update my site to allow more dog owners the ability to view information and videos wherever they may be on the go, while traveling instead of only through their laptop or desktop computer, said Starling. The new site allows me to add more training information and, most importantly, allows dog owners access to a wide variety of important topics that are pertinent to their particular needs.

Cleaner, less cluttered, more information, 100+ videos, and easier to navigate these are the advantages that Starling points to when discussing Canine Tutors Dog Trainings new website. Having the ability to share his dog training techniques in a simple, easy-to-follow fashion is key to his success, according to Starling. Its the way he teaches clients in person and now, with even more videos available on his site, a way to connect with dog owners who want to know more about his methods.

When a client puts my techniques into practice, they see immediate results, said Starling. For those who may be curious about what I have to offer, the website is a way to get a lot of valuable information. I can almost guarantee that they will want to know more and thats when it is time to give me a call and set up an appointment for some one-on-one training.

And when that time comes, Starling offers a free evaluation and consultation to dog owners throughout San Luis Obispo County to help them decide if Canine Tutors Dog Training is the right choice before deciding to enroll in classes.

It has always been my belief that people appreciate true knowledge when they see it, said Starling, and that is what they will see when they view the videos on the Canine Tutors Dog Training website. I dont hold anything back what you see online is what really happens when I introduce my methods of dog training. I also offer the first training lesson at no cost that is an added bonus.

The caninetutors.com website will be updated frequently with new dog obedience training videos and tips, according to Starling. In doing so, Starling says he wants to show dog owners just how easy it is to get results.

The way I train, and this comes through in my videos, in non-punitive, said Starling. I keep the dog happy and I get results that work in real world settings. I love what I do and I love sharing my knowledge with others. Every dog has the ability to be a well-trained family dog and I can make that happen.

Check out the new Canine Tutors Dog Training website at caninetutors.com for more information on private training, upcoming seminars and how to arrange for a free first lesson of dog training. Contact owner and dog trainer Ashley Starling at (805) 400-8309 or through the websites online contact form at caninetutors.com.

Press release by Access Publishing, a San Luis Obispo web design and SEO company specializing in small businesses throughout the county. Access Publishing is located at 806 9thSt. 2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446. (805) 226-9890.