THE GERMAN SHEPHERD SENTINEL
AUGUST 2005 - NEWSLETTER OF THE
GSDC OF GREATER RALEIGH
Pat Embrey, Newsletter Editor
1390 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504
PH: 919-934-6232, E-Mail: VonRillca@aol.com
Website: www.gsdcofgrraleigh.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Board Policy on Dogs at Club Sponsored Events
2. August Meeting Information
3. July Minutes
4. An Overview of Canine Ehrlichiosis
5. Playing It Safe In Homes With Dogs
6. May I Pet Your Dog
7. Schutzhund
8. Vaccinations – Necessary or Not
BOARD POLICY ON DOGS AT CLUB SPONSORED EVENTS
The GSDC of Greater Raleigh welcomes your German Shepherd at our events, including meetings. However, the following rules must be followed:
Anyone with an aggressive dog (one that growls, snaps, or is in any way aggressive towards other dogs or people) must be muzzled.
Dogs will be free of loose hair and external parasites (fleas or ticks). Please brush your dog prior to bringing it to the meeting as we must clean up the room after we are finished.
For the safety of all members, guests and their dogs, it is strongly recommended that all dogs be kept up to date on their vaccinations. ALL dogs that are old enough, MUST have a current rabies shot.
AUGUST MEETING INFORMATION
The next meeting of the GSDC of Greater Raleigh will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be at the Exchange Park on Spring Forest Road as usual. Our program will be given by Jennifer Shryock who is a canine behaviorist. This will be a really informative program. Refreshments will be furnished by Sarah Bridges.
July 6, 2005 Meeting Minutes
Program: Margot Bennett of the NC Puppy Raising Region of the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Program came to discuss fostering a dog for the school. She brought her dog, who will stay with her for a year before entering formal training. The school graduates about 150 dogs each year and also has an outstanding Labrador Retriever breeding program. She also showed a wonderful video of how the program is run.
Business Meeting: Deeda Duncan announced the Mary Bjelica has graciously agreed to be our event planner, program coordinator and picnic planner.
Opening day of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Nationals in Concord is November 5 and our club is planning on participating in the club parade event. Sara has information on having a banner made and Mary is looking at getting t-shirts made with our club logo on them. The price of the banner is $6 per square foot and we will probably have a 2’x6’ banner for a total of $72. Let Deeda know if you are interested in going. Bill has arranged for the club to have a table at the dinner, so you need to make plans now so the club knows how many to plan for. Any of the members who have never attended a German Shepherd National should make arrangements to attend, as they will see the largest assembly of gorgeous German Shepherds it will ever be you opportunity to see in North Carolina with several hundred (that is right, several HUNDRED ) dogs being entered. There will be conformation, obedience, herding, agility, and every other program that can be offered for the German Shepherd dog.
The GSDC of Greenville, SC is having a specialty fun match on July 30 indoors. You can pre-enter for $5 or pay $7 the day of the match. This is a new club starting up and Deeda asks that we try to go and support their efforts.
The AKC asks that clubs sponsor some sort of event for their annual Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Ideas are to do something like a health clinic or a chip clinic. Their demo is on September 10.
Bill Pfeiffer reported that GSDC of Greater Raleigh 2006 show to be held at the fairgrounds at the same time as the Tar Heel Show and will have grooming areas available. The day crate area will also be available for our show participants. Also he talked about a Vet Lab out near Hwy 540 and 70 for dog rehabilitation and dog performance improvement research. The cost is low because they are gathering data for a study they are doing.
Treasurer’s Report: Sara distributed a copy of the treasurer’s report. The AKC has asked for an up to date list of club members to be sent to them AKC and Sarah has agreed to do it.
An Overview of Canine Ehrlichiosis [air-lick-ee-OH-sis]
http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/CLERK/Bockino/
Lauren Bockino, DVM; Paula M. Krimer, DVM, DVSc; Kenneth S. Latimer, DVM, PhD; and Perry J. Bain, DVM, PhD
Class of 2003, Ross University, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts, West Indies (Bockino) and Department of Pathology (Krimer, Latimer, Bain), College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-7388
Introduction
The Ehrlichiae are a group of small, gram-negative, pleiomorphic, obligate intracellular cocci that infect different blood cells in various animal species and in humans. There has recently been a reclassification of the family Anaplasmataceae to which the Ehrlichiae belong.8 According to this new classification there are two leukotrophic diseases in dogs that are caused by bacteria in the genus Ehrlichia, namely, Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (caused mainly by Ehrlichia canis) and Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (caused by Ehrlichia ewingii). It should be noted that cross-reactivity and co-infection is common among the ehrlichiae.7 Classically, canine ehrlichiosis presents as a rather non-specific multisystemic disorder with the primary complaints being depression, lethargy, mild weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, with or without hemorrhagic tendencies. Furthermore, patients may present with uveitis and/or retinal petechiae, polymyositis, polyarthritis, and central nervous system signs.2 Hematologic abnormalities most commonly associated with canine ehrlichiosis include nonregenerative anemia and thrombocytopenia. Serum chemistry commonly reveals hyperglobulinemia (monoclonal or polyclonal gammopathy), hypoalbuminemia, and low albumin-globulin ratio.5
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis)
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME), caused by E. canis, is an acute to chronic disease of monocytes, and is the ehrlichial disease most extensively studied. This organism is primarily transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. It is seen mostly in the southeastern and southwestern United States, although it is recognized in all states and worldwide. Amblyomma and Dermacentor ticks have also been implicated in transmission of this disease.3 Dogs may present with variable clinical signs, but thrombocytopenia with bleeding tendencies is the most consistent presenting complaint in dogs in both the acute and chronic stages of the disease.1 During the acute stage, splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly are common. In the chronic stage, widespread hemorrhage and increased mononuclear cell infiltration of organs may also be evident. Hematologic changes include nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Pancytopenia may occur as a result of hypoplasia of all bone marrow precursor cells, more commonly in the severe chronic phase.4 Some dogs may develop a secondary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and have an acute hemolytic crisis, and, thus, a positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs') test.1
Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia ewingii)
Canine Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (CGE) caused by Ehrlichia ewingii, is a disease of neutrophils and, rarely, eosinophils. CGE classically presents with mild signs including fever, lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, severe but transient thrombocytopenia, and transient mild nonregenerative anemia with ineffective erythropoeisis. Commonly, the major presenting clinical signs associated with E. ewingii include lameness and joint swelling due to polyarthritis. This form of ehrlichiosis is generally seen in the southern and mideastern United States.1,4 Ticks including Ixodes pacificus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma americanum (especially in North Carolina), and Ixodes scapularis (damminni) have been implicated as vectors.3,6
Pathogenesis of Ehrlichiosis
The pathogenesis of infection with E. canis is the most extensively studied; therefore this discussion will focus on this particular species.
Infection occurs through salivary secretions of the tick at the attachment site during ingestion of a blood meal or through blood transfusions. If the adult Rhipicephalus sanguineus engorges on the dog during the acute stage, it can transmit the disease to other dogs for at least 155 days following detachment.1 Transmission by Rhipicephalus sanguineus is transstadial: the tick acquires the bacteria by feeding on an infected dog in either the larvae or nymph form and the tick transmits the disease to another dog as either the nymph or adult form. The life cycle of Ehrlichia is not yet completely understood but it is thought that it occurs in three intracellular forms. The initial bodies are small spherical structures (1-2 micrometers in diameter) which are believed to develop into larger multiple membrane-bound units known as morulae. The morulae are inclusions within the cytoplasm of the leukocyte as seen in Figure 1. This morula is thought to then dissociate into small granules called elementary bodies.
After an incubation period of 8-20 days, the acute phase of infection occurs which lasts 2-4 weeks. At this time, the organism multiplies within circulating mononuclear cells and the mononuclear phagocytes within the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The infected cells are then transported in circulation to the rest of the body, with a predilection for the the lungs, kidneys and meninges. Cells infected with ehrlichia adhere to the vascular endothelium and induce a vasculitis and subendothelial tissue infection. This subsequently leads to platelet consumption, sequestration, and destruction that results in the thrombocytopenia seen during this acute phase. Variable leukocyte counts and anemia may also develop progressively during this stage.1 After 6-9 weeks, dogs will either eliminate the parasite (if immunocompetent) or develop a parasitemia in which clinical signs absent to mild to severe. This stage is also characterized by variable persistence of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia. Dogs that cannot mount an effective immune response will become chronically infected.1
Diagnosis
Definitive diagnosis of CME requires visualization of morula within monocytes on cytology, detection of E. canis serum antibodies with the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and/or gel blotting (Western immunoblotting).
On cytology, ehrlichiae stain dark blue to purple with Romanowsky stain. The morulae are well-defined, round to oval, eosinophilic to basophilic bodies found in host membrane-lined vacuoles within the cytoplasm of the mononuclear cells.1
In dogs experimentally infected with E. canis, the IFA test has detected serum antibodies as early as 7 days after initial infection, although some dogs do not become seropositive until 28 days post-infection. If ehrlichiosis is highly suspected clinically in a seronegative dog, serology should be repeated in 2-3 weeks. In the past, titers of IgG antibodies of >1:80 have been considered diagnostic,1 but the most recent research has indicated that titers <1:80 should be deemed suspect and serology should be repeated in 2-3 weeks or a PCR or Western immunoblotting should be considered. A diagnosis should be made and treatment instituted when clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities consistent with canine ehrlichiosis are found.2
There are a few potential downfalls of using the IFA test for the diagnosis of E. canis infection. One major concern exists in endemic areas with dogs that are chronically infected and have a positive titer, but are otherwise healthy or show non-specific clinical signs. In these dogs, a positive antibody titer does indicate past exposure to E. canis, does not prove that ehrlichiosis is necessarily an active infection or the cause of the presenting clinical signs. In dogs with non-specific clinical signs, a repeat IFA test after 1 or 2 weeks may be beneficial to differentiate between primary E. canis infection and another secondary disease. Antibody titers to E. canis should increase with active infection. Furthermore, one must consider co-infection with multiple tick-borne diseases caused by agents such as other Ehrlichiae, Rickettsia species, Bartonella species, and Babesia canis. Disease caused by any of these agents may be clinically, hematologically, and serologically indistinguishable from each other. In addition, the immunodominant proteins of E. canis have been shown to serologically cross-react with those of E. chaffeensis (the agent that causes Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis). Studies have shown that serologic testing by IFA could not consistently distinguish between infections of these two species. Interpretation of E. canis serology should include the consideration of the disease process, cross-reactivities with other ehrlichial species, the possibility of multiple tick-borne infections, and persistent IFA antibody titers post-treatment. Antibody titers be used to gauge the success or failure of treatment of CME. Treatment success should be based on remission of clinical signs, a decline in E. canis antibody titers and a concurrent decrease in gammaglobulin concentrations.7
PCR amplification is also a sensitive method for the detection of acute E. canis although there are currently several potential limitations. It is recommended that this method be used in addition to serology for the initial diagnosis of ehrlichiosis, not instead of it.2
The diagnosis of CGE differs from that of CME as E. ewingii has not yet been cultivated in an in vitro system, therefore antigens have not been available for comparative serological testing. Diagnosis of CGE requires visualization of morula within neutrophils in peripheral blood (Figure 2), joint effusions, and PCR or Western immunoblot.3 In a study using Western immunoblots, sera from dogs that were experimentally infected with E. ewingii were tested on E. canis antigens. Although there were no reactions with the dominant E. canis antigens, the sera produced binding patterns similar to those of anti-E. canis sera with high molecular proteins. This also may help with the diagnosis of CGE.7
Treatment and Prevention
The mainstay of prevention of canine ehrlichiosis is tick control. The drug of choice for treatment for all forms of ehrlichiosis is doxycycline for at least one month. There should be dramatic clinical improvement within 24-48 hours following initiation of treatment in dogs with acute-phase or mild chronic-phase disease. During this time, platelet counts begin to increase and should be normal within 14 days after initiation of treatment.1,2 Polyarthritis associated with E. ewingii may be self-limiting.3 Previous infection does not confer lifelong immunity, and dogs can become reinfected with the same or other ehrlichial species after re-exposure to infective ticks.
References
1. Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC: Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat, vol. 1, 5th ed. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 2000, pp. 402-406.
2. Neer TM, Breitschwerdt EB, Greene RT, Lappin, MR: Consensus statement on ehrlichial disease of small animals from the Infectious Disease Study Group of the ACVIM. J Vet Intern Med 16:309-315, 2002.
3. Goldman EE, Breitschwerdt EB, Grindem CB, Hegarty BC, Walls JJ, Dumler JS: Granulocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs from North Carolina and Virginia. J Vet Intern Med 12:61-70, 1998.
4. Neer TM: Canine monocytic and granulocytic ehrlichiosis. In: Greene CE (ed): Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, 2nd ed. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, 1998, pp.139-147.
5. Varela F, Font X, Valladares JE, Alberola J: Thrombocytopenia and light-chain proteinuria in a dog naturally infected with Ehrlichia canis. J Vet Intern Med 11:309-311, 1997.
6. Wolf L, McPherson T, Harrison B, Engber B, Anderson A, Whitt P: Prevalence of Ehrlichia ewingii in Amblyomma americanum in North Carolina. J Clin Microbiol 38:2795, 2000.
7. Waner T, Harrus S, Jongejan F, Bark H, Keysary A, Cornelissen A: Significance of serological testing for ehrlichial diseases in dogs with special emphasis on the diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by Ehrlichia canis. Vet Parasitol 95:1-15, 2001.
8. Ehrlichia Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Playing it Safe in Homes with Dogs
Jennifer ShryockChildren and dogs are drawn to one another like magnets. Most dogs accept and enjoy children. It is important to keep in mind, however, that ALL dogs have a tolerance limit. Too often it is assumed that because there has not been a problem that there will not ever be one. This can be a TRAGIC misconception!
“He always let the kids do anything to him—until he snapped, out of the blue!” “He usually loves to play with the kids; I have no idea what happened.”
I read these remarks in the news and hear them on a daily basis in my practice. I believe education is the only way to help decrease the occurrence of these sad situations. Dogs indicate stress and or potential conflict in many ways prior to a growl, snap or bite. It is our responsibility to know what to look for to decrease the risk of conflict between our dogs and children. It is also our role to respect dogs when they indicate they have had enough or might be uncomfortable. A dog that bites often does not get a second chance. Once a bite happens, it leaves the entire family and the bite victim feeling guilty, sad and fearful, and maybe even angry.
Learning about subtle cues dogs offer that indicate stress or potential conflict helps empower adults and children to make safer choices when encountering a familiar or unfamiliar dog. This is the first step toward prevention. I encourage you to learn, so that you can have a wonderful and respectful lifelong bond with your family companion and other dogs your family encounters. The Web site www.familypaws.com/communication is a terrific resource on dog body language and a dog’s subtle cues. Another site, www.doggonesafe.com, also offers great examples of subtle cues and what to look for.
Spring is here, and there are barbeques, neighbor gatherings, etc. Here are some things to take into consideration when children are visiting a friend’s home or your own. Planning ahead and having options is the key to success for all.
1. Plan if and how introductions will take place.
2. Be aware if a visiting child is fearful of dogs. If so, then it might be best for dog and child not to be introduced.
3. Have a place for your dog to safely have quiet time away from the children: a crate, yard, or gated off area that the kids are not going to disturb him.
4. Do not assume that your dog will accept every child the same way. Dogs will react differently toward each child.
5. Be careful around food, as this is an opportunity that could lead to a guarding situation. Even if your dog is fine with your taking food, do not assume this is true of other adults or children.
6. ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADULT SUPERVISION NO MATTER WHAT, when the dog is around children. If an adult is not there to defer to when a dog is stressed, then he will defer to his own natural responses. Licking lips, head turning, moving away, yawning. These are all subtle signals that kids often miss or misinterpret. These signals are usually displayed in the dog’s efforts to reduce stress or conflict prior to showing teeth, snarling, growling or biting. I highly recommend the game DOGGONE CRAZY! (www.doggonecrazy.ca) to help your children learn about “dog language” and these signals. It is amazingly fun and effective.
7. Consider tethering the dog to you, or keeping him on a leash while visitors are there.
8. If your dog is not comfortable with kids, then respect that and get help from a dog behavior consultant to work on helping him be more comfortable. It’s okay to put the dog away. When in doubt, leave him out (of the situation).
9. If it’s a dog home, then there must be a kid zone! This is a place the dog can not enter without an adult, and is the kids’ play space that is completely dog-free.
10. If there are multiple dogs in the home, then consider only allowing one out with you at a time—under strict supervision!
11. When your child visits a home with a dog, be sure to ask about the rules and safety measures that the parents have in place.
12. Trust your gut. Follow your instincts. If it feels unsafe, it most likely is. Do not wait to find out.
13. Never allow children to play in a yard unsupervised, if a dog is in the yard.
14. Be aware of other dogs in the environment where children are playing outside.
15. PRAISE your dog for appropriate and desired behavior when guests are visiting.
Most of all, be safe and have fun!
For information and resources visit www.familypaws.com and www.doggonesafe.com
Jennifer Shryock B.A. CDBC
Jennifer is an experienced Mom and dog behavior consultant. The focus of her private practice is education for families with children and dogs to help increase safety and fun for all.
May I pet your dog?
Education is the key to empowering children in a variety of situations to make smart and safer choices. This is true when it comes to dogs. I hear parents giving advise to ask the stranger holding the dog, “May I pet your dog?” We also teach to ask “Is your dog friendly?” Is this the safe advice? Why is it we tell our kids not to talk to strangers but we some how trust the strangers with dogs to be honest about their dogs friendliness and behavior?
This is a very risky. As a canine behavior consultant I can tell you that many dog parents do NOT like to share their dog’s fiesty behavior record. It is with this in mind that I suggest and recommend that parents and children become familiar with canine body language so that they can take the full situation into consideration. Here are some things to consider.
1. Are there other dogs in the area?
2. Is it a crowded noisy environment?
3. Are you confident that this person would tell you if their furry baby has a bite history?
4. Is the dog listening to the handler?
5. Is the dog interested in interacting?
A. Is it hot?
B. Is the dog tired?
C. Is he fearful?
6. Are there many children wanting to pet the dog all at once?
7. Is your child wound up and really excited?
8. Is your child eye level with the dog?
9. Does your child have food on their hands, face, or clothing?
10. Is the dog showing fear?
A. tucking tail
B. turning its head away, licking lips.
C. cowering, growling or shaking
D. Hiding behind handler
E. Yawning?
Any of these alone or combined may indicate that the dog is experiencing stress in this situation. Consider the dogs total posture and the environment when making a decision to approach or not.
These are just some of the things that need to be taken into consideration before parents allow their children to meet an unfamiliar and even familiar dog. The key to setting kids up for success with our canine friends is providing education that will help them to recognize a safe and unsafe situation.
For more information on dog bite statistics and prevention visit www.familypaws.com Handouts on dog bite prevention are available for reprint by request.
Schutzhund--Devotion to Quality Breeding and Progressive Training
http://gillsgermanshepherds.com/main.htm
This article appeared in Dog World Magazine and The German Shepherd Quarterly.
In 1903, recognizing the detrimental effects of breeding for fashion and what Max vom Stephanitz (recognized by most as the father of the German Shepherd Dog – see the previous article in this months Sentinel) called "kennel breeding" (the keeping and breeding of many dogs), the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhund (SV) drew up a scheme of tests to evaluate the breeding programs of their emerging, yet beloved German Shepherd Dog.
These tests or "efficiency trials" were known as "Der Deutsche Schäferhund als Diensthund" (the German Shepherd Dog as Service Dog") and were also used to prove the breed's value to the police and military. Over time "Diensthund" (Police Dog) evolved into the broader "Schutzhund" (Protection Dog)--the sport enjoyed worldwide today.
The Schutzhund Trial
The Schutzhund Trial is a series of complex tests designed to make breeding from ignorance or callousness less rewarding, if not downright difficult. Each dog must prove he is of sound mind and body or is deemed unworthy for breeding. The ignorant or callous breeder cannot produce dogs (in any consistent manner) of the caliber necessary to pass muster and are therefore discouraged from breeding altogether. In addition, the considerable time and effort spent training and conditioning the dog develops a greater understanding of the physical and mental attributes required of the breed, further promoting good breeding practices. And, consequently, the quantity of one on one time necessary for training encourages deep bonds, mutual respect, and a good relationship between trainer and dog.
The Sport in the United States
The sport of Schutzhund gained a firm foothold in this country in 1978 when The United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USA) filed Articles of Incorporation. The Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportverein (DVG), translated: German Club for the Sport Dog, was founded in 1980 and continues in full force today. In the early '80s, the now defunct North American Schutzhund Association (NASA), was also formed to campaign for the sport on this continent, but quickly lost ground as USA and DVG underwent rapid growth. Despite an overall antidog atmosphere in many communities, the sport of Schutzhund continues growing in popularity--to the great benefit of the breeds involved.
A Truly International Sport
Schutzhund trials worldwide generally follow one set of rules set forth by the Verein für Deutsche Hunde (VDH), the German regulatory organization for rules and regulations. Slight adjustments to the rules are made by the VDH from time to time as the sport continues to evolve. Each year world championships are held - one all breed championship (the FCI World Championship) and several breed specific world championships. The German Shepherd Championship is called the WUSV World Championship and is held in a different country each fall.
The Basics
A Schutzhund Trial, is broken down into three distinct phases each worth 100 points (300 points for a perfect score). The first phase is tracking, which tests the dog's scenting ability, trainability, and physical and mental endurance; the second is obedience, which tests the dog's overall temperament, structural efficiencies, and willingness to work for his handler; the final phase is protection, which tests the dog's courage, physical strength, stability, and obedience and character while in a higher drive.
There are three levels of achievement called titles or degrees. The dog must pass his Schutzhund I (the first level) before he is allowed to compete at the next level and he must pass the Schutzhund II before being able to compete for his Schutzhund III (the final level). At the start of the trial, the judge performs a brief temperament evaluation on all participating dogs. Overly aggressive or uncontrollable dogs are dismissed from the trial before ever stepping onto the competition field! The dog must then achieve a minimum score of 70 points in tracking, 70, points in obedience, and 80 points in protection under an authorized judge during an authorized event in order to pass and proceed to the next level. All three phases are done in succession on the same day and all three must be passed on that day. Because of the length of time necessary to evaluate each dog, the trial is limited to just 12 dogs per day. At a typical trial, competitors (and hardy spectators) meet for tracking at 6:30 a.m. and often work through till late in the afternoon, making for a grueling, but exciting day!
At least two weeks prior to competing for his Schutzhund title, a dog must pass the "Begleithunde" or "Companion Dog" test at an approved Schutzhund Trial. The "B" was developed as a preliminary character evaluation test involving a shortened obedience (Pass/Fail) routine (see "Obedience" below) plus a traffic safety examination involving joggers, crowds, bikes, cars, loud noises, gun shots, bells, and strange dogs - all designed to weed out overly aggressive or nervous dogs from the gene pool and discourage those dogs from participating in the sport. All dogs must pass the "B" to prove they have sound temperament before being allowed to compete for a Schutzhund title.
All scores (even failing ones) are recorded in a dog's scorebook which is presented to the judge at the start of each trial. If a dog does not complete all phases of the trial, the reason(s) for his dismissal are also recorded. A copy of the trial results are filed with the main office.
The tracking portion of the Schutzhund III title consists of a track of approximately 800 normal paces at least sixty minutes old, laid by a stranger with three articles and four 90° turns. The handler follows the dog on or off leash 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) behind.
The only visible indication of the track is the starting flag. The scent of the track must not be disturbed when an article is placed (the track layer must not scoff or stop). The articles, which must not differ in color from the terrain, cannot be greater than the size of a wallet and are often much smaller. One dog/handler team reports to the judge and then begins the track. At the start of the track, the dog must take sufficient time to absorb the scent, he must pick up the scent and proceed with a deep nose. Air scenting or varying from the exact track is penalized. A slow, methodical tracking dog is preferred--accuracy, not speed is prized. The dog is judged on his intensity, confidence, accuracy, and obedience on the track.
When the dog finds an article, he must immediately indicate that he has done so without being influenced by the handler. The indication can be accomplished by lying down, sitting, or a standing stay. (The dog may also indicate the article by picking it up.) The handler drops the leash and proceeds to the dog. He lifts the article high in the air to indicate to the judge that the article has been found. The handler then gives the command to continue the track, again following 10 meters behind the dog. When the dog finds the third article, the track is completed. The team reports back to the judge, presents the articles to him, and stands for critique. A detailed critique is given and addressed to the audience. To compete successfully on a national level, a dog should be able to track 97-100 points consistently!
Obedience
After all the dogs finish tracking, the obedience takes place. The ideal field is about the size of a regulation soccer field. Two dog/handler teams report on field to the judge. One handler is instructed to place his dog in a long down and move 40 paces away and out of sight. This dog must remain in the down position without influence from the handler while the other dog completes all but the last exercise. He must remain motionless in the designated spot until picked up by the handler.
The second team begins their exercises once the first handler is out of sight. All exercises start from the basic position (dog sitting on the left of the handler his shoulder even with the handler's left leg) and are performed off leash. The handler is only permitted to use a voice command when starting the exercise or when changing pace. Hand signals are not allowed and body language is pointed as handler help. When the handler comes to a stop, the dog should come to the sit position without command. The team must be precise and spirited. The dog should perform the exercises quickly, willingly, and without extraneous handler help. Dogs that are slow to perform the exercises or show stress are pointed heavily.
There are a total of 10 exercises with a varience in the number of points earned for each. There is a possible maximum number of 100 points that can be earned for the obedience phase of the trial. For a complete description of each exercise, visit http://gillsgermanshepherds.com/main.htm.
At the completion of both obedience exercises, the teams report to the judge and stand for critique. The critique is detailed in nature and addressed to the audience. The score is given at the end of each critique.
Protection
The final phase is the Manwork portion of the event. This phase is held after the obedience on the same field. The obedience equipment is removed and replaced with six hiding places (blinds) for the helper (decoy). You will note that during this final phase, the dog is under complete control of the handler and is not allowed to touch the helper in any way except under attack or to prevent an escape. Even then, when commanded, the dog must release the grip immediately and guard the helper without touching him further.
The helper is placed in a blind out of sight of the dog. One team reports to the judge then proceeds down field to Blind 1. Upon command the dog searches the blind, the handler commands the dog to come and redirects him to Blind 2. This continues until the dog finds the helper. (5 points)
Upon discovery, the dog must not touch the helper in any way but indicates to the handler by barking that he has found the decoy. Upon the judge's request, the handler walks to within four paces of the dog. The dog must remain intently barking at the helper. The handler then calls the dog to the basic position. The handler orders the helper to leave the blind. The handler commands the dog to down. He leaves the dog to search the helper and then searches the blind. (5 points)
As the handler is searching the blind, the judge signals the helper who escapes by running swiftly. Without command, the dog must stop the escape by firmly gripping the padded protective arm. The judge signals the helper to stop the escape and stand firm. The handler commands the dog to release and guard. The dog must immediately release his grip and guard the decoy intently without touching him further. The judge then signals the helper to move aggressively forward into the dog waving a padded stick. The dog must immediately move into the attack without influence from the handler. He must firmly grip the helper to stop him from further aggression. When the dog has gripped firmly, two hits with the padded stick are executed. (The hits from the padded stick are carefully placed and are not painful but create a threatening sound.) Upon direction from the judge, the helper again stands still and the handler commands the dog to release the grip. The handler goes to the dog and commands him to the basic position. (35 points)
The handler directs the helper to move forward as the dog and handler heel 5 paces behind for a distance of 50 paces and two turns. (5 points)
After 50 paces, the helper will turn without warning and attack the handler. The dog must stop the attack without command. When directed by the judge, the helper stops the attack and stands still. The handler commands the dog to release and guard. The helper is then disarmed. The dog, handler, and helper then proceed to the judge who is 20 meters away. The dog is heeling between the handler and the helper and may not bother the helper during this side transport back to the judge.
After reporting to the judge, the team heels down field as the helper leaves and a second decoy moves into a blind midway down field. When the team is ready, the judge signals the helper out of hiding. The handler calls to the helper to stop, but he turns and runs away from the team. The handler calls again, but the helper ignores him. The handler then gives the command to pursue and releases the dog. When the dog is 40 paces away from the helper, the judge signals the helper to turn and charge at the dog threatening him with the padded stick. The dog must not show signs of intimidation, but continue the pursuit confidently into the grip. After "catching" the dog, the helper will briefly continue forward into the dog then stop the aggression. The handler who is at least 40 paces away, commands the dog to release and guard. Upon direction of the judge, the helper reattacks the dog threatening with the padded stick. After the dog has gripped the protective arm firmly, the helper gives two stick hits and stops the aggression upon the judge's direction. The handler, who has not moved from his position 40 paces away, commands the dog to release and guard. When directed by the judge, the handler goes to the dog who has been intently guarding the decoy, and commands him to down. He then disarms the helper and takes the dog to the heel position, placing the dog between himself and the helper. The three proceed to the judge who is at least 20 meters away. The Attack, Pursuit, and Courage Test (10+10+25 = 45 Points)
After reporting to the judge. The team and the helper stand for critique. The critique is detailed and addressed to the audience.
The judge is required to dismiss any dog who does not release the grip or who leaves the helper. He may also dismiss a dog at his discretion should he feel the dog is not under sufficient control.
The Confusion Over Protection
Schutzhund without its protection phase is worthless as a breed evaluation tool. The protection phase is the most maligned, but crucial phase of the Schutzhund Trial. Because it is here where the dog's heart is tested, his true character challenged. The dog who is overly aggressive or uncontrollable will never be able to pass muster. So too the fear-biter, who lacks the courage to make the grade, is dismissed. These unwanted, dangerous characteristics are then systematically taken out of the gene pool. The nature of the dog is proven in the protection phase - to the benefit of the breed and society!
The Protection phase of this sport provokes some controversy because it involves biting sequences. However, anyone witnessing an authorized Schutzhund Trial can attest to the absolute control exhibited on and off the field. To many competitors, Schutzhund is a family sport. Children are often seen frolicking with their dogs before and after the dog leaves the protection field. This seems impossible or foolish to the uneducated. But this "on/off" switch is a product of good breeding and proper bite training - not junk yard, guard dog, attack training. Behaviorists call this "stimulus control". Ricardo Carbajol states in his article "The Schutzhund Protection Test, Temperaments Quality Control" in the Jan/Feb 1994 issue of Schutzhund USA. "A side effect of stimulus control is that once you place the behavior on cue it is far less likely to occur unless the cue is given. In fact, so strong is this principle that animal behaviorists use it to get rid of unwanted behaviors such as digging, barking, licking, even biting. The principle simply is: if you don't want a behavior, put it on cue, and then don't give the cue.
In Schutzhund a variety of cues signal to the dog that it is time to do "bite-work". The training field, the presence of blinds (portable hiding places for the decoy), a person dressed in a protection suit waving a stick in the air and making noises and threatening gestures are all clear "go" signals, much like a green light in an intersection. It is not hard to understand then, whey the same dog adopts neutral, normal and friendly behaviors when the cues disappear - when the sleeve and protection suit come off and the decoy, acting like a normal individual, invites the dog to be social. It is, by the same logic, not difficult to understand why the best trained Schutzhund dogs are by far the most predictable, trustworthy, and safe animals to be around on a daily basis."
The Universal Sport
Today, many breeds and thousands of people from Japan to Mexico enjoy training and competing in this fast-growing and fascinating dog sport. The sport transcends race, class, age, business and social affiliation, even many physical disabilities. Training, even for the serious competitor, is a social event in the sense that it is, by necessity, a club sport. Groups of people form nonprofit training clubs. The clubs are usually headed by a President who directs club activities and a Training Director who oversees and maintains the quality of the training.
At the Club the dogs learn social manners, obedience, and controlled protection. And the handlers learn to understand and motivate their dogs. The foundations and techniques for tracking are also discussed and debated at the training sessions. Clubs meet one to three times a week to train. Each dog and handler team also works out at home often putting in an additional one to two hours of training a day, five or six days a week. Obviously a well-conditioned dog with sound structure, stamina and a real love for work are prerequisites to training.
Reaping The Benefits
Besides the obvious benefits of such strict breed evaluation tests, there are numerous other reasons for the sports growing popularity and positive effect on the dog world. There is a tremendous challenge placed on the trainer (and the breeder) to help the dog become the most he can be both physically, through conditioning and good breeding practices, and mentally by developing his confidence, trust, enjoyment, willingness to work and intelligence to his fullest potential. This requires hard work and long hours spent studying behavior, training techniques, genetics, athletics, the breeds, and each dog individually. But when it all comes together, the results can be very rewarding. As a trainer, the communication, bond and teamwork experienced is absolutely thrilling! As an onlooker, a successful team is both awe-inspiring and beautiful to watch.
Not only must the dog enjoy his work, but he must be confident in his ability to handle stressful situations positively, and he must be taught to make correct decisions on his own. In meeting the challenges of training a dog for the sport of Schutzhund, the handler learns a lot about himself, his dogs, and the world around him. This is why the sport has such a tremendous hold on so many people.
And, because a joyful work attitude is required and a browbeat, downtrodden one is penalized severely, training methods that produce a happy, willing worker are encouraged, developed, and passed on, eventually making their way into the mainstream where the public can benefit.
Vaccinations---Necessary or Not?
To: Our Newsletter Readers
From: Pet Medicine Chest
"Necessary or not?
Some veterinarians and pet owners are questioning vaccinations.
By REBECCA T. DICKSON
Concord Monitor staff
A Labrador retriever in Maine developed a cancerous tumor. In South Carolina, a Basenji broke out in sores and nearly died. And a Los Angeles couple spent $6,000 on veterinary bills after their dog, Nikki, became violently ill.
A growing group of pet owners and veterinarians say illnesses like these seem to spring up after vaccinations meant to keep their pets healthy. While most animals don't suffer any ill effects from the preventive shots, and millions have been saved because of them, some people wonder whether the frequency of vaccinations is more a tradition than a necessity.
"It's important to realize that each dog and cat is unique," said Katherine Evans, a veterinarian at the Holistic Veterinary Center in Concord. Puppies and kittens who receive timely vaccines will develop immunity later in life, she said. Before getting pets their annual booster vaccines, a blood test, or titer,
can determine the level of immunity the dog or cat already has. And that will let a pet owner know if Fido and Fluffy are due for another round of shots, she said.
The only vaccine mandated by New Hampshire law is rabies, which must be administered every three years. As to the rest, some veterinarians and pet owners say less might be better.
Sandy Swain, a Labrador retriever breeder in Alton, said the last time one of her dogs received a vaccine other than rabies was about seven years ago. Swain said she keeps meticulous notes on her dogs' illnesses, among other things. When she reviewed them, she saw a pattern.
"Every spring, we'd go in and get the annual vaccinations, and then we'd spend the next four months back and forth to the vet with ear infections and skin infections," she said. "Then by the fall, that stuff would clear up, and we'd be okay. . . . I stopped vaccinating the older dogs, and I haven't had any problems. Ruby is 13. The last time she had (a vaccine), she was 6 years old." Rick Palmquist, a Los Angeles veterinarian, surveyed animal clinics across the country that had vaccinated 100,000 dogs for distemper and parvovirus. He found that based on the initial shot alone, the animals were immune to the diseases anywhere from two
years to more than 10.
Ronald Schultz, chairman of pathobiological sciences at the University of Wisconsin
School of Veterinary Medicine at Madison, has been studying the efficacy of canine
vaccines since the 1970s. "If a dog was effectively vaccinated as a puppy, and very
certainly if it was ever vaccinated at a year old, it is immune for life," he told Newsday
last month.
But not everyone is convinced over-vaccination is an issue. New Hampshire's state
veterinarian, Clifford McGinnis, said he's not sure if the studies advocating less vaccination
have been intensive enough to support the conclusion.
"If they can prove that parvo(virus) maintains an immune level for three years, fine. The
manufacturer can write that on the product," he said. "I know there's a big push nowadays,
where people feel they're over-immunizing animals. I don't know if they are or they aren't.
I'd rather see some good scientific evidence.
"People get a tetanus shot now every 10 years. It used to be a lot less than that," he said.
"But if I stepped on a rusty nail covered in horse manure, I'd go get another one."
Swain's 5-year-old yellow lab, Stella, has never had a vaccine other than rabies.
For distemper and parvovirus, Swain has blood tests done to determine her dog's immunity
levels. Sometimes they are protected, and sometimes they aren't. But even that doesn't
dictate whether or when Swain will get them another shot.
For the remaining recommended vaccines, including distemper and parvovirus, Swain has
blood tests done to determine her dog's immunity levels. Sometimes they are protected,
and sometimes they aren't. But even that doesn't dictate whether or when Swain will get
them another shot.
Stella does not have antibodies for distemper, a contagious and often fatal viral disease
that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Distemper was
rampant in the 1950s but practically disappeared after the vaccine was created, although
it's still present in wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes.
"But where would she pick it up?" Swain said. "I take her into the woods enough. But I feel
like, what's the sense of giving her that shot? Distemper's not out there, so she's not going to
catch it."
On the other hand, Swain said, her dog Shelby received the required rabies shot at 6 months,
but a year later, she did not have an immunity level. "That's funny to me. I had proof of her
rabies vaccine. She would have been accepted anywhere she went, but she wasn't protected,"
Swain said. "To me, I think it's more important to show that she has a titer than a rabies certificate.
It can mean nothing."
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends administering vaccines every three
years at most, rather than annually. Several canine vaccines such as distemper, rabies and
parvovirus last between 7 years and 15 years, according to a recent study by the association.
A similar report, issued by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the Academy
of Feline Medicine and endorsed by AAHA, offers analogous vaccination guidelines for cats.
In 1991, three years after Pennsylvania issued a mandatory rabies vaccination requirement for
cats, a lab at the University of Pennsylvania reported a connection between an increase in the
number of sarcomas, or cancerous tumors, and vaccination in cats. It claimed that in some cats,
rabies vaccinations were leading to an inflammatory reaction under the skin.
Soon after, the University of California at Davis reported that feline leukemia vaccines were
also likely to cause sarcomas - even more so than rabies vaccines. Researchers now estimate the
prevalence of vaccine-induced sarcomas to be as much as one cat in 1,000, or up to 22,000 new
cases a year.
Pfizer Animal Health, a vaccine manufacturer, says the decision of how often and which vaccines
to use should be left up to the veterinarians. Vaccination schedules should be assessed each year,
based on a pet's age, breed, health, environment and lifestyle (exposure to disease and other animals),
the company said.
Swain said she didn't decide to stop vaccinating overnight: Even when the older dogs stopped
getting annual boosters, she worried about doing the same with her puppies, which are supposed to
receive immunity to many diseases from their mothers, she said. "It takes courage," Swain said.
"They put so much fear into you. They scare you to death that your dog or child is going to die if you
don't do this. "That's mainly because people don't have the facts about vaccinations and what's in them.
I just feel confident enough in their health and nutrition. If they get anything, they'll be able to fight it on
their own," she said.
"But the important thing here is if your puppy or dog (or cat) should contract these diseases, are you
prepared to take care of healing them? I have a very good vet and a plan."
(Rebecca Tsaros Dickson can be reached at 224-5301, ext. 312, or by e-mail at rtsaros@cmonitor.com.)"
You as our customer can be certain you will have excellent and caring help if anything goes wrong
with your pet. Our philosophy is to build the immune system, feed your pet your own home cooked
fresh food, not something out of a box or a can and you will have the happiest, healthiest pet on the
block.
We have substantial experience in bringing our customer's beloved pets who are suffering from the
ravages of what these vaccinations do back to health, so you can have peace of mind that we know
what to do to help you and your special little pet.
For instance, the skin problems discussed above are solved with our "Skin Saver Package". Frankly
all our "packages" were developed because of the need to help America's pets get back to health.
We ought to be called "the last resort" although we really should be first to help a new puppy or
kitten on to adulthood and then onto the wise "old pet that runs your house".
Once our people see the results of a happy, healthy pet, Pet Medicine Chest Customers never
seem to succumb to the pressures of the local vet who is schooled by the big pharmaceutical companies.
Our people become thinking people and wise care takers of the Creator's little miracles.
If you need help with skin problems or any other problems, visit this link and then call us:
http://www.petmedicinechest.com/skinsaverpackagespecial.asp
Educated pet lovers are our best customers!!!
Yours for excellent pet health,
The Team
www.petmedicinechest.com
"Sick Pets Our Specialty, Healthy Pets Our Mission"
pethelp@petmedicinechest.com
(712) 644-3535
PS. As always, call us or email us if we can help you with
any pet health questions.
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"Centuries from now it will not matter about the house we
lived in or how much money we made in a lifetime.....but
the world may be better because we helped some of God's
little animals on this earth during our time here."