http://www.mytrialphotos.com/2007MERConf/09-18to24MonthMale/slides/071006-0757.html

Sorry,lol..I am a proud mommy and want to show them off!!

 Show went well...he got a "G" rating with high possibility of "SG" in his future...so,I will get his title and reshow him in a few years.We had a great time this weekend too!! There was a race for the dogs...Niki won her puppy division,lol.....she has her Mommies speed that's for sure.

 Now I have to focus on getting him ready for his November trials.I decided NOT to run him in the AD as it was in the mid 80's and much to hot for him to run any distance..I will run it with him in November.

wetware: That was NOT a naive question at all...Shutzhund is a SPORT..first and formost and we want everyone in it protected at all times...the helper,the handler and the dog.The dog will protect in any circumstance..what we are doing is getting the dog to know the difference from when the helper is just standing there (not being a threat) and when he makes a threatening movement....the dog takes the sleeve...the dog MUST "out" on command.IF my dog ever had to engage in a real life protection,I would want him to injure but NOT kill the person.and I would want him to "out" the person when I told him it was ok to.

 When my trainer trains the police dogs..he wears a full bite suit and the dog DOES bite on wherever he can,arm,leg,back..other places,lol....but he is being trained for patrol..again,what I do is a sport.

srnity: You guys know that I always talk about the bond I have with Damien,and how it is sooo hard for me to put into words how I feel towards that dog...I thought that maybe with you guys actully SEEING what I do with him you would have a better understanding of how close the dog and handler MUST be to be able to do this type of work.He would give his life for me just as I would give mine for him.He is truely my soul and my reson for being..I love him!!

 On a different note...Niki lost her first baby tooth!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SmSjwhED3dk

 A few words to you on this clip and this part of the training,first...the helper IS NOT beating the dog with the aggitation stick!! The dog takes 2 MAYBE 3 direct hits from the stick,usually right across it's harness,or to the upper side of it's body...it flexes and is soft..I beat myself in the leg with it one my first times at my club...it doesn't even sting,not at all!!! This is done to show that the dog will continue to protect it's handler even while under attack on himself.Notice that when the helper (the one with the sleeve) stops moving and the dog "outs" he will "hold" the helper there UNTILL the helper makes an aggressive move.

 Please turn up the volume so you can HEAR how the dog responds to his handler...this is what ever one of us strives for..Also...please notice,the dog's tail is always moving..he is truly enjoying the work he is doing.The dog's long bite is trully a beautiful thing here!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kG689zPTp8k

This person got 100 out of a possible 100 points...THIS is tracking at it's finest indeed!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MGo0VwKg5ao

Here is the obidiance part of the training that I do with Damien....I am having a BALL looking through these clips of the sport!! As I find the different phases of it...good video of it,lol...I will post it for you

srnity: ok,before I forget the placement...around 3:21-3:00 mark..can someone tell me the name of the song of the music that is playing...THAT is going to slowly drive me insane,LMAO!!!

 That horse was awesome...wonder how many years of training THAT was!!??!!

Jim Dandy: http://www.zorpia.com/anastasia1972

Just added pics of Niki and pics of Damien's training here.....the AD is a 12 mile run,I bike along side him..we go 5,rest 20 minutes go 4,rest 20 minutes,go 3. This is part of getting Damien ready for eventually getting a breed survey to see if we can breed him.

srnity: I don't really agree with hunting either..I know,I know..there will be posts about hunting is needed to keep the population down..ok,ok,whatever..I still do not agree with it...I think it would be more fair to give the animals guns and let them shoot back,lol.

 Hunters are not aloud to hunt from cars and trucks..that is called poaching,isn't it?? but yet a helicoter...to shoot WOLVES of all things...good goodness!!

When people think of Alaska, they think of its amazing wildlife and natural beauty. But Alaska has a terrible secret: Each year, the state permits private citizens to chase down and kill dozens of wolves using low-flying aircraft and high-powered rifles.

Defenders of Wildlife has created a powerful video on the issue that I think you might want to check out online at:

http://SaveWolves.org/alaska

Warning: This video contains graphic footage of aerial wolf hunts -- wolves shot down from above, chased to exhaustion and wounded and left to die.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and anti-wolf officials in the state have worked hard to obscure the truth about the aerial gunning program, even going so far as to earmark $400,000 in state funds to "educate" Alaskans about the state's baseless aerial gunning program.

Fortunately, there is something you and I can do to help.

Watch Defenders of Wildlife's new video and then take action to urge Governor Palin to end aerial hunting of wolves online at:

http://www.SaveWolves.org/alaska

If you would prefer to take action without watching the video, please visit the website below:

http://www.SaveWolves.org/alaskanovideo

Ewe: The problems dont just lie with any particular breed, but with the fact that absolutely anyone can own any dog (or absolutely any animal for that matter) without having any prior knowledge of how to care for them etc.

 THAT was perfectly said!!!!  And I agree totally with that...and,believe it or not..I CAN and DO see your side of this aguement I just want you to see mine to..as BEING a responsible dog owner,WITH 2 dogs that are already on some "to be watched lists" I'm sure you can see where this would hit home with me.But the bottom line is...If it isn't a pit..then it WILL be another breed...PERIOD..these are some sick people that we are talking about here.I mean,really...if you can do that to an animal then what might you be capible with a human?? Not only should BREEDING laws be put in place and REGULATED but people should also be educated about the breed (s) that they own.

 Here is a good for instance for you...our neighborhs that live behind us have a beautiful yellow lab..a bit on the chubby side,but I am no thin mint either,lol.The problem IS...if you know anything about the breed you know they are very social,very loving,very family oriented dogs...yes?? yes. They are also very high energy dogs that like to get out there and work,and run,and play and see and do and get into all kinds of fun doggy stuff,lol. Now...what if this wonderful creature was owned by very nice people BUT they never walked the dog..it only had 1 toy to play with and keep it busy.THEIR idea of spending time with him was opening up the door to the back yard,picking that ball up,throwing it,and while the dog was happily retrieveing it..they go back inside.The dog IS allowed in the house (when they remember him) BUT when it is in,it is kept in the crate.The dog is caught in this viciuos cycle now.He SHOULD be (by the breed he is) a freindly dog,BUT because he has so much pent up energy,not enough mental,physical,or sensory stimultion,he is becoming aggressive.I have gone over and worked with him and you can SEE he wants to learn,and please his people,but....so,Yes,people SHOULD have to become educated and I think A MANDATORY 6 weeks obidiance course.

 Oh...that is a nice dream I have huh,lol.

Ewe: That was a good article that you posted...and it applies to ALL dogs..NOT just Pits.A dog,is a dog,is a dog.They are ALL animals,they are ALL capible (even poodles) of fighting,biting (I think the worst bites I have gotten were those darned ankle biters,lol....weinerdogs LOVED getting me)

 My GSD's are also bred to withstand pain and not back down until the job is done..I have no doubt in my mind that Damien would die to save me.He is a trained protection dog and THAT is what he is trained for.He comes from sound and stable breeding and a bloodline that was bred FOR the stability.

 The Dalmatian that is my profile pic...we had $100,000 worth of insurance on HIM because of how aggressive he was.He didn't care who or what you were..he WOULD attack you,and attack you to kill you,unprovoked.We knew this and we took precautions to NOT allow this to happen..we were RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS that didn't allow the dog to RUN AROUND THE NIEGHBORHOOD,or let strangers aproach him (although he LOVED his vet...go figure that one out,LMAO!!) He was very badly bred (I'm sure inbred without a care to the dogs themselves...their in lies the HUGH difference between a good breeder that keeps bloodlines seperate,and will NOT breed an unsound dog and a backyard..oh he's an ACK bloodline breeder) and he wasn't well socialized when we got him.

 The comment about pits wanting to fight other dogs is dead on target..THAT is why you must be responsible about owning them.It is important to seperate ANY dogs when they are unsupervised..people get on each others nerves..so do dogs..we just don't usually fight it out like they do (unless your my nieghbors on either side of me...then ya fight with each other )

 I would never EVER leave ANY dog alone with a kid either..they again...THEY ARE DOGS!! To hold an ENTIRE breed responsible is ridiculious.The BREEDERS and THE OWNERS MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE...Not only do laws NEED to be in place for the owners the fight and abuse them but for the breeders that run these mills or just keep pumpin out the pups strictly for fighting.But the thing is...ok..so they can't get a pit in the city without bringing alot of attention to themselves..so they will bring a dobe....that goes on for awhile and then what...ban them too?? so they bring in a Mastiff...so we ban them too....see how this snowballs?? THAT is why you must PUNISH the DEED NOT THE BREED.

 Please take the time to read the links I have posted.

http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pitbulls-therapy-dogs-kentucky.html

http://www.workingpitbull.com/

http://www.forpitssake.org/

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/pospress.html

Pit Bulls speak - we are good dogs!

Most people, who are unfamiliar with the American Pit Bull Terrier, falsely believe that they are dangerous dogs.  Unfortunately, Pit Bulls have a bad reputation because of some mean people who have abused their dogs and trained them to be aggressive.  Pit Bulls are actually very stable, intelligent, and highly trainable.  They are strong athletic dogs, and they require a guardian who is responsible and will give them plenty of exercise and training.  They are very loving and loyal and make excellent animal companions.

Little-known facts about Pit Bulls:

Pit Bulls serve as therapy/service dogs.  The Chako Rescue Association has Pit Bull therapy dogs in Texas, Utah and California.  Helen Keller even had a Pit Bull as her canine companion and helper. Cheyenne and Dakota are a team of hard-working Search-and-Rescue Pit Bulls in Sacramento, California.  They play an important role in their community by locating missing people in conjunction with the local Sheriff.  In their off-duty hours, they do charity work as therapy dogs.

Petey, the faithful dog on the TV show, The Little Rascals, was a Pit Bull.  He spent countless hours with children day after day and never hurt anyone.  He was one of the most intelligent Hollywood dogs of all time.

There are quite a few celebrities who have Pit Bulls as members of their family including:  Rosie Perez, The Crocodile Hunter, Judd Nelson, Usher, Alicia Silverstone, Cassandra Creech, Sinbad, John Stuart, Amy Jo Johnson, Linda Blair, Vin Diesel, and Bernadette Peters.

Pit Bulls are heroes!  America's first war dog was a Pit Bull named Stubby.  He earned several medals during World War I and was honored at the White House.  The Ken-L-Ration dog hero of 1993 was a Pit Bull named Weela.  She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California.  A Pit Bull named Bogart saved a four-year-old child from drowning in a swimming pool in Florida.  Dixie, the Pit Bull, was inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame after she saved some children from a Cottonmouth snake.

Pit Bulls are one of the most stable people-friendly dogs in existence. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association tested 122 breeds, and Pit Bulls placed the 4th highest with a 95% passing rate!

Top of Page

Dispelling some myths about Pit Bulls:

-Is it true that Pit Bulls can lock their jaw?
The infamous locking jaw is a myth. The American Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog. All dogs are from the same species and none have locking jaws. Dr. I Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia states, "To the best of our knowledge, there are no published scientific studies that would allow any meaningful comparison to be made of the biting power of various breeds of dogs. There are, moreover, compelling technical reasons why such data describing biting power in terms of 'pounds per square inch' can never be collected in a meaningful way. All figures describing biting power in such terms can be traced to either unfounded rumor or, in some cases, to newspaper articles with no foundation in factual data." Furthermore, Dr. Brisbin states, "The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of 'locking mechanism' unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier."

-Are Pit Bulls naturally aggressive towards humans?
While many Pit Bulls do tend to be aggressive towards other DOGS (as are most terriers), the normal, well raised Pit Bull has NO human-aggressive tendencies! In fact, human-aggression was actually bred out of the breed. The majority of Pit Bulls are affectionate, intelligent, trainable dogs. In fact, the highest obedience trial record of all time is held by an American Pit Bull Terrier named Maddy!

-Can Pit Bulls "turn" on people?
In fact, no breed of dog does. Dog aggression is nearly always preceded by some kind of warning, and there is always a reason behind the attack. However, many inexperienced owners do not recognize the dog's behavior as aggression, or refuse to acknowledge it as a warning sign. The only exception I can think of is Springer Rage, a rare and controversial neurological condition that manifests itself as a spontaneous attack, followed by confusion, and then a return to normal behavior. Pit Bulls are NOT prone to this condition. There are individual dogs of any breed that may be more aggressive to others.

Pit Bull quotes:

Pit bulls are famous, in circles of knowledgeable dog people, for the love and loyalty they bestow on anyone who shows them a smidgen of kindness.
--Linda Wilson-Fuoco, journalist

In my opinion, Pit bulls are the least likely to be human aggressive. On the whole, you have to do a lot of work to make them aggressive to people.
--Sue Frisch, Dessin Animal Shelter manager

Pit bulls are especially good at pleasing people since they are strong and smart, they learn quickly and they are very adaptable."
-- Rob Mullin, dog trainer, owner, "K-9 Wizard & Co." Trumbell, Connecticut


By Sonnet Dashevskaya  - Spindletop Pit Bull Refuge, Austin branch

Sources: 
The Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier
Debby Wolfinsohn's The Pit Bull Press
Denna's Pit Bull Page
J. Balsam's Friends Of Terriers Website
The American Pit Bull Terrier Speaks... Good Dog! by Cline and Martindale

Ewe: the dog has been bred to fight!!

That is anincorrect staement...no more true then saying all GSD's are police dogs.ANY DOG CAN AND WILL FIGHT if provocted OR trained to do so...THIS is the type of ignorance (I am not calling you ignorant Ewe,lol..PLEASE DON NOT TAKE OFFENSE from that) what I mean is that by you stating that "Regardless if that dog had always been friendly,the dog had been bred to fight!!" Is just plain wrong.I will post some links to therapy dogs that are pis that have NEVER been faught.PEOPLE fight the dog against the dog...the dog doesn't fight itself.

Jason: I just really can not understand why in this decade we would decide to go after the dog as a whole and not the people fighting them and abusing them.

 Once,when I was working at the humane hospital...a Rott came in...well,the body of a Rott came in..if I remember corectly he was like 50 pounds or something like that..had been abused,you could tell,and I don't mean just being starved to death.The guy was fined $500.00 and told he was never allowed to own another dog...huh!!??!! THAT was his punishment!!!!

Jason: Who else besides Tuesday took that test?? It will show how much people really cannot identifly the "true APBT" The city I live near also has clumped together the pitbull/pitbull type into one lump...I don't understand how in 2007 we can still have witch hunts.

 I was once biten by a kid...should we ban them too???

 Here in the city I live,they are getting ready to put a ban on pitbulls.You all know that I do not own one,I have GSD's.The point is tho that I don't think the breed should be the target..the numbnuts that FIGHT the dogs need to be dealt with! My friend and I are getting ready to submit a letter into our local paper protesting this act against pits. It will start with them and then what....Let's ban Dobes,and then Rotts,and then hey...how about GSD's because they are all vicious animals.And the lab next door looks a bit shady...ban them too!!People are ignorant about the pit breed.They are wonderful therapy dogs..HELEN KELLER OWNED ONE...A pit that was resuced from a freezer,almost dead now has 30 MILLION dollars worth of DRUG BUSTS to his name...One mother watched as her normally calm pit run full speed at her lil daughter and plowed into her,knocking the little girl roughly to the ground...ONLY TO SEE THE DOG TAKE A BITE FROM A RATTLESNAKE that was about to attack the baby.

 PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE...research this breed..get facts,stats and info on the dogs and help STOP the banning of the dogs (most "pitts" that are involved with attacks are not really pitts,they are mixed breeds) Pits outscore alot of other breeds on the ATTS.Pitts are know as a "nannydog" in England because of their devotion to children.FIGHTING pits are actaully not normally aggressive to humans..they are bred to be aggressive towards other dogs..A Pit in the ring that is aggressive to a human will be put down at once (not that I believe in fighting....but the point in that statement is that they are not bred to be human aggressive even in aweful circumstances like that)

 ANY DOG CAN AND WILL BITE IF THEY ARE THREATEND,TEASED,ABUSED,TAUNTED,

PLEASE help save this wonderful and misunderstood animal..even if you are not a fan of the dog...do it and yourself a favor and read all you can about it..I am not saying every pit is a freindly one,just like not every Lab,GSD,poodle,hounddog,etc,etc are going to run up and kiss you all over either..but they are not all the evil dogs that people think they are.

https://secure2.convio.net/dow/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=791&s_einterest=C4&JServSessionIdr006=8h2sg324w1.app27a

PLEASE click this link and sign the petition!! Help save these wonderful animals!!!

We Can End Aerial Gunning of Wolves: Sign the Petition Today!

Each year in Alaska, hundreds of wolves are chased down and killed by gunners who shoot them from planes or, after chasing them to exhaustion, land the plane and shoot them at point-blank range -- brutal, inhumane and unnecessary practices that could start in Wyoming and Idaho as early as this Fall.

<span>A PENNY FOR YOUR…SEARCH?
<img>What if the ASPCA earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Well, we do, thanks to GoodSearch.com, a search engine powered by Yahoo! that donates half of its revenues to charities. Simply visit GoodSearch.com to start making a difference and check out how the numbers add up. If 500 people search four times a day, roughly $7,300 will be raised in a year—without anyone spending a dime. So far over $4,200 has been raised for the ASPCA in 2007 alone. So be sure to visit GoodSearch.com and add your two cents (or three or four) to animal welfare!

P.S. If you can, be sure to visit on Friday, August 31—that’s today—when the ASPCA will be featured as Charity of the Day.

srnity: <span>www.p2pays.org/ref/14/13187.pdf     hope this link works...it kind of groosed me out about the certain amount of mouse hair being permitted in the food...eeewwww.

<span> You REALLY DON'T MIND if there is a mouse or 2 living in your house??? really??