Three shows in Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Revised December 2011. Travel broadens one, they say. While that epithet was meant to refer to the mind, it has a döuble-entendre for me, in that it tends to broaden my waistline as well. As a roving technical representative for some 30 years, I had opportunity to “wine and dine” on company (expense account) money, …

Resolve Your Dog Separation Anxiety

Dogs do misconduct when they are going through separation anxiety. Some of this misbehavior can be very negative and unsafe to the dog or even the public around them. Behavior problem connected to separation anxiety includes, excessive barking, chewing, destroying things, scratching, out of place urination, defecation, and other self damaging behavior. These problem often …

The Gap Widens

In the German Shepherd Dog world, and echoed elsewhere, we have long heard (and voiced) complaints about the schism that exists between the “show” (Hochzuchtlinie or high-breeding) lines and the “sport” or working-competition (Leistungs) lines. I’ll speak to the issue of the non-standard (AKC, Alsatian) styles elsewhere, but first I intend to discuss the continued …

Will the True Working Dog Disappear?

Revised 2012. As most of you know, I have been involved with the German Shepherd Dog since 1947 as a trainer, breeder, judge, author, and teacher. My love for the breed is unquestionable and I count it an honor to have fought for its welfare and preservation for all these years. In my zeal for …

Immune System Problems in Canine

updated November 2011 The German Shepherd Dog is a very popular breed. In fact, it is Number One worldwide although in the U.S. it ranks much lower partly because of AKC clubs’ non-adherence to the international Standards—usually in the AKC top ten, though. As a result of there being so many GSDs, veterinarians and others …

Impressions of the 2006 Sieger Show and Tour

Karthago Kennels of Artur Kemmer. Standing: Rob Blok (Hawaii, USA), Herr Kemmer, Fazal & Ariane Rahman (Trinidad), Colleen Hansen (Ontario Canada), John Lanting (USA), Jim Philson Sr. (Hawaii), Kristine Dewey, Joe Wong, Pam & John Rody (USA); Front row: Jim Philson Jr. (Hawaii), Fred Lanting, Esther Chai (UK), Frau Kemmer, Paul Espiritu …

LEGG CALVÉ PERTHES DISEASE

Revised December 2011. A disorder sometimes easily mistaken for hip dysplasia is Legg Calvé Perthes disease, perhaps more frequently referred to by the dog fancier as Legg Perthes. This is an avascular (pertaining to inadequate blood supply), aseptic (not infected), developmental osteonecrosis (dying of bone tissue) of the femoral head and neck, found almost entirely …