Dogs In Review Magazine March 2017 | Page 126

LET ' S MAKE IT LEGAL , CONT ' D FROM PAGE 32 have any difficulty controlling . The lawyer in me cringes every time I see a junior handler being pulled around the ring by a breed that is too large , knowing that if the dog wanted to break free and wreak havoc , there would be nothing the junior handler could do to prevent it from happening . In the event the worst-case scenario was to happen , the owner would bear the liability .
An Ounce of Prevention
We would all do well to remember that , to use a cliché , dogs will be dogs . We are expecting them to perform in an unnatural or artificial environment where there are strange and loud noises , hundreds of other dogs — some in season — that are unknown to your dog , bait being flung , toys being squeaked and a litany of other distractions present . In that setting , we expect our dogs to be well behaved and responsive .
Be vigilant in socializing , training and conditioning your dog for what to expect in this strange environment . Be realistic in determining if your dog is ready before rushing them into competition of any kind that involves a gathering of hundreds of unknown people and dogs . If they aren ’ t ready , don ’ t take them . It is the obligation of all exhibitors to make shows and competitions safe for their dog , as well as the other dogs and people present .
It is also the best way to shield yourself from liability stemming from a dog bite that will not only potentially end your dog ’ s career , but also subject you to civil liability in a courtroom . DIR
Do you have a question for Robert Newman , Esq .? Email it to info @ dogsinreview . com , and it may be included in a future column .
ROBERT NEWMAN , ESQ ., is a practicing attorney in Santa Ana , Calif ., who handles family law , criminal defense and civil litigation , with an emphasis on cases involving animals . Mr . Newman , an adjunct professor of law at Western State University College of Law and Chapman Law School , is recognized as a leading authority on animal law . He is also a breeder / owner-handler of Pharaoh Hounds , an AKC lure coursing judge and exhibitor , and President of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America .
GIVING BACK , CONT ' D FROM PAGE 56 high drive for our program ,” she says . “ After six months we said , ‘ It ’ s not going to work .’”
This setback was a lesson for Helen , who has since considered candidates outside of rescue organizations . “ We have a new show [ bred ] Lab donated by Donna Fournier ,” she says . “ She loves to retrieve . She has that desire to please and yet she ’ s not as highly driven as some of the other [ field-bred ] Labs .” Helen has also been working with a German Shepherd Dog puppy that was donated and placed with a foster family . “ We have a few foster people ,” she says . “ They have the dog in their home and come to a weekly class .”
Breeders of show dogs could have a suitable puppy with the perfect temperament .
Eleven-week courses are mandatory for Basic and Advanced Obedience . “ Then we start to focus on the task ,” Helen says . Service dogs are taught specific exercises that may include anything from retrieving and holding objects to turning on a light switch . “ Some of our veterans have canes , walkers and wheelchairs , so we try to adapt the training for the individual . We try to match the dog with the veteran ’ s needs .”
Helen is encouraged by her current class of dogs and believes that there is more opportunity for purposefully bred purebreds in her program . “ We would love to network with breeders ,” she says . “ We wouldn ’ t have to focus on Labs . Temperament is the main focus .” Helen understands that breeders of show dogs could have a suitable puppy with the perfect temperament , yet also a disqualifying fault such as an overshot bite .
“ We ’ d be willing to try all different [ breeds of ] dogs ,” she says , as any size dog can make a great service dog . One veteran even attended class with his Mastiff . “ Some of our veterans need [ physical ] stability , so maybe a bigger dog is best ,” she says . Other veterans might need a little dog to fetch a pill pouch or a set of keys and could be paired with a smaller dog .
Helen implores breeders of purebred dogs to consider donating one of their pups to the program . “ I want to get more dogs out to service veterans ,” she states with unabashed commitment . “ To see the therapeutic benefit of providing a service dog to a veteran in need … this is what I ’ ve been called to do .” DIR

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