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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
June 8, 1978     Shelton Mason County Journal
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PAGE 28     (28 of 42 available)        PREVIOUS     NEXT      Jumbo Image    Save To Scrapbook    Set Notifiers    PDF    JPG
June 8, 1978
 
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WAYNE HAMMER and Nikko, his European Schutzhund III champion, appeared at a weekend seminar sponsored by Pacific Northwest Schutzhund Club, Inc. "EYE-TO-EYE CONTACT obtains results with some dogs," declares trainer Wayne Hammer. Trainer of champion conducts seminar By JAN DANFORD Enthusiastic dog-handlers listened enthralled to the words of Wayne Hammer, whose protection-training seminar was held on Saturday and Sunday near Roy under the sponsorship of Pacific Northwest Schutzhund Club, Inc. Hammer and his German shepherd, Nikko yon der Ruine Engelhaus, were one of two teams representing the United States at the Welt Union Schaferhund Verein (World Wide Shepherd-dog Club) trial held in Holland in October of 1977. Nikko, then two and a half years old, was named the European Schutzhund (protection-dog) lII champion, and the SV gold medal was awarded to Wayne Hammer and his dog. Among Mason County Schutzhund Club members attending the two-day seminar were club trainer and president Elvira Fearn and vice-president Hazel Dale with her husband, Charlie, and daughter, Joyce. Schutzhund work involves tracking, obedience and protection with the three activities closely related and each necessary to the overall picture. Tracking builds the dog's confidence and increases the handler's respect for his dog. The partnership thus established is continued in obedience training, but in this activity the emphasis is upon the dog's respect for and confidence in the handler. The dog progresses to protection work only when his temperament and training indicate that he is capable and ready. On Saturday obedience training was demonstrated by Hammer and Nikko. Sunday morning activities began with a tracking session, after which Hammer worked with dogs from Pacific Northwest Schutzhund Club and from Mason County Schutzhund Club. He aided owners with specific problems and illustrated his proven training methods. The highlight of the day was a presentation by Wayne Hammer and Nikko, after which the trainer spoke to the assembled dog-handlers. "It's a sport," said Wayne Hammer in answer to queries. "The dogs love it, and it's a challenge to both handler and trainer as they combine efforts to bring out the best in a dog. "In trials," he continued, "points are awarded in the separate categories, and highest scores almost always go to dogs to whom the most time and effort have been given." Schutzhund club members call attention to the vast difference between their protection dogs and the guard or attack dog with which Schutzhund canines are often mistakenly compared by the uninformed. While the attack dog is conditioned from puppyhood to *  :: regard all humans other than his master as natural enemies, the opposite is true of the Schutzhund, who is encouraged from infancy to love all people and who regards as enemies only those persons who display hostile behavior. The Schutzhund is a dependable family dog and can be trusted around children, in crowds and with strangers. In training sessions, and trials dog and handler work as a team. The dog who will on command seek out and hold at bay the agitator portraying the "bad guy" will show no aggression toward judge or spectators. He takes his cue from the violent, suspicious or threatening behavior of the agitator rather than from the mere presence of a person. The rules of the sport are well defined and conscientiously enforced. The dog must play fair. He may hold the antagonist only by the padded sleeve, and he must release upon the command of the handler or when the captive ceases to struggle. He may bark and hold at bay but may not seize the padded sleeve unless the antagonist is fighting or attempting to escape. The same individual who has been apprehended and held by the Schutzhund dog may fondle and pet the animal when the "fight" has ended. Quite unquestionable is the • " :i iii i  :: i EDITH NIKIEL of Olympia, member of Pacific Northwest 5cl Club, Inc•, encourages her dog to bark at trainer Wayne Although the German shepherd weighs only 27 pounds less handler, the dog is under control. pride of an owner in a well-trained Schutzhund, but perhaps more impressive is the dog's obvious love of the game, his comprehension of the rules, his willingness to abide by them and his friendly attitude toward the world in general. "Any person who is not working his dog simultaneously in tracking, obedience and protection is not truly involved in Schutzhund training," club members explain. Wayne Hammer's training methods are subtle and refined, and reflect a deep understanding of dogs and a profound respect and love for them.' As he worked with individual dogs with varied problems he dealt with each in a different manner. "With some," he stated, "results are obtained by close eye-to-eye contact. With others, certain gestures do the trick. Experimentation will discover the right approach for each dog. "In most cases," he continued, "I fred that slight but unusual motions will succeed in capturing the dog's interest and attention. I do not favor a lot of jumping around and yelling." To incite reluctant dogs to bark, Hammer resorted to such insults as blowing into the dog's face, or even spitting at him. "Aren't you afraid you'll get your nose nipped?" asked a looker-on. "Yes," he replied, his smile belying his words.  Wayne Hammer, owner and  .i :i handler of the 1977 European Schutzhund III champion, ..... ...... Northwest regional director for United States Schutzhund Clubs of America, and board member and trainer for Peninsula Canine Corps, bears neither scar nor scratch. Mason County Schutzhund Club meets weekly for work with all breeds. Although the recently organized group has attained full membership quota, applications will be accepted for future consideration• Interested persons may telephone club president 'and trainer Elvira Fearn at 426-8772. - "WITH CERTAIN gestures are effective." DOGS," states Wayne Harfi'r0er, Page 28 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, June 8, 1978 ON COMMAND the Dobie owned and handled by Mason County Schutzhund Club vice-president Hazel Dale seizes the rolled burla0 bag offered by trainer Wayne Hammer. J MASON COUNTY SCHUTZHUND CLUB officers (foreground) and Hazel Dale were among attentive spectatC Hammer's recent demonstrations of Schutzhund trainino.