The Sebastian Sun Article on Canine Security

This is the article the Sebastian Sun Newspaper did on me dated 14 December 2001. Above is the photo they used of Foxy. I marked a line at the point the web page ended and they didn't put a link in correctly to the rest of it.

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Canine Security December 14,2001 By Janelle A. Weber News staff writer A German shepherd charges across a field, lunges toward David Smith, opens its jaws and clamps down on his protective suit. It doesn’t let go no matter how much he screams and struggles. This scenario might leave some people with post traumatic stress disorder, but for the 40-something Sebastian dog trainer it’s an entertaining hobby. "I love getting bit. It’s a rush," said Smith, as he showed off several scars on his arms and hands. "You get hurt sometimes but it’s fun." For the past 19 years, Smith has taught police officers and pet owners how to train their dogs to obey, guard and attack. As the owner of part-time business, Canine Security, he tries to solve an animal’s behavior problems, not just manage them, he said. Smith, who has lived in Sebastian for 11 years, has gained a great deal of personal experience over the years from his own dogs. He currently has two Belgian Malinois, named Foxy and Conan, and a Doberman pinscher, Hannibal. A lifelong martial arts enthusiast, Smith became interested in dog training after serving six years in the U.S. Army at bases in Germany, Texas, Louisiana and Washington. He taught martial arts to a friend, Wing Chun in exchange for dog training lessons for his German shepherd and got hooked. Within two years, Smith was training dogs in his spare time. He has worked with all kinds of dogs, from pit bulls to dachshunds and miniature poodles. He once helped save the life of a Labrador retriever by teaching it to stop running out the door into a busy street, Smith said. He has taught the American Street Ring system of dog training to dozens of law-enforcement agencies, including the police departments of Melbourne, Cocoa and Titusville and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. "He'’s brought those dogs to a real high level of professionalism," said Nick Cabrera, a former deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. The American Street Ring system - developed by Ted Hoppe, of Barbersville - encourages handlers to develop a relationship of trust and respect with their dogs through consistency, praise and discipline, Smith said. Training exercises teach dogs how to react to threats in the real world, he said. In one such drill, a dog is ordered to attack a decoy in a protective suit while the man runs away and throws a chair or bucket of water in the animal’s path. In another, a dog searches the woods or a building to find and apprehend the decoy. Dogs also are taught to defend vehicles and protect their handlers from aggressors. SECURITY page 8A

BELOW IS THE PART THAT WASN'T ON THEIR WEB SITE

The exercises are occasionally part of the competition but Smith insists it's serious work. The animals not only have to learn to attack and defend but also to stop on command, he said. "They're a weapon," Smith said. "No dog is 100 percent perfect. It's an animal. They have their off days." The biggest mistake some owners make is treating their dogs like a human being, Smith said. Canines respond to clear, forceful commands and positive reinforcement, but shouldn't be bribed with treats unless they've been abused. "I train a dog from a dog's point of view, not a human's point of view," said Smith, as he ordered Foxy to stop nuzzling his ankle. Jane Logsdon, of Palm Bay, learned the importance of this simple philosophy when Smith taught her how to command her 6-year old mixed-breed pitbull, Odie. The dog wouldn't respond to Logsdon's sweet, affectionate voice and would become unruly when it got outside. "I thought I was making an impression, but actually I was making no impression at all," said Logsdan, who now speaks firmly to her pet. "If you do not become the boss, the animal learns that he's got you trained." Logsdon said she also learned to use a longer leash and teach the dog not to pull during walks. "It was kind of like a train running over you before," Logsdon said. "At least now I get out without getting trampled on." Dogs such as Odie are not bad, Smith says, they just need to know their limits. "When the dog trusts you, he knows what he can and can't do," Smith said. "You will have a better rapport with your dog." For more information, contact David Smith at 772-388-DOGS(3647) or visit his Web site at (http://homepage.mac.com/dogmandogman/).