Dear Brigitte and Shaun Lytle,

 I want to personally Thank You for your help with my German Shepherd Dog, Nike.  This is our story:

 When I got Nike at 9 weeks old, she was a shy and aloof puppy. I had bought Nike as a Show dog prospect with many aspirations to show her in the AKC show ring. By the time Nike was a year old she had been through 2 puppy classes for socialization.  Her behavior would improve during the class period of 6 weeks.  After the class was complete she would quickly regress back to her old ways shy and nervous. 

Nike went from shy and aloof puppy to a defensive and aggressive dog.  When Nike was in her second year with us.  I had my second child, Wyatt.  Anxious to have Nike around the baby we put Nike in another Obedience Class.  She had only acted aggressive towards strangers and people we didn’t first introduce to her.  She did well again during the class and then regressed to a worse state afterward.  She stopped giving clear signals that she was going to be aggressive. It was at this time, I had given up on the dream to show Nike at a dog show.  She would snarl at the judge in a Show and Go. (Practice show)  In a separate incident she growled at a prospective handler.  The handler informed me that Nike was not show material.

Early fall of 2004, Nike was 2 years old.  Nike snapped at Wyatt for crawling on her back.  She left a pinprick mark on his forehead.  After the incident Nike was then restricted to the garage and outdoor run for the most part.  The house was also sectioned off with Nike on one-side kids on the other, (With constant supervising).  6 months went by with no incident, Nike was accepting of the children and even started to enjoy a new squeaky toy I had bought.  January 2005, Ashley pretending to be a dog crawled by Nike.  Nike had the squeaky toy, with no obvious warning Nike snapped at Ashley.  Ashley was visibly shaken and said Nike had gone for her face.  Ashley is five years old. 

I called German Shepherd Rescue they said to put Nike down.  I called the breeder and offered to pay to send her back.  (I had paid $1,000 dollars for Nike as a Show prospect)  She said she had no time or room for the animal and to put her down.  I called my Veterinarian; She explained to me that because no skin was broken in either case, I would have to sign a form stating a bite didn’t happen.  She also said from a legal standpoint the dog should be put down.   

  /// This above paragraph is pure fact.  It does not state that Nike loved to be petted, had brown eyes, was quiet and loved to be with us.  Often she was called the melting shepherd because she would slide down my leg into a puddle on the floor for a tummy scratch.  It also doesn’t show all the fun times my daughter had with Nike, playing, teaching her tricks and involving her in many childhood games. The above-mentioned incidences occurred out of place for the day to day. ///

I had then made the appointment to have Nike put down.  I was on my way to town when a member of the German Shepherd Club contacted me.  I had joined the club when I first got Nike some two and a half years earlier.  He is a professional man and very knowledgeable.  He explained to me that there was a local Schutzhund club that could work with my shepherd and me.   They had a lot of experience with aggressive dogs and knew a lot about animal behavior.   He asked me to post-pone the appointment and let them do an evaluation on my dog.   I had been crying for about two days by now.  Emotionally exhausted, I looked at this opportunity for Nike as nothing to lose. 

My only understanding of Schutzhund was of dogs  (mean dogs) biting people. 

I was very skeptical driving up to see Mrs. Lytle.  How can training an aggressive/nervous dog in an Schutzhund environment make anything better??? I figured I would hear her out and that was it.   We talked for about 2 hours; Brigitte Lytle was very kind and understanding of how I felt about my dog.   She did a temperament test with Nike having her meet with two other people and several dogs.  She judged her temperament and also gave me a good lesson on the triathlon sport of Schutzhund.  She asked what I wanted from Nike.  I told her that I wanted a family pet. 

I left her house with a borrowed tape of what Schutzhund is and in information packet on Hundesport Alaska a local Schutzhund club.  Nike was to be kept on leash at all times.  I was also given at home instructions-- take away all dog toys in the house. (Quite a chore)  Buy a pinch collar, and strong leather leash.   I was also given Brigitte’s home number to call for any questions that I might have.   The personal experience, I got early on was great and very informative.  She helped me establish trust and understanding of my dog’s behavior.   The Lytle’s also informed me of seminars to attend that helped me; the handler to better read my dog.   This was so much better then a class.   It was one on one and organized around my dog.   They helped me get Nike into a program that was on going.  Nike became a wonderful tracker.  I felt like I had been given a new dog.  The children loved to do things with her.  She was a happier dog and very obedient. 

In August of 2005, at 3 years old Nike entered her first confirmation class.  She took 4^th place and the judge even noted that she had a great temperament.  With an offer from a professional handler to show her I was on cloud nine.   Nike was confident and the training was on a level that made me the trainer. 

Thank you, Brigitte and Shaun, and thank you for introducing me to Hundesport.  You gave me an insight into dog behavior that I think few people can understand.   You gave my dog a better life.  You helped me be to understand why dogs do what they do.  You have given me the knowledge to be a responsible dog owner and handler.   It was very much a road of blood, sweat and tears.  I am actually getting a little choked up right now just typing this but sincerely thanks,

 From my family to yours I thank you,

 Sarah Paulus

 "Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe, we are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made."

    -Roger Caras