K-9 LifeSavers

The Tervuren is one of four types of Belgian Shepherds from the Herding Group. The American Kennel Club is the only kennel club in the world that recognizes the Belgian Tervuren, Belgian Groenendael, Belgian Malinois and the Belgian Laekenois as four distinct breeds, as they share a common foundation that is generally only distinguished by their coat types.

The Belgian Tervuren was named after the Belgian village of Tervuren, where rural farmers in the late 1800s had a great need for a general purpose herding and guarding dog. This breed’s protective nature provided security for farm and family, and its instinctive herding abilities helped with daily tending of the flocks.

In the early years of its development, the breed primarily was used to guard, protect and herd. The breed almost became extinct during World Wars, although a small group of dedicated breeders continued preserving and protecting the breed. As the breed grew in popularity after the 1950s campaign of champion Willy de la Garde Noire, it became prized not only for herding but also for its stable, affectionate and loyal personality. Today, they are valued as human companions, therapy dogs and service dogs for the disabled and also excel at obedience, conformation, sledding, schutzhund and agility.

Tervurens are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that excel at dog sports. This breed is known to be loyal to their family and somewhat shy to strangers. They require a strong owner that will serve as a pack leader and provide plenty of exercise and stimulation to avoid the hyperactivity that comes with boredom.

Just like humans, dogs (and cats) are right or left handed, choosing to favor one side. While most owners may never notice (or care) which side their dog favors, studies have down that a dogs preference can actually have a significant impact on their training and success as a working dog.

According to an Australian study, K-9s who use both their left and right paws equally (known as laterality) are more likely to be upset by loud noises such as fireworks or thunderstorms.  This trait makes them unsuitable for work with the police or guiding the blind.

Theories have also been developed about the correlation between right/left brain functions and the prevalent hand or paw that indicated left-pawed dogs are the best suited to be working dogs. 

Want to test your dog to see if he is right or left pawed?

1. Fill the Kong toy with your dog’s favorite food.
2. Place the toy in the middle in front of your dog.
3. Record the paw your dog first used to touch the Kong toy until he has made 100 paw interactions on each of his right and left paw.

What’s Counted:

• Left paw on Kong, right paw not or right paw on Kong and left paw not.
• Left paw over right paw on Kong or right paw over left paw on Kong.
• Left paw on top of Kong right paw underneath or right paw on top of Kong, left paw underneath.

What’s Not Counted:

• If your dog repositions his paw or paws on the Kong without the paw or paws completely leaving the Kong.
• If your dog uses either one paw or both paws to hold down the Kong for longer than 10 seconds.

Opie hasn't had his paw test yet, but as far as personality goes, he gets 10s across the board!  This little guy is extremely playful and outgoing, and loves humans and other K-9s alike. He's looking for a home to romp and play in, and he could also use a foster to hang out with for a while. If you think Opie could be your pal, give us a shout!

You often hear dogs told to "heel," and you may have even given the command yourself, possibly without knowing exactly what you were asking for. The goal of "heeling" is for your dog to walk at your left side, and automatically sit when you stop.  In a true heel, your dog should be neither in front or behind you, but exactly at your side, and should be watching you to see where you will go next.

Teaching it:

1. Start with your dog at your left side on a loose leash.  Say "heel" and walk forward, starting with your left foot. (This step should later become your dog's signal to move.)  Make sure to give the verbal command before starting your motion.
2. When your dog is walking beside you in the correct position his shoulder will be aligned with your left leg.  Reward your dog periodically for good form and say "good heel."
3. When you are preparing to stop, slow down, plant your left foot, and slowly bring your right foot up to meet it.  Pull up on your leash and say "sit." Reward your dog.
4. Your dog should remain in a sitting position until you are ready to move forward again. Say "heel" and step forward with your left foot.
5. Practice stops and starts until your dogs is easily following you and your can reduce your verbal commands.  Build on this exercise by practicing off leash.