While I was staying at a horse ranch near Ashland, Oregon, I heard from the barn manager that some K9 obedience and protection training would be taking place on the property. The next day, I skipped my morning ride to meet retired Los Angeles County K9 officer Dino Alvarado from Swartznacht Kennels – and got a little more than I expected.

I got a chance to lend a hand…or rather an arm…in some  of their obedience and protection training with their pure bred black German Shepherds. It was amazing to see the difference between the young puppies and a well seasoned veteran working dog. It was even more amazing to see the difference between the dogs when they were in “alert” mode vs. everyday escorting. The same dog that viciously attacked me in the video below, was on his back letting me pet him 30 minutes later.