On Liberty

Liberty: as defined in the 1828 Webster's Dictionary reads as follows: freedom from restraint, in a general sense, and applicable to the body, or the will or mind. The body is at Liberty, when not confined; The will or mind is at Liberty, when not checked or controlled. A man enjoys Liberty, when no physical force operates to restrain his actions or volitions.

Now, go back and read that all over again, slowly, and fully take in what it means. Then, let's go back to the fall of 1774 in early America when the First Continental Congress met. Tensions were very high between the Colonists and Britain. Britain was continually imposing taxes and laws to supress and enslave the early Americans. The Boston Tea Party had already taken place. The Colonists had tried talking to, petitioning, resisting and even begging Great Britain to see things their way. All their efforts were in vain. When the first Congress met, they declared their opposition to the repressive Acts of Parliament, saying that they "ought not to be obeyed." They desired Liberty and freedom; Britain was saying, "No way." Alot of the early Americans were being pushed passed their limits. Some did not know what to do, some were afraid to do anything, and some, like Patrick Henry, knew what needed to be done. So, in March of 1775, resolutions were presented by Patrick Henry putting the colony of Virginia "into a posture of defense...embodying, arming and disciplining such a number of men as may be sufficient for that purpose..."

But before they voted on this, people were allowed to give their opinions on what should or needed to be done. After some gave their opinion that they should continue with the present course, and continue to try and reason with Great Britain, Patrick Henry got up and gave this speech at St. John's Church in Virginia. He spoke with no notes, from his heart and spoke louder as his words continued.

Try and picture yourself in that church back then. Everyone wanting to be free of the constraints that burdened them. But what could you do? Britain was so big and powerful. Alot of people felt hopeless and too scared to do anything. These are the words that Mr. Henry spoke that day:

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death
Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"

That, my friends, was a man full of passion; on fire and knew what needed to be done, no matter how unpleasant and distasteful it was. Most of you know what happened next; The American Revolutionary War! Of course, we won our independence...our Liberty. Many, many men and women fought for that Liberty with their lives, so theirs and others could live free. And no matter what anyone says, Almighty God, the Christian God of the Holy Bible, was in the forefront of the minds and on the lips of those brave early American warriors. They did not separate.

It is for this reason and reasons like it that I have named my training facility "Liberty K9." In honor of those men and women like Patrick Henry who stood for a righteous cause. Who were not swayed at the odds of winning or losing, but only knew what was right. Trusting in the God of Heaven to lead them down the right path. This, my friends, is the foundation of the United States of America.

Sadly, 232 years later, that foundation has weakened and is being tested from within and without. Right now history is being made as Americans are given choices and being tested. Where do you stand? What do you believe? This I do know, without God, without Liberty...the United States of America will not be able to stand. God is here...Liberty will have to be cherished and defended at all times.

To all of the present American warriors who fight courageously for that Liberty...Thank you and may God Bless you and protect you. To all of the politicians, judges and those in authority; Do what's right for the country and give honor to the memory and all the Americans that have shed their blood and given their lives so that you, me and all of us may live in freedom...in Liberty. And to each and every American - get your head out of the sand, wake up and look around. Look at your freedoms that have been taken away and are still being taken away. Remember what it took to give you those freedoms and the sacrifices made to purchase them.

Be strong, stand up for what is right, remember the courage of Patrick Henry. This is your country, a country like no other ---- only ---- if you are willing to defend and protect her. God is the cornerstone... Liberty is right here next to Him - be of good courage. Always fight the good fight.

A Lifetime of Training

If you are a dog person and are reading this, and if you have ever witnessed a good dog/handler team do "anything", you can appreciate what they have. They have communication. They have an understanding. This team does not have to be a seasoned Police K9 Unit, nor an elite military team. This team can be as simple as a child and his dog. An elderly shut in and her little lapdog. A service dog and his handler. Any combination where a human and canine have connected through communication forging a deep bond - kept alive through love and trust and respect. Dogs are so great at this. They will go as far as you want to go. What other creature will so enthusiastically try to please you? A true Dogman, whom I've had the honor of being on his field, once told me that God had placed the dog here to be of service to mankind. To watch over him, protect him, comfort him. So, when you look at that young pup so full of energy - stop and really tell yourself that this dog wants to please you. He wants to do what you want him to do. Only if you, as the handler, can communicate that to him. Simple...right? If you totally desire something from a dog - you can have it. You have to truly believe that. You cannot fake it. It's a lifetime of communication. Left alone on a deserted island, just you and your dog and the elements. You most assuredly would develop a deep bond through communication and love. Why? Because it would be real; you would have real needs, real work. In being with your dog in day to day living - remember all this is real to him. You are always training - good or bad - you're always training.

Dogs see us as we are. So just relax and just be you. Develop that special bond between you and your dog. Enjoy your walk together in this world.

Agility - Why Agility?

When a handler takes his dog onto an agility field, what should be his goal? Should it be to impress someone who might be watching? To run the course as quickly as possible? What should be the mindset of the handler when doing agility work? His main goal is to develop and enhance the communication between his dog and himself while under various levels of stress, both him and his dog. That should be the paramount reason to attempt any type of agility work. Having fun with your dog is also important. But, while you are having fun, you're communicating.

As life itself offers many obstacles, it's how you deal with them that matters most. Agility promotes confidence in the dog and the acceptance of stress. It builds a trust and bond between the handler and his dog. It teaches the dog to take direction from the handler while he is under stress. It is a progressive, building-block type of training.

It's good to start a pup of 6 to 8 weeks in agility. Bearing in mind his age and capabilities. This is the beginning of you and your dog's life together. You both need to learn how to communicate with each other. Your dog will speak to you - you must learn how to listen.

Agility teaches the dog to take direction from the handler while on all different types of surfaces. Moveable objects, high objects - or subterranean obstacles; there are so many natural and man man obstacles all around you. The more you look for them the more you will see.

Always give your dog your full, undivided attention while doing this agility work. You'll see the difference as time goes by. Your dog will be better at tracking, protection work, more stable. Always remember why you are doing agility work and always have that positive attitude. Remember, communicate with your dog. Listen to your dog. Even when not speaking to him - you're speaking to him! Enjoy your walk.

Liberty K9 Training Philosophy

There are many different opinions on dog training and twice as many dog trainers. How then does the novice dog handler know what to do, what to believe and what to expect? I, in no way, am going to say that I have all the answers or the best way to train all dogs. What I do believe I have is a simple, time-tested philosophy to apply in training all dogs. This is also a way of training that I have only scratched the surface on. It is so much more than teaching a dog a command to do something. It is a journey on trying to communicate with our faithful companions. It's a way of thinking that applies to every aspect of dog training - and our lives.


Picture this: You and your dog somehow get stranded out in the wilderness. Small hope that you could ever get out, and even smaller hope of anyone finding you. It is just you and your dog. You and your dog are trying to survive in the wilds. The first thing that would happen is that it would be very real to you. Everything you did would have a purpose. Not only would you be speaking from your voice, you would be speaking from your heart. Your dog would know this without a doubt. If some kind of animal attacked you - both of you would fight to protect the other. If you were just walking somewhere - both of you would be tuned into each other. Walking as a team. The pain in your stomach would make hunting for food real. You would not have to give your dog a treat to be like this. Nor would you have to throw his favorite toy/ball to get him to protect you. Doing so would seem utterly foolish to you. Everything would have purpose.

So much of dog training today is done completely opposite of this. Dogs are bribed through their stomach or forced through their skin. The dog knows no real sense of purpose, it feels none from you. During training, your mind is on other things not related to the task at hand. Instead of a team - you are seperate.

The handler must give his full attention to his dog when doing any type of training. Your dog will know if you are or aren't.

You must have a seriousness of purpose. Each exercise must be a progressive step towards better, complete communication. You cannot force it nor ignore it. You must have patience - quick tempers and anger never go hand-in-hand in dog training. Always be quick to look for faults in yourself - for they are there. Your dog knows them and he still loves you. You must first acknowledge them, then correct them. This is what's so great about this type of training. It is a wonderful walk of self-discovery - all along your loyal friend by your side. Enjoy your walk.