The Bite – June 2013
Managing The Transition Protecting Our Seniors By Mark “Six” James and Art Washington As our parents and grandparents grow older there comes a time in both our lives when the caretaker will become the cared for. For some of our seniors there is nothing tougher than the feeling of losing their independence. For the adult children there is nothing more challenging than managing that transition with style, grace and deference. Managing the senior care transition is a topic that all families face and often with great anxiety. How do you tell the patriarch or matriarch of the family, who has always been independent, the primary protector of the family, and often who may have prior military or law enforcement service, we are uncomfortable with them owning or continuing to own a firearm? Whether it is a fading memory, failing eyesight, loss of strength or coordination, or severe arthritis you recognize their ability to operate a firearm safely has been compromised.
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
Just as many of us have had a similar discussion about restricting driving privileges or taking the keys from our parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles; this discussion can often be further intensified as it can come with a feeling and realization by our most beloved seniors that they can no longer protect those they love most dearly. As we help manage through that transition, our goal should be to help them maintain their independence and not make them more dependent all while protecting their dignity and self-esteem. Recently, I helped some very close family friends manage through that transition with the patriarch of their family. Now imagine further having to have that dialogue with a retired Marine. You don’t tell a Marine what to do, you help them come to a mutually beneficial solution. Marines and other strong personalities are not used to losing many battles.
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The Bite – June 2013
As a protection specialist, I regularly consult with individuals, corporations and educational institutions on successful risk and crisis mitigation, violence reduction or security protocols, so these discussions are commonplace.
However, when they involve close family or friends it forces you to place a premium on maintaining your objectivity. When my mentor and close family friend informed me he wanted to buy a firearm for his home as his neighborhood had recently experienced a home invasion, I knew if I did not help him come up with another alternative, he would buy the firearm anyway. In keeping with you don’t tell a Marine what to do, you help them draw a similar conclusion. I took him to one of my frequented firing ranges reserved a private bay and a couple of firearms. I conducted my standard firearm and range safety briefing, before allowing him to practice his marksmanship skills. Despite being sharp of mind, his reduced strength and vision did not allow him to operate the firearm efficiently or effectively. While in the privacy of the range, we both came to the conclusion that a firearm was not the best option to accomplish his protection objective.
seniors. I then turned to one of the most respected dog breeders and trainers Art Washington, of First Class K-9 and asked him to give me three recommendations on breeds for seniors. Below arr his recommendations:
The German Shepherd The German Shepherd was his first choice as they are one of the easiest dogs to adapt to a family and they learn their purpose quickly. The German Shepherd is hailed as the world's leading police, guard and military dog. However, this dependable breed is more than just your average working dog. They have a steadiness about them that instantly inspires confidence in their owners. This is a dog with a proven track record of having the temperament to do any job asked of them and always without a gripe.
I often advise clients that effective security and protection are like dressing in the winter, best done in layers. As a security consultant and owner of a working dog, I regularly encourage people to consider a dog as part of their protection layers. Not only are they great early warning signals, the properly trained dog, can also be your first line of defense. In the case of the seniors they often get a four for one: audible deterrent (barking), physical deterrent (presence), companionship (dogs provide unconditional love and are always happy to see you) as well as a loving exercise partner (daily walks). The companionship and the daily exercise are two critical components which often aid in extending the quality of life of our
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
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The Bite – June 2013
The German Shepard Continued From seeing-eye dogs, bomb/narcotic detection, therapy assistance, patrol and police to military service. There is no other dog that has proven their versatility more than the German Shepherd. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according to AKC® Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd is also a loving family companion. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body.
Height: Male: 24–26 inches (60–65 cm), Female: 22–24 inches (55–60 cm) Weight: Male: 77.2–94.8 lbs (35–43 kg), Female: 55.1–72.8 lbs (25–33 kg)
The Giant Schnauzer
Is this the right breed for your senior? Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. They are a loyal family pet and a good protector, often making them the ideal choice for many families. However, they require regular exercise and grooming. Life Span: 9 to 13 years.
Temperament: Courageous, Confident, Alert, Watchful, Loyal, and Intelligent.
Colors: Black, Red & Black, Black & Tan, Grey, Liver, Black & Silver, Blue, White, Sable.
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
The next breed of choice would be the Giant Schnauzer. This breed has a key advantage over many protection dogs as they are totally hypoallergenic. A great choice for those that can’t deal with dander or maybe allergic to dogs. The Schnauzer does not shed and has no real dog smell. They are a very loyal and fearless dog.
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The Bite – June 2013
The Giant Schnauzer continued They are very easy on the eyes most coming in a stunning solid black color. They feature a very distinctive loom with the traditional beard hanging slightly from their handsome muzzle. They provide their owners a lower profile protection alternative for those individuals who may live in environments that shun traditional working or protection dogs. If the Giant Schnauzer were a car they would probably be an 8 series BMW, yes performance can be ecstatically pleasing. Despite his name, the Giant Schnauzer is not a giant breed, but simply a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. An active and spirited dog, their sound, reliable temperament, rugged build, and dense weather-resistant wiry coat make him one of the most useful and enduring working breeds. Their coat, including the beard and eyebrows feature the traditional Schnauzer hallmark, is solid black or salt and pepper.
An extremely intelligent, energetic, strongly territorial dog, the Giant Schnauzer loves his owners and feels great responsibility to protect them. He learns quickly, and can and easily distinguish between friend and foe. Giants need exercise, daily walks or playtime with another dog. Life span: 12 to 15 years. Temperament: Powerful, Dominant, Kind, Strong Willed, Loyal, Intelligent. Height: Male: 26–28 inches (66–71 cm) Female: 23–26 inches (58–66 cm) Weight: Male: 59.5–79.4 lbs (27–36 kg), Female: 55.1–75 lbs (25–34 kg) Colors: Black, Salt & Pepper, Black & Tan, Fawn
Is this the right breed for your senior?
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
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The Bite – June 2013
Doberman Pinscher
Like the German Shepherd, the Doberman has a long and distinguished service career in law enforcement as well as the military. Properly bred and trained the Doberman has proved itself to be a trusted friend and guardian. Their intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training makes them very versatile. Their mere presence often commands respect. The Doberman features a short, hard coat making them a lower maintenance option over many breeds. The Doberman Pinscher is a square, medium-sized muscular dog, built for stamina and speed.
They are elegant and graceful in appearance yet reflects great nobility and honor. If they were an ancient warrior they would be a Samurai. Is this the right breed for your senior? The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient. While they walk softly they are known to carry a big stick. They are affectionate, obedient and loyal. The breed requires regular exercise, but needs only minimal grooming for their short coat. Life span: 10 to 11 years.
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
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The Bite – June 2013
Doberman Pinscher continued
As opposed to a puppy we would recommend a finished adult dog. While the initial investment may be a little more, your senior is well worth it. This helps reduce or eliminate the need for housebreaking, teething, basic obedience and you already understand the dog’s temperament. However, your individual seniors medical conditions, living environment and specific situation may make other breeds more appropriate alternatives for their specific situation.
Temperament: Alert, Fearless, Obedient, Loyal, Intelligent, Energetic. Colors: Fawn, Blue, White, Black, Red. Height: Male: 26–28 inches (66–72 cm) Female: 24–27 inches (61–68 cm) Weight: Male: 75–90.4 lbs (34–41 kg) Female: 59.5–79.4 lbs (27–36 kg) While, the above breeds are not the only selection for seniors they do represent three strong alternatives that will meet a variety of your seniors needs and are all trusted protection companions.
The Bite – “Managing the Transition”
The K-9 companion is the only protection tool in your senior’s protective options which can’t be used against them, often making them the ultimate countermeasure. We wish your senior and their K-9 companion a long and successful loving relationship. For additional safety tips visit www.pantherprotectionservices.com. Mark “Six” James is Founder and Executive Director of Panther Protection Services, LLC, and an internationally published author. Panther Protection Services is a full service protection agency focusing on Risk and Crisis Mitigation, Executive Protection, Self-Defense Training, and Firearm Instruction.
For protective services, firearms or self-defense training contact info@pantherprotectionservices.com
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