Working Dog Website

Sunday, July 25, 2010

U.K. Pit Stop - surprise encounter with Manus van Tiekerhook

When I had to visit the U.K. recently on business, I had the chance to visit a kennel that does a fair amount of work with Police Departments and Military. Little did I know that I would add to my research with an encounter with Max van Tiekerhook. I visited Pro-K9 and got a chance to see the work they do with detection and multi purpose and even sport dog training. But the highlight was the visit to see Manus, brother of Koos Hassing's Max van Tiekerhook.

I could go on an on about the Nick vom Heiligenbösch and Yoschy von der Döllenwiese line. As you may have seen in my previous accounts, I did the Helper work for Max at 8 yrs old, when I Interviewed Koos, and he told me, 'I can't describe to you a serious hold and bark, you feel it when you are in the blind!' Well this is exactly what I would say about the brother Manus. I can't even capture on video the intensity and aggression you can only feel when standing face to face with this dog. With body language more akin to a wolf or bear, Manus tends to use his paws alot to add to his arsenal and this seems to pass on to the many progeny I saw. Also, his size, masculinity and temperament passes to the offspring.
An incredibly strong and dominant dog, with alot of progeny in active service life for Law Enforcement and Private Security. I really felt that he should be part of my "Unsung Heroes" section, where we seldom hear of certain dogs, who are not in the popular shows and competitions, but make their mark on the breed and deserve legendary status.
Check out a little clip of him here: