About Edmund De Run

 “In my opinion, dogs are called Man's Best Friend for their faithfulness. They are friends for life, with bonding, love and trust,
"The joy of dog training can only be experienced when you work with the canines.” 
– Edmund de Run

DOG training is the process of teaching skills or behaviours to a dog. This can include teaching a dog to respond to certain commands, or helping the dog learn coping skills for stressful environments.

Edmund De Run, who based in Petaling Jaya, has been a professional dog trainer since 1970; and is still training dogs, and is a full-time dog breeder.

Trained under Harry Darbyshire of Mountbrown Police Dog Kennels in Surrey, England; and Bowesmor Kennels for working dogs, Edmund has bred, trained, and supplied working dogs for the Police force, Army, RAF, and public over the years.

In 1973, he imported 22 dogs in one shipment as his breeding stock, to breed top quality working bloodlines.  Edmund also supply working dogs to the police, for the purpose of patrolling the city, and working with the field force. 

In November 1979, Edmund made headlines, when his trained dogs helped solve theft cases in a tin mine area. He also supplied bomb dogs for CHOGM held in Malaysia several years ago.

Edmund said: “I recalled learning to train dogs as a youngster in basic obedience, when my dad had German Shepherd dogs and puppies.  I went into the business when I did my training in kennel management and working dogs. Whilst working in the United Kingdom with top breeders and trainers, and seeing their success, I was encourage to do so myself.”

Edmund said there are various methods of dog training with different objectives including:  basic obedience training to specialised areas including law enforcement, military, search and rescue, hunting, working with livestock, assistance to people with disabilities, entertainment, dog sports, detection dogs, and protecting people or property, like guard dogs.

“Dog training often includes operant conditioning, classical conditioning, or non-associative learning to have the dog performing a desired behavior or skill,” said Edmund, adding he is grateful to learn from top trainers in UK and Germany, who gave him the inspiration.”

“I worked in UK for many years with Darbyshire, who arranged for me to visit several Police Dog units and breeders. He also introduced me to Frauline Stephanitiz, (the daughter of Capt Von Stephanitiz founder of The German Shepherd Dogs in Germany, his dog was  No.1 registered with the German Shepherd Club).  The advice and experience shared by Stephanitiz gave me great knowledge.

 “I also trained at Germany Kennels under Paul Bockel. Beside the training, I was fortunate to work with the government and other private establishments.”

Q: What breed of dogs do you train?

Each breed of dog has its specialty and strength. I train all breed of dogs, including German Shepherd Dog, Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois), Labradors, and Spaniels;  specialising in training German and Belgian Shepherd dogs.

The white German Shepherd Dogs are bred from working lines which the police have used. They are not albinos, and have black nose and eyes pigmentation.  White dogs have a sweeter temperament and not as hyper as the black and brown ones.

Each breed of dog is trained for a different purpose from protection to guard work; and when possible, followed by drug and explosive work.  

Q: What is the process involved in dog training and handling?

The difference between a trained dog and an untrained one can be compared to “educating a person and one who is not educated." 

For example, a trained dog is always under control and will stand by you all the time. The non-trained dog will run off. The five characteristics a trained dog must have include good character, being sound and steady, trustworthy, and alert. It is important to understand your dog first, followed by bonding with kindness as reward, and praise always.

Loyalty is what you get, depending on what you give. Everyday, spend time with the dog through activities like feeding, grooming, walking, playing, and praise. Do not be afraid to check for bad habits, but always end your training on a success note and praise. If not sure, seek professional advice, and attend refresher courses.

For safety in dog handling, get to know what the dogs have been trained for. Do not take it for granted. From the tone of the dog’s bark, you can tell if the dogs are sincere, joyful, or accepting.

Always respect the dog, especially with its handlers; except for puppies and youngsters which are friendlier and allow multi-handlers. Getting used to the new owner is not a problem, but training the new owner with the dog can be a challenge! 

Q: How to turn dog-training and dog-breeding into a business?

First of all, you must have love for dogs and time to spend to know your dog well.

Specialising is a great advantage, if you want to be known as a good and honest breeder.

To be a specialist trainer, you have to learn from the professionals, so get professional advice on training and breeding.

Do your research before breeding. To breed high pedigree dogs, you must get top quality stock before breeding. Progeny and genetics are very important. Find out about its pedigree blood lines, and its generation in work and the percentage of success.

There is always a demand for trained dogs, but be prepared to breed from the best, with NO compromise. If dogs have defects, do not breed from them; have them spayed, and do not to breed bad stock.