In Loving Memory, Gene England
The United Schutzhund Clubs of America and the world of dog sport has experienced an immeasurable loss. On October 11, 2019, Eugene Perry England lost his valiant battle with cancer.
Know to us simply as Gene, or “Papa Bear”, his life with dogs, particularly German Shepherd Dogs, began in the mid-seventies training and handling security K-9s in Bowling Green, KY. From this humble beginning he spent the next 5 decades giving of his knowledge and training principles in the world of Schutzhund and police K-9 work. While he taught countless dog handler teams and Law Enforcement Officers, he demonstrated the results of those training methods as a competitor both here in America and in Europe. This commitment to success was best demonstrated when he won the very first World Schutzhund Championship in 1992.
Best known and sought by many was his knowledge and work in tracking and protection. “Such platz” became the gold standard for tracking teaching and training. The first use of tables in the early nineties revolutionized our ability to maximize our dog’s strengths and character needed for high scoring and self-confident protection work. Attestation is best described by anyone who has ever trained with him or attended one of his seminars. The use of his teaching methods and techniques has become a common part of our training narrative to this very day. Whether you were a novice, mid-level or a professional with a dog at your side, Gene’s doctorate in dog behavior was of great value to you.
Most will remember him as a big man with an even bigger heart. He was a true giver and for all of those who have benefited from his gift, that will be his legacy. That legacy will survive through the thousands of Gene England stories and the performances of man’s best friend on the sport field or on the streets. Rest in peace our friend as you are truly missed, but you have left us all and our dogs in a much better place.