Five Question About Getting A Protection Dog Answered

The world as we know it today is a dangerous place. Crime levels are soaring and in particular property crime statistics including burglary means it's hard to feel safe in our own homes. But if your home is your castle where you retreat from the strains and stresses of the world around you, you need to feel secure, and more importantly, you need to make sure you don’t become a crime statistic.

And fair enough, all homeowners take certain precautions to make their home less of a target for criminals. Some make their home look like someone is in it at all times. Some fit doors and windows with high security locks. Some even go as far as investing in a bunch of hi-tech gadgets including fancy alarm systems, CCTV and electronic access control systems to make it as hard as possible for outsiders to gain entry into their property. The truth is: These are all viable security solutions but nothing beats the very real, very visible and very effective deterrent that a protection dog can be. Protection dogs also offer the unique advantage of not only detecting disturbance but also acting upon it, selflessly defending their charge against potential threats and assailants.

If you are in the market for a protection dog, you probably have a lot of questions. Let’s answer some of them. Perhaps the most important question is the following:

- Why do I need a protection dog?

An extension of the above, a protection dog can provide you with the greatest peace of mind. If you have been a victim of burglary or you have a neighbor or acquaintance who has been a victim, you would know that having your home invaded can be deeply upsetting. A protection dog is very real deterrent for criminals with the right confidence and skill set to defend your home and family against cunning crooks should they somehow gain access to your property. In essence, a protection dog is at the same time the best companion you can hope for and a sword by your side.

Other pertinent questions include:

- How do I choose a protection dog?

Not all protection dogs are trained equal, and not all breeds share the same characteristics. If you are thinking about getting a protection dog, dog breed is an important consideration. Individual dog breeds can be compared to one another in terms of size, trainability, barking level and grooming needs among other things. The German Shepherd, for instance, is an energetic, strong, confident and smart well-muscled animal. These big guys were born to work and therefore require lots of mental and physical exercise. They also have a very good ability to assimilate and retain training. Another dog breed that makes the perfect loyal companion and protection dog is the Belgian Malinois. A high-energy worker and well-muscled animal that’s more elegant than bulky, the Belgian Malinois has long been used as both a police and military working dog.

- Does personality and temperament matter?

Depending on your lifestyle, one dog breed may make more sense for you than another. In particular, you need to consider how similar and different you are to your favorite dog breed in terms of energy, cleanliness, sociability, independence, trainability and playfulness.

- Can I trust a protection dog around my children?

In Dogdom, aggression is not the preferred course of action. Dogs only feel inclined to attack each other and humans alike if they feel a threat to themselves, their pack, or their territory. If you choose a well-bred dog, the animal will not be a problem around kids. The key is early socialization and exposure in order for the canine to fit in our home and world better. A well trained dog can go on to become your child’s best friend and most loyal companion, developing a very special bond over time. Supervision, of course, is important.

- What kind of training do protection dogs need? What else do I need to know?

And finally, getting a protection dog comes with certain responsibilities. For instance, the canine needs to be expertly trained using a combination of communication, direction and correction training to develop the confidence and right skill set to be an integral part of your family as well as a weapon by your side to defend your home, business and/or loved ones against criminals and cunning crooks. Protection dogs also require care in terms of nutrition and feeding, coat and grooming, exercise as well as veterinary and health care.

For more information go to  www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Top Tip How To Take Care Of Your Dog

Bringing a full grown dog home for the first time? Know how to take proper care of it? There’s a lot of baggage that comes with a dog, and you need to have the right knowledge to be able to deal with all the associated issues effectively and take care of it an optimal manner. Here are the top tips that you need to know when taking care of your Protection Dogs. 

Your Dog’s Paws

Moisturize

Your dog’s paws can easily crack. Do not use a moisturizer meant for human use on your dog’s paws; these make them way too soft and leads to the canines injuring themselves. Get advice from your local vet and use the prescribed moisturizer as instructed.

Maintain

You need to trim your dog’s paw hair on a regular basis. All you have to do is comb the hair out from between the toes and trim the hair evenly with paw pads. Dogs can easily get cut and are prone to small wounds. If the wound is less than half an inch, clean it with antibacterial wash, and wrap it with bandage. 

The scorching summers are almost upon us, and this will mean extra attention to your dog. Stepping barefoot onto hot pavement is always a cause for concern when it comes to dogs. To prevent your dog suffering from blisters and burns, you need to ensure that, when walking your dog, it stays away from hot sand or the pavement. Red patches and loose skin are signs that your dog needs a break from the extreme heat.

Always Take Care Of What You Feed Your Dog

Start with your pet’s drinking water. Fresh clean water tops the list over all the nutrients that your canine needs. 10% of a dog’s body consists of water. They need this for tissue lubrication and cell function. Water becomes more important if it is hot outside. 

Canned Food Or Dry Food

Canned food does look a lot better than dry cuisine for canines. But canned food is not necessarily better for your guard dog. Recent studies show that dry and canned food both, are nutritionally whole. However, you need to weigh the choice with that of your pet dog’s specific nutritional needs, health, age, and preference. 

Dry food for instance, help the dog get rid of plaque buildup on teeth, and are lower in fat content and high in carbs. Canned food on the other hand is tastier and good to treat your dog with as a break from all that dry food. 

There is nothing wrong with feeding some of your leftovers once in a while. But do not make it part of the canine’s daily diet. 

At CC protection, all the dogs are well-trained, providing not only a sense of protection, but also companionship, getting along perfectly with you and your family. To learn more visit www.ccprotectiondogs.com 

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight?

It’s a fact that dogs love to eat. Therefore, left unchecked and unregulated, your canine companion may put on weight very quickly, especially if it does not get an appropriate level of physical activity everyday. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that about 40% of pets in America are overweight. This is not a good, especially in dogs because gaining as few as 5 extra pounds may make an animal appear physically cuter, happier and more cuddly but on the inside, effects of the extra weight slowly lead to things such as difficulty to move around, diabetes, respiratory, heart and digestive diseases, osteoarthritis and joint problems, poorer resistance to bacterial and viral infections, high blood pressure and a shorter life span among other things.

 

But how can you tell if your pet is overweight? After all, a lot of bulk can go unnoticed on a dog when spread out over a big-bodied or exceptionally hairy animal. The key is to assess whether or not the ribs are plainly visible or submerged under a thick layer of fatty tissue. Here is what you do:

 

1. Feel your dog’s ribs 
2. Try pressing lightly on the skin
3. Can you feel the ribs without much effort? 

 

- If you have to press hard to feel the bones, you have a problem.

 

The other indicator that your pet may be overweight is its general body shape. If you can’t discern a waistline between the ribs and hindquarters or as we like to call it “an hour-glass figure”, it’s a cause for concern. 

 

Alternatively, you can turn to science. Using a series of measurements, a vet will be able to tell you what the ideal weight of your pet should be based on its body fat index. 

 

So your dog is overweight! What next?

 

If a dog is overweight, it’s probably due to a lack of exercise, overfeeding or a combination of both mirroring obesity in humans. It can also be due to a metabolic condition called hypothyroidism common in dogs and some other pets. To help your overweight pet:

 

 

1. Assess the animal’s food intake

 

If your dog has a weight problem, the first thing to consider is its diet. Take an objective look at how you are feeding your pet. For instance, measure the amount of food you place in the feeding bowl. You also need to avoid snacks from the dinner table and mind the treats because small bites add up. But don’t compromise on quality; your pet’s food needs to be complete and balanced. 

 

 

2. Protein & water

 

Every dog needs a good source of protein where meat is the primary ingredient and not by-products of corn and other similar raw materials.   If your pet needs to lose a lot of weight, consider an appropriate low fat diet. Water should be plentiful at all times and more importantly fresh and clean water.

 

 

3. Exercise

 

Last but not least, like in humans, weight loss in dogs will not happen without an appropriate level of regular physical activity be it leisure walks for 30 minutes or more everyday . To ease your pet into a more active lifestyle, start with a reasonable level of exercise and gradually increase it.  Remember that exercising your pet is not unpleasant for the animal. In fact, an inactive pet is more likely to become depressed and/or anxious due to altered levels of 3 brain chemicals namely norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. So be a responsible pet owner and keep your best pal fit, trim and healthy. To learn more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

How to control worms in your dog

If you are the type of owner who is committed to doing everything they can to ensure that their guard dog is completely healthy, it is very important to learn about worm control. Worms, which are also known as parasites can be very detrimental to your dog and can cause many different health problems. There are many different types of worms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms. Roundworms are the most common type found in dogs, they affect the intestines and cause a pot-belly. Hookworms and whipworms, hook to the inside of the intestine and sucks blood from the dog, causing anemia and possibly death. Tapeworms also infect the intestines and can cause abdominal pain, nervousness, sever itching, vomiting, and weight loss. There are many different causes of dog worms, these are good to know to help prevent the worms in anyway you can. One way is through infected soil, that your dog comes in contact with. The worm eggs often live in this type of environment and can easily stick to human hands, clothing, or the dog itself. A way to prevent this if by having yourself and your family wash their hands each time before coming in from outside. Worms can be transmitted to puppies from their mothers uterus, while milking.

It is important the symptoms of dog worms, so that you know can detect the worms early enough to treat them. Symptoms will vary between each dog, so it is always a good thing to seek help from a veterinarian who knows how to properly take care of worms. Acting quickly is very important when it comes to worms because they will start to take a toll on your guard dog's immune system, and possibly lead to more health problems. Some worms can be seen visually if a piece of the worm breaks off and you could find it (possibly still moving) around the dog's anus, its bed, or in its feces. However, many worms are not visible, so it is extremely important to take your guard dog to a regular check up and have the vet test its feces.

Over the counter prescriptions are effective but not on all types of worms, other will have to be treated with a dewormer that is given as a oral medicine or injected by the vet. Some basic guidelines for worm prevention are: flea control, keeping your dog from eating feces, avoiding exposure to stray animals, and cleaning its bed or crate with a saltwater solution. Worms are an extremely serious matter and it is important to know what you're up against to protect your Protection Dogs. To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Protection Dogs, Children & Safety

For people in the market for a trained personal protection dog, a common concern is safety. In particular, if you have young children at home, you want to know if you have something to worry about when it comes to mixing dogs and children. But here is the deal: in a dog’s world, aggression is only an option in the context of a threat or a challenge. Otherwise, when faced with any other situation, a dog’s preferred course of action is to flee. So if you’re wondering - “Will my children be safe if I get a personal protection dog?” the answer is simple. Yes. The key is to choose the right dog to be a perfect fit for your whole family and this includes taking into account things like the temperament and personality of the animal and trainability. You also need to dog-proof your kids and kid-proof your dogs. 

The best protection dogs for young families with children

When choosing a personal protection dog, an important consideration is to choose an animal that will be a sword by your side but at the same time, is fun loving, good with children and fits right into your family in terms of energy level and lifestyle. The first thing to think about is dog breed. Individual dog breeds can be compared to one another in terms of size, trainability, grooming needs  as well as personality and general temperament. German Shepherd protection dogs, for instance, are large and require some grooming. They are also fun loving, eager to please, smart, confident and hard working but require lots of exercise. In contrast, Belgian Malinois protection dogs, which are a medium size dog and eager to please require more exercise. They are also courageous and fit right into families with children. 

The next consideration is adequate training. Before you get a personal protection dog, you need to make sure it has gone through expert training and that includes going through every temperament test conceivable. You can’t just assume that a dog, because it knows how to “sit” and “stay”, will turn the other cheek if your toddler pulls its tail or smacks it on the head. Dogs need to be trained and adequately socialized to make sure everyone in your family, including your children feel comfortable around them and more importantly, happy and safe. The relationship between a child and a dog can be a most fulfilling one but the prerequisite to that is that the dog is custom trained to be a perfect fit for your family. 

Teaching your children to be mindful

And finally, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois protection dogs may make the best and most loyal companions but you also need to teach your children the dos and don’ts of interacting with dogs and playing with them. If your children are big enough, you can even consider teach them certain commands including obedience commands and exercises like "protective escape”, in which, under threat, a dog will bark and show aggression while maintaining a tight circle around the handler. The animal will not bite unless the handler gives another clear and very specific command to do so. 

About CCPD

Operating out of California, CCPD is a premier dog-training center with a specialty in training German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois protection dogs, two of the best breeds for protection dogs. Using a combination of communication, direction and correction training, we make sure that our dogs match your lifestyle, wishes and expectations with the right confidence and skill set to be a sword by your side. We coordinate with some of the top breeders in Europe and our dogs are stringently tested for their temperament. To learn more about our Protection Dogs for sale please visit our website at www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Potential Benefits vs. Potential Risks Of Raw Food Diets For Dogs

Proposed by Ian Billinghurst, an Australian veterinarian in 1993, raw dog food diets remain a popular topic for debate among dog owners and veterinarians alike. Basically, there are two schools of thought about whether or not dogs should be fed raw diets. One school says the animals always ate them in the wild and therefore they would thrive on such a diet. The other school documents the risks of raw diets and also proposes that since the animals do not live in the wild anymore and have been domesticated instead, raw diets may cause more potential harm than good. 

But first, what constitutes a raw dog food diet? In essence, a raw diet for canines is just that - raw. It typically consists of things such as muscle meat, bones, organ meats such as liver, raw eggs, vegetables, fruits and some form of dairy product such as yoghurt. Proposed benefits of such a diet include arguments such as: 

Raw protein and vegetables are healthier for canines

According to The Whole Dog Journal, cooking meat and vegetables denatures important enzymes needed for effective digestion and better nutrient absorption. On the other hand, the enzymes remain intact during the processes of freezing and subsequent defrosting.

Dry kibble is not ideal

If you feed your dog commercial dry foods, take a look at the list of ingredients on the packaging. The rule is: the most important ingredients in a canine’s diet should be 1) quality proteins and 2) quality vegetables and fruits. At the same time, the food should be devoid of grains, corn and their by products. Is this what you see? Probably not! Commercial dry dog food also typically contains significant amounts of things such as preservatives, dyes and also sweeteners.

A raw diet may help prevent many health problems

In dogs, a raw diet may help dog owners combat common health problems in their animal including obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, allergies and cancer. After all, dog food companies don’t care about your canine’s health. They are in it for the money and the foods they put on the market may include ingredients harmful to your dog such as corn and rice fillers as well as low-grade animal by-products.

A raw diet is generally more varied in terms of vitamins and minerals

Think about it, if you ate the same thing everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner and for 365 days a year, inevitably you will become deficient in certain important nutrients that your body needs for good health. The same is true with your pet.

Dogs on a raw diet look better

And finally, dogs on raw diets are often reported to have more attractive coats, less fat and healthier skin. They also generally have cleaner gums and teeth and the animals poop less too. 

But there are also drawbacks and potential risks to feeding your dog a raw diet. For example: 

Raw organic dog foods cost more than dry kibble

Unless you buy massive quantities of meat at cost price or you arrange something with your local farmer, feeding your dog a raw diet will cost more than dry kibble.

The animal may develop digestive issues

If you’ve been feeding your dog cooked food or dry dog food kibble, a switch in the animal’s dietary habits may cause some digestive issues including an upset stomach. It’s debatable whether it’s better to make the switch gradually or straightaway with no transition whatsoever.

Raw meat and vegetables are messier to handle than dry kibble

Raw dog foods such as raw meat and raw fruits and vegetables are messy - to store, handle and defrost and also to clean up once the animal is done eating. The food also takes up more storage space in the freezer.

Some dogs can’t have raw protein

Last but not least, some dogs including older animals with kidney issues and/or pancreatitis can’t have raw dog food. To be sure, consult your vet before making the switch.

To learn more about raw dog food diets and protection dogs for sale , call on 877.687.2259 or go to www.ccprotectiondogs.com. CCPD is a premier dog-training center that sells fully trained Protection Dogs.

The French Ring Dog Sport

Although most dog sports are essentially built around the same basic principals, each sport is unique in its own way. One of the exercises that makes French Ring sport different from other competitive dog sports is its retrieval exercises. There are three types of retrieval exercises, but only dogs competing in French Ring III, the most advanced level of French Ring titles, are expected to perform all three.

The first of the three exercises is known as the thrown retrieve. In this exercise, the handler throws an object, and the dog is simply expected to retrieve the object and return it to the handler. The throw must cover a distance of at least 5 meters, and the dog is only given 5 seconds to complete the exercise. Due to the time restrictions, the dog must move quickly, but it is also important that the handler be able to throw appropriate distance. Throwing further than 5 meters will obviously cost you time as your dog is required to run farther than the minimum 5 meters. Practise and coordination are required by both the dog and the handler.

The thrown retrieve exercise is performed in all three levels of French Ring. In French Ring II, a new retrieve is introduced, which is known as "seen retrieve". The seen retrieve involves the handler and dog heeling down the field. The handler drops an object in plain site of the dog, and they continue moving. Finally, they stop, and the dog is instructed to run back and retrieve the object. In French Ring III, another variation of this is introduced, known as "unseen retrieve". The unseen retrieve is essentially identical to the seen retrieve, except that the object is dropped without the dog seeing it.

Retrieval exercises are certainly nothing new to dog owners. It is certainly not uncommon to see dog owners from all walks of life teaching their pets to play "fetch". French Ring tries to go a step further by incorporating elements of obedience and agility into the exercises. Of course, it's important to remember that French Ring is just a sport. Sporting exercises are wonderful entertainment for handlers, dogs and spectators alike, but one should never confuse a sporting dog for a true protection dog. If you want a true canine protection, you need a dog that has been trained for protection, not for sport. A sporting dog should never be sold as a Protection Dogs, regardless of whether it's a German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd. For more infomation about the Frinch ring retrieve visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

The Bullmastiff as a Guard Dog

The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed with a muscular build. It is a molosser type breed, and came about as a cross between the English Mastiff and the Old English Bulldog. The head and muzzle are broad and relatively square. The ears naturally fold downwards, and are usually left as-is. Cropping of the ears occurs rarely, if at all. The coat is short and fine, with fawn, red and brindle being the most common color variations. White markings are sometimes seen on the chest.

The Bullmastiff temperament is usually described as independent, calm, and docile. They are not generally aggressive, and are mostly friendly towards humans and other dogs. In comparison with other breeds, they do not bark often, but may bark on alarm. Several health problems are common among the breed, with hip dysplasia being the most common due to the dog's size. Hip dysplasia occurs in approximately one quarter of all Bullmastiffs.

The Bullmastiff was originally bred in England during the late 1700's to early 1800's. Their original purpose was to help guard the estates of gamekeepers. They were trained to tackle and hold down intruding poachers, but were not trained to bite them. Both their large size and gentle temperament reflect this. Today, their large and lovable nature lends itself well to life as a family pet. Despite originally being bred as a guard dog, they are not usually used for that purpose today. Though their large size is intimidating, they do not have the nerves or temperament required of  protection dogs today. More common working breeds such as the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd are better suited to guard work, while the Bullmastiff is best left as a pet or companion dog. To learn more vist, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

The Bulldog as a Protection Dog

The American Bulldog is a stocky, muscular mastiff-type breed, and one of several breeds that grew from the original Old English Bulldog. Their coat is short, smooth and generally white, although color patterns including black, brown and brindle are not uncommon. They can be divided between Johnson-type and Scott-type, with the shape of the muzzle being the most distinct difference between the two, although the majority of American Bulldogs today are a mix of both. Between the modern British Bulldog and the American Bulldog, the American breed is the larger of the two, and most closely resembles the original Old English breed.

Like many breeds of dog, the Bulldog nearly vanished after the Second World War. American breeders by the name of Alan Scott and John Johnson, among several others, sought to rebuild the breed. Keeping a close eye on preserving the breed's original loyalty and working ability, the resulting breed became the American Bulldog that we know today.

Due to the bulky, muscular appearance of the dog, they are frequently portrayed in television and movies as a fearsome and intimidating breed, often in roles as a guard dog. However, the true temperament of the American Bulldog is actually much friendlier. Due to their history as a working dog being focused largely on hunting, their prey drive is especially strong. Even today, they are commonly used to hunt wild boar. Unfortunately, breeds with a high prey drive often do not make good guard dogs or protection dogs. Other working breeds with a naturally high defensive drive such as the Belgian Malinois or German Shepherd are much better suited for work as a Protection Dogs. To learn more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Protection Dogs Explained

Unfortunately, there are many people who are not correctly educated on trained Protection Dog, and therefore its commonly mistaken that these dogs are dangerous. However, I can confidently inform you that the Protection Dogs for sale at Command Control Protection Dogs are not trained to present a danger in your home. Our unique expert training methods are used from a very young age to ensure that these dogs are completely capable of protecting an estate, and more importantly a family.

It is important to understand that we train our dogs to fully assess various situations and recognize when there is a threat to the person or family they are protecting. Our training is specific and created by our team, and unlike many of our competitors we do not treat this as a game. We understand that you value your safety and the safety of your loved ones more than anything and want to provide you with the comfort of knowing you’re protected. This is why we raise our Family Protection Dogs to defend for the right reasons. You will quickly find that their very presence calms any worries or unsettling feelings. Everyone should have piece of mind within their homes and never live in fear of the unknown. 

If you are thinking about purchasing an executive or an Elite Family Estate Protection Dogs I would encourage you to consider our custom training program. This option allows us to train your dog specifically to your needs. For instance, we can train in a language of your choice, expose them to marine or unrestrained vehicle travel, socializing with livestock, etc. If you decide on this route, we will do our best to plan out a program that will create a dog fitting perfectly into your lifestyle. As strange as this may sound to some, our dogs are handpicked among the very top of their breed and are extremely capable of learning how to protect you best.To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com