Housebreaking your Dog the right way

Housebreaking is training the puppy to defecate in your desired spot/area. When a bitch gives birth to puppies, it cleans their urine and feces and digests it. As the puppies begin to grow old (at almost four to five weeks), they begin to go outside their sleeping area/den to defecate in an outside spot. This is a natural behavior of dogs. However, when you have a puppy at home, you need to make sure you handle its natural instincts in such a way that they meet your house rules. 

Why is Housebreaking Important?

Many puppy owners feel that as their pup grows old, it’ll learn to defecate in an appropriate spot itself. The thing that we, as dog owners, need to realize is that a dog’s natural instinct contradicts with our rules. It is important for the dog to learn your rules, as you are the leader of the pack now. Without training housebreaking to your dog, you will be left with poo and urine all over your house.

Animal of the Den

Dogs are descendent from wolves and wolves live in dens. They use their den for sleeping and resting and when they need to relieve themselves, they go outside the den. The reason that dogs go outside for defecating purpose clearly shows that they do not like to make their sleeping or living place dirty. This is a great habit of dogs which gives dog owners a clue that they can easily use this tactic to house train their dogs.

Turning a Crate into a Den

Housebreaking should start when your dog is six weeks old. This is the best time to train the dog the way you want and make it follow the rules of the house. During this time, a crate is the most useful training tool that you should make use of for the puppy. When you start crate training your puppy at a very tender age of five or six weeks, it will begin to take the crate as its den. 

Denning animals feel safe and secure in their dens. Therefore, crate training will make your puppy feel the same way. However, you will need to make sure that the puppy is put inside a proper sized crate. Puppies are mischievous and full of energy. They want to play and socialize. Therefore, a big sized crate will only make your puppy destructive and give it a lot of room to move around and eliminate. The size of the crate should be big enough to let the puppy turn around and sit comfortably. When your puppy will be in the crate, it will avoid eliminating in it because it will make the place dirty. 

A puppy will defecate in a crate if it is left confined for long hours. Putting your dog in a crate for little time will help make the housebreaking process easier. Once your puppy has learned its lesson and is comfortable staying in a crate, you can begin to open more space to it. Do not give the whole house to your little puppy, as it will eliminate in areas far from its room.

Feeding the Right Diet

A great part of a puppy’s housetraining depends on the type of diet it eats. Although there are many options in the market, you have to make sure you avoid feeding it dry or canned food. The discussion on dry and wet diet has been around for long. However, what dog owners fail to realize is that these foods can disturb the dog’s natural digestive process. 

• Dry dog food or kibble can cause dehydration.
• Wet or canned food can cause diarrhea.

The key point that dog owners need to consider is that Mother Nature has created dogs for the wild where they hunt and eat raw meat. Therefore, feeding your dog anything other than what its digestive system is designed for will result in disturbance in the digestive system. This will cause housebreaking problems as the dog will not have a proper time to eliminate. 

When you feed raw meat or home cooked meal to your dog, it will need to eliminate thirty minutes after consuming the food. This means that you will need to take your dog in the backyard after its meal time. When you put your dog on the leash and take it outdoors every time it eats food, this practice will register in its mind as a routine task. Therefore, after several days of training, your dog will learn to eliminate outside. 

Another thing that you need to take care of while housetraining your puppy is to never leave its food outside for the entire day. Puppies don’t need to eat a lot and if you leave the food outside at all times, it will adopt irregular eating habits, which will result in disturbed bathroom schedule. To avoid situations like these, make sure you designate a timeframe for your puppy’s meal time. Put your puppy’s food bowl in front of it for  20 minutes and pick it up when the time is up. This is a great way to make your puppy used to a fixed meal time, resulting in fixed bathroom time. 

Recognizing Good Behavior

Housebreaking isn’t only about correcting your dog, but it is the way that you motivate and encourage the dog to adopt the right behavior as well. The best way to reinforce any behavior is to encourage the dog by giving it a bone to chew on or by simply showing affection. The dog will then begin to connect recognition with a certain behavior, which will make it repeat that behavior for getting love and affection from you.

Don’t Pick Up Feces in Plastic Bags

Another habit that many dog owners have adopted is to pick feces of their dogs in plastic bags to keep the roads, grass, and parks clean. Although, it might seem like a responsible act, it is still a bad habit as many owners just leave these bags hanging on trees and placed besides pathways. This is something that is far more dangerous than leaving the feces in the open. Plastic bags are very harmful for our environment. Therefore, do not develop this habit as it is only going to do more harm than good. 

Housebreaking becomes easy when you start training your dog at five weeks of age. However, the key is to be consistent and patient during the training process and make use of crate in an appropriate way. Once your dog learns that eliminating inside the house or in prohibited areas is bad, it will adopt the habit of going outside on its own for defecating. A housetrained puppy grows up to become an obedient dog that follows your commands without causing any problem.  Read more www.ccprotectiondogs.com

What is Better for your Dog : Chain or Kennel

There has been a great discussion on the use of kennel and chains, and many dog owners are unable to make the right choice. Many owners are under the impression that dogs can be better handled if enclosed in a kennel. They believe that a kennel is safer and restricts the dog from running away or from making their home a mess. However, if we look at it from the dog’s perspective, we would understand that caging dogs in kennels is cruel and has no effect in keeping the dog from misbehaving.

So, what do you think is better for your dog? Do you think your dog feels more comfortable in an enclosed space or an open one? Let’s find out what is better for your dog.

The Kennel Theory

There are a lot number of people who prefer to put their dogs in kennels. The main reason behind this preference is that kennels are more spacious. Therefore, dog owners believe that their dogs will have enough room to move around, relax, and play. However, the thing that they fail to realize is that kennels make dogs uncomfortable and aggressive. 

When you lock up a dog in a kennel, you make it feel insecure and alert. The dog feels that it is in trouble or forced to live in a small space. This feeling makes the dog hyper and aggressive, and the dog tries to find ways to escape. Just put this scenario on yourself and imagine you being locked up inside a small room. So, would you sit and relax or would you try to find ways to escape? 

Kennel interferes with a Dog’s Needs

Dogs are social animals and they love to make friends, run around the house freely. Therefore, confining them into small cages is never an ideal scenario. Moreover, they have physical needs that get disturbed when they are caged in kennels. Dogs also need mental stimulation and lots of exercise, which it doesn’t get due to being caged in a kennel.

There are many dog breeds that are calm by nature and do really well in a kennel. However, it is morally wrong to confine dogs in small spaces that deprive them of their most basic mental and physical requirements. Although it might seem like a good idea to put your misbehaving dog in a kennel, but the consequences to that may be detrimental. 

Dogs are not made for kennels. They are extremely social and affectionate. They also love to move around in the house freely, which is impossible when put in a kennel. Another disadvantage of putting your dog in a kennel is that it will try everything to break free from it. The dog might scratch, bite, dig, and chew the kennel to escape, which is a red sign that tells you that the dog is losing its mind. 

The Chain Theory

Seeing your dogs in chains might be the most horrible sight, but in all honesty, it is far better than putting the dog in a kennel. Many dog owners do not like to chain their dogs because they believe that it is cruel. Instead, they put them in kennels so that they get enough space to play. As appropriate it might sound, there are many reasons to not to put your dog in a kennel. So, why are chains better and doesn’t make the dog feel suffocated in them? 

Many might say that chaining dogs is inhumane and cruel. However, if you compare and contrast a chain to a kennel, you will come to a realization that chains are better than kennels. Chains are better as they do not restrict the dog’s actions and movements. They provide more freedom and room to the dog to run, jump, and play. Moreover, chains keep the dogs in control and are used to keep the dog in its limits. 

However, there are certain rules that dog owners need to follow in order to keep the dog calm and comfortable in a chain. The chain that you choose for your dog should be of proper length. The dog should be able to move freely without getting hurt. The material of the collar also holds a lot of importance as a bad material will suffocate or hurt the dog. The preferred collar material for a dog is leather or nylon. When putting your dog on a chain, make sure it is not wearing a choker collar. Chokers are tight on the neck of the dog and if the dog tries to struggle or run with a chain attached to a choker, it might injure its neck or choke itself. Therefore, to avoid any disastrous situation, make sure you never pair the choker with a chain.

 Dogs in an Open Yard

There might be some dog owners who would try to find a third option of  open yard. Of course it sounds right to have your dog in your open yard, but it has its own pitfalls that you must be aware of. If you want to provide freedom to your dog by  the yard fence or in an open space, you will drive it crazy. Dogs won’t do really well with that much freedom and will try to escape through the fence. 

The open environment is like a freedom call for the dog and it will exhaust itself by trying to break free. Therefore, if you think that going with this option is better than kennel and chains, you need to reconsider.

The Final Verdict!

Max von Stephanitz was a German dog breeder who did not believe in dog kennels. He criticized the organizations and people who promoted the concept of kennels without knowing the effect that they have on dogs. He also attacked humane societies and kennel clubs in his criticism by saying that the name ‘kennel clubs’ itself should be an eye-opener for the people that want to associate with them. 

The reason that he did not support kennels was that they deprive dogs of their basic necessities. Although kennels are used to manage dogs and control their behavior, they have nothing to do with any of it. A dog in a kennel is helpless, scared, and defensive. Putting such affectionate animals in kennels is injustice to them. Therefore, if you want to leave your dog at home or in an open space, go for chains instead of kennels.  Read more www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Dog Aggression

Introduction

This article addresses one of the problems commonly experienced by dog owners – unwanted dog aggression. This article explains three of the causes of canine aggression but by no means, consider them the only causes since there are more than 20 categories, the scope of which is beyond this article.

Aggression Triggers

Rank Drive

It is difficult to explain the intensity a dog’s pack drive can take to a new owner. Since it is innate, it will definitely affect how a dog behaves when brought home and made to interact with family members.

If you think your dog should be taught that your children rank higher in the pack, then you are looking at this the wrong way. Imagine trying to make a dog feel inferior to a two-year-old. It is not doable, instead teach your dog that your child is always off limits. You can do it the way I did – by making sure, the dog is never alone with your child – or through training that starts with always having the dog on a leash, even inside the house. Correcting the dog, either verbally or in some other way, is another way to reinforce the lesson, every time you see him display unwarranted aggression.

Attack by other dogs

When a dog has been scared or badly hurt by another dog, he will become aggressive. One occasion like this can lead to life-long aggression. It is very similar to how we will behave, had we been mugged, or after an episode where our personal space and safety have been violated. 

We know you are always concerned about the safety of your dogs but do not always realize that a dog in the presence of stranger dogs is an aggressive dog in the making. When taking your dog to a park, understand that any of the dogs there could have dominance issues that translate into aggression.

Your dog, no matter what age he is will look to you for protection and leadership when under threat. Do not make the mistake of thinking your dog needs to learn how to protect himself and wait for him to act tough. If you stand by and allow a strange dog to hurt your dog, he will take it to mean that since he has to protect himself, he should respond through either a fight or flight. If they act aggressive and scare the incoming dog away, the aggressive display will keep increasing in intensity with every such occurrence. It is something that I always practice.

Multiple Dogs

Having more than one dog in a household is entirely possible; however, you need to realize that while controlling two dogs is manageable, a third dog’s presence forms a pack. A dog pack’s establishment will skew the balance and the animals will form their own pecking order shortly. While it may at times, work out peacefully, with every dog understanding where they stand, sometimes a dogfight may also break out while establishing dominance.  Read more  www. ccprotectiondogs.com

What Drives - Prey or Defense ?

Introduction

We have heard of the days when administering drugs, like Ridlin and Prozac, to our children, prescribed by a psychologist, was considered an acceptable practice. Society today frowns on drugging children, but now, the so-called dog psychologists have taken over. They put our canine friends through a very similar indignity with almost the same drugs! 

K-9 Drives

Today, everybody seems to be an expert on the subject of K-9 drives. The ever-changing opinions do not stay the same for too long. However, I have always believed a dog is driven by two things – his prey and defense. His drive for prey would be the one during play while the drive to defend is a serious one.

Philosophy of Working Service dictates that while a wolf may be considered a pack animal, a dog cannot, since dogs have been known to leave their littermates and follow humans. A true pack animal, like the wolf, would avoid humans and stick to his own breed. Just as socializing with your colleagues at work does not make you a party animal, a dog that can work with other dogs is not necessarily a pack animal, based on just this criterion.

Personifying Dogs

Trouble starts when humans begin crediting dogs with human emotions or as having human traits. This is just as silly as thinking a human could possess canine traits. At the top of the list is the level of discernment that a dog can have. Humanizing the dogs has led to creation on multiple drives. Some of which that I have come across during my research are explained here.

Contradictory Terms and Misconceptions

Let us look at the term drives first. Initially described as "subconscious impulses to react to stimuli", this term curses the dog to exist as a creature unable to think. Overreaction to stimuli is a very real possibility that most kennelized dogs display but it is only a result of excessive kennelization, instead of allowing the dog to socialize. A dog’s innate drive has nothing to do with its response to stimulus, rather it is dictated by the environment.

Next up is the word temperament. Used to describe a dog's attitude towards life, and its qualities of a thinking animal, this term is contradictory to even the existence of drives. If this confuses you, as a handler, imagine what the dog feels like!

When asked to describe courage, most people would say that it is the absence of fear. However, to me not being afraid of objects or situations does not make you courageous, it makes you stupid! I believe courage is facing one’s fear and mustering the strength to work even when afraid. Veterans will tell you both courage and fear go hand in hand.

Types of Drives

• Hunt, Tracking and Air-scent 

Described as the need to pursue objects not within sight, they essentially mean the same thing. Attesting to that is the fact when tracking a dog who is hunting for a man’s scent during a Search & Rescue mission, most trackers will see the canine will use all of the senses at his disposal. Giving three names to a single drive only adds to the confusion of the handler and consequently, the dog.

• Retrieve

Described as the drive that allows a dog to bring an object back to his handler. I consider this a sporting term much the way forced retrieve is one. Since we often dogs refusing to retrieve stuff, we can say that this is an obedience exercise not dissimilar to other training exercises. It has nothing to do with the subconscious of a dog.

• Prey

Described as the subconscious need to bite and kill his prey. It is also displayed in a dog’s refusal to let go. We need to understand one crucial thing – if a dog is biting to kill, he is not playing anymore! This example will illustrate the difference between defensive and play modes. A dog chasing a cat is in play-mode or nonserious while the cat is fleeing for its life and is defensive or serious mode. 

• Rank

• Survival/Flight 

• Homing 

• Play

The subconscious need for physical contact with other packmates.

• Pack

Described as the subconscious need for emotional contact with the packmates.

• Activity

The list goes on and on. For an animal that is under the subconscious control of these drives, a dog seems to have a lot of them! He seems to me, a very complicated creature.

Further Collusion through Misinformation

Men and dogs have worked alongside each other in complete harmony. Misinformation like the “drives” is bent on destroying that human-dog relationship. Under stress or during intensive work, neither man nor the dog can indulge in such folly and must fight to survive.

Dogs were a part of defense during World War II; their dexterity amazed more than one person back then. The reason for a relationship that worked was that it was necessary. They did all they could to survive, instead of theorizing things that did not even exist!

Room for Improvement

I firmly belief a dog is driven by prey – play – and defense – serious. Reiterating this only means that I refuse to add confusion – whether on the training field or in my life. An unstable environment and misguided human attitude are the creators of K-9 problems. When training with your dog, try to think of the reason for each step of the training, even if constructive. Think on the practical applications, instead of theorizing about stuff or following blindly. Since I work in the field every day, I consider it the right thing to always ask, "Why?" Read more www.ccprotectiondogs.com

A Dog's Natural Ability

Many dog companies have been importing and selling Sporting and Schutzund dogs under the label of Protection dogs. Breeds like the German shepherd gained a somewhat bad reputation because of how these dog jockeys have mistreated them and then condemned them after earning so much money. These so-called trainers do not have the slightest idea about how to breed or even work with true Protection dogs! 

Before attempting to get into this assortment of problems, I want to clear a widespread misconception – a bite where a dog uses his canines is a bite out of fear. It could not be more misleading – do all predators, like tigers and lions, bite out of cowardliness or fear? Why possess canines, if a predator is supposed to use its molars to bite down? 

The unnatural way dogs are taught to deliver full-mouthed bites is against their nature. A real bite from a dog will never involve using his molars; instead, he will use the canines that God has given him for this very purpose when push comes to shove. Telling a boxer he is a coward if he uses his fists to punch will not make this teaching right.

This misinformation has gone on for too long and has wreaked havoc on the German shepherd breed, so much so that the breed has become twisted, warped, and rendered completely useless.

Several news articles are reporting that the German police have stopped using German shepherd dogs on the force. Now, they are attempting to cross-breed Malinois and German shepherd dogs in order to achieve capable Protection dogs. 

A sporting dog is not a Protection dog, no matter how you try to justify this claim. I have always tried to stand by this conviction and most of the time; I have been alone in this. If we continue to watch as by-standers, we will be letting those very “trainers” murder another capable breed, like the Malinois or even the Dutch shepherd dog the way they have ended the usefulness of German shepherds! Read more, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Schutzhund as a Sport

Introduction

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America is a dedicated organization working to protect and preserve the German shepherd’s heritage and lineage through Schutzhund training.

History

Schutzhund – Literally, “Protection Dogs” – has his roots in Germany. Back then, breeders used to select only the best quality dog after critical evaluation for their breeding programs. It was used to instill the principles of protection, obedience, and tracking in dogs.

The Training

Even today, a bred German shepherd dog requires a Schutzhund title. There are three types of titles:

• Novice or Sch H I,

• Intermediate or Sch H II, and

• Master Sch H III

Now a sport that has become extremely popular, the Schutzhund is still relevant today as a breed test. Even today, Schutzhund displays the adeptness of trained canines in several fields, such as:

• Utility

• Intelligence

• Endurance

• Courage

• Trainability

• Scent Ability

The Sport

The sport, which is quite popular in North America, consists of various mandatory rules and regulations. A few examples of these rules are as follows:

Entry Age 

• 18 months for SchH A and SchH 1

• 19 months for Sch1-1 11 

• 20 months for Schl-l 111

• 16 months for FH

• 12 months for B

Judges

One judge may only evaluate 10 to 12 dogs per day. More dogs might be entered into the trial, if more judges are brought in or the duration of the trial is extended.

Candidates

• Canine entrants must be completely healthy and tested for impartiality and sureness.

• A dog may only take part in only one Schutzhund degree per trial.

• Dogs awarded degrees prior to a trial must complete a four-week waiting period before applying for the next degree.

• Participants must follow judge and the trial committees’ instructions.

Handlers

Poor sportsmanship leads to expulsion. Handlers must conduct themselves and their animals with impeccable behavior.

Scoring

The highest possible score for all phases is 100 that becomes 300 for all three phases.

Please keep in mind that these are just a few of the rules. Read more www.ccprotectiondogs.com

The Bark Exercise

Introduction

Real Protection Training is not the same as Sport Training. The sporting world has given birth to a grave misconception, which has found its way into training dogs for law enforcement. It is called the Bark and Hold; we prefer to give it a more ominous yet accurate name,  ‘Bark and Die!’ It is not the only one of its variety; there are others, however, this is one really unwise practice to bring to the street. You might ask how you will protect an unsuspecting passerby or a child from getting bitten without this training. Read on to find out how. 

Programming vs. Training

An armed suspect’s body would be pumped full of adrenaline. A dog trained with the Bark and Hold method will approach the suspect, sit down and bark to tell the officer to approach. It could end in both the officer and the dog getting shot and it has, in several cases! Hence, my name, Bark and Die seems apt. Since that dog is programmed and does not think to distinguish between an armed assailant and an unarmed one, it will do exactly as it was taught. 

When we train a dog, through open communication, it can make conscious decisions. Some trainers might scoff at this idea and believe canines cannot function without programming. They use the sleeve, the ball and the towel tug to stop an intelligent creature from thinking and praise it for being goofy. Diminishing a dog’s desire to think has caused many of the problems that we see on the streets today. 

Think like a Dog

Imagine chasing a suspect with your human partner. When your partner runs ahead to a corner where he/she is not visible to you, the suspect is pointing his/her weapon at you, waiting. Meanwhile your partner just keeps reminding you by yelling, "Here he/she is” continuously. How would you respond? By coming around the corner, in response to his/her yells! Do you see that there is a flaw in the communication lines? 

We all want “sharp” and “driven” dogs but we overlook the problem in our training – the dog is never taught to solve a problem, if one arises. Instead of depending on a cue, the canine must team up with the handler. Down with Bark and Die, won’t you say? To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Why Invest in a Personal Protection Dog

In an era of security alarms and monitoring homeowners may think they are protected from danger thanks to electronic devices.

This isn’t always the case with criminals becoming more tech online systems,savvy and hacking technology on the rise.

    

Protection from a highly trained dog can offer more security than any device can. They are effective, on-site protection that tells would be intruders or other criminals that they are being watched and will be stopped.

A select breed of dogs known for their exceptional protection qualities are available including German Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois dogs. These dogs are highly trained in defence measures to protect you and your family.

Nearly 70 per cent of people who choose CCPD are women. This is because a dog can be an excellent personal protection from attack or predators.

CCPD makes sure that the dog makes a smooth transition into the new home and has spent time working with female handlers.

Children can also feel safe and protected with a dog from CCPD. All protection dogs are trained to work around both adults and children from as early as five weeks (puppies).

They are the preferred choice for many CEOs who have to make frequent trips and leave their wife and children at home.

All the dogs trained at CCPD have been trained for social situations whether you have company over or are out running errands. They have been taught how to properly identify what is a threat and what is normal activity. They are highly socialized and make excellent companions so you never have to feel threatened in their presence. The dogs learn through real-life scenarios how to identify danger and protect those that care for them. 

CCPD has been matching dogs with new families for over 15 years and they work with each client to identify what the security needs are and what dog will work best in each situation.

Each dog is rated based on the level of protection required and what kind of working environment they will be in.

The Command Control Protection Dogs Executive Protection Dog is a well-mannered, sociable dog that is good with children and animals. They are trained with all off-leash obedience, aggression alert, and with further threat will take bite on body, release and return to handler on command.

To learn more about how CCPD can help you protect your family visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Advanced Training For German Shepherd Dogs

California pioneer in advanced dog training techniques announces a unique Dog training system using a combination of communication, direction and correction training. 

CC Protection Dogs, a dog training center operating out of California has announced the development of a unique canine training system using an unique approach that incorporates communication, direction and correction training. The aim is to help dog owners build a more positive relationship with their canine companions. 

According to CCPD, a dog’s world (and the behavior within it) is not complicated but it definitely is intricate. To understand and communicate with dogs, dog owners need training in canine communication and body language. Dogs have a universal language that’s both subtle and wide-ranging. Real canine language is not just verbal. It’s, in reality, a rich visual language. 

An extension of the above, the well being of a dog and the quality of life of its owner is contingent upon building a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. An important part of building such a relationship is teaching a dog how to walk on a loose leash at all times. Because this is hard to adequately teach in an obedience class situation, teaching dogs how to stop, abruptly change direction or back up on a loose leash has been a guarded secret among dog trainers for a very long time. 

Another important aspect of both basic and behavioral canine training is the theory of corrections in dog training. It rests upon a core understanding that correction training in canines is not to punish a dog for inappropriate behavior. Instead it serves the purpose changing or “correcting” a behavioral trait in a dog for a more positive rapport between the dog and its owner. 

And these are the three pillars of the new advanced canine training system developed by CCPD. Encouraging a natural approach to help dog owners and their canine companions work together at a comfortable pace, CCPD is committed to providing a high quality dog consultation service and a variety of different training options to help bridge the gap between dog owners and their pet. 
CC Protection Dogs is a dog-training center specializing in selling Elite Family Estate Protection Dogs to high profile clients. See our trained German Shepherd for sale. 

The Military Dog

Man has started and finished wars since prehistoric times and his canine companions have been a very important part of his war efforts. History tells us of some civilizations that were unique in their practice of honoring both the two-footed and four-pawed soldiers involved in battles. They would revere the memories of brave canines that had fought right next to them, by painting murals. Times might have changed, as have the roles of dogs in warfare, but the practice continues. Military dogs are still a crucial part of many successful military campaigns.

Roles of Military Dogs

Even though military working dogs are deployed to the front lines of an ongoing battle very rarely, they are still play an important part. Their role has evolved with time  and they have very specialized roles now like in covert operations. As time has changed, so have the type of battlefields. The battles and campaigns that we face today are miles away from what our forbears faced and fought. Today, the enemy is often a wolf in sheep’s clothing, well hidden among the civilians. This is where military canines come into action. These dogs are trained to react within a split-second, if an armed “civilian” attacks or even passes by them.

In today’s world, weapons have diversified to include explosives that may be expertly hidden or disguised. By the time they are figured out, the damage has usually been done. A trained military dog is often used for scouting, surveillance and detection of such explosives. The military canine picks up on minute scents given off by explosive materials, before the explosives go off. Outfitted with the latest of technologies, canine can now help military teams scout an area before the others move in. Innovative advances now allow small cameras to be attached to the dog’s head, so that the handler can monitor and see what the dog sees beforehand.

Breeds Used As Military Dogs

German Shepherds form the lion’s share of all military working dogs while Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are slowly gaining popularity. Unfortunately, wearing a specially designed bullet-resistant Kevlar vest does not make a military canine indestructible. Often military memorials also bear the names of dogs who met their end while in service to their country. They only remind us of the true nature of a dog – loyalty and bravery to the very end. To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Protection Dogs and DNA Testing

Why DNA Testing?

Owners of personal protection dogs may be proud of the breed of their dog; however, in many cases they do not know exactly what breed it is. Knowing the breed of your dog is very useful in the long run. If you are not completely certain what breed your dog is, try DNA testing. It is easy and the process does not take too long.

What is DNA Testing?

As mentioned above, DNA testing is important. For a dog’s DNA test,

• A small tissue/saliva sample is taken – this will contain blood or skin cells 

• Genetic profile is run – this will determine the DNA of your dog

• Comparison with other profiles of known dog breeds – this will ascertain       which breed your dog belongs to.

It is a simple process and obtaining the sample from your dog is very easy while at home. Once you send it off to a lab, you just have to await the results. Even simpler is doing the DNA test at home, using a home kit. Many vets and breeders use them since these kits are the result of strict tests and are monitored to ensure you get a high quality product that gives you accurate results. They are a cheaper alternative to sending your dog’s samples to the vet’s office. There is also the added advantage of reducing your pet’s stress level when you do it at home.

Is DNA testing accurate?

This is the question that jumps to most people’s mind – yes, it is easy and simple, but is DNA testing even accurate? Several factors can affect the accuracy of a DNA test and subsequent results. The first and foremost is how you collect the actual sample. Before you get started, read the instructions very carefully so that you do not end up with a sample that does not contain enough DNA. 

The Final Verdict on DNA Testing

Should you get your dog’s DNA tested or not? It is really up to you. If as a dog owner, you do not care what breed your pet is, then do not have them tested. It is important to keep in mind, however, that with guard dogs, the breed of the dog really matters; same is the case with protection dogs. This is because not all breeds meet the protection dog requirements, including strong nerves, better instincts, courage, and various other factors. 

What to Do Next

If you have made up your mind to get a DNA test done on your guard dog, then on your next visit, ask the vet any questions that come to your mind regarding this matter. Your vet will provide you with some helpful hints, as well as recommend brands that give accurate results.

At CCPD, we take pride in providing our customers with purebred German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois personal protection dogs. However, that is not always the case when you buy a dog from somewhere else. Your family’s personal dog might not be the breed you think it is when you bought it. A DNA test can help you solve this mystery. To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

The Need For Personal Protection Dog

Every year, The California Attorney General reports statistical crime data to the government and to the citizens of California . The latest report indicates that while crime rate decreased in every offense since 2012, the numbers are still a cause for concern. The violent crime rate is at 397 per 100,000 residents. Property crime, which has declined from 2008, is still at 2,665 per 100,000 residents. CC Protection Dogs, California’s reputable supplier of protection dogs recommends investment in a canine companion for the greatest peace of mind.

CCPD is a leading protection dog supplier in California with clients from all walks of life. The dogs are expertly taught to be fearless and defend their charge against assailants. This is achieved through a combination of communication, direction and correction training. Perry from CCPD tells us: “Most of our customers arrive at the decision to purchase a protection dog after having been a victim of burglary or assault. By taking the positive step to get a protection dog beforehand, people can spare themselves the emotional shock of having their property invaded or their loved ones threatened”.

With crimes rates in California falling but not low enough for peace of mind, many people are finding it hard to feel safe in their own homes. 

The popularity of crime-busting gadgets such as access control is on the rise but CCPD encourages investment in a canine companion too. Protection dogs provide a real deterrent to burglary and around the clock security. The challenge is to find a good fit. One size does not fit all and protection dogs require expert training to develop into trusted companions with the right skill set to defend against potential assailants.

CCPD is at the forefront of protection dog training in California with custom services available to dog owners and a selection of dogs from the best bloodlines. To view are available Dogs, visit our gallery at www.ccprotectiondogs.com

CCPD'S Advise How To Train Your Dog

Years ago, when I received my personal protection dog from CC Protection Dogs, the trainers went into detail about how my dog was trained. In addition, I remember a story they told me about another trainer who called them seeking advice on how to work with a dog that had reached a learning impasse due to behavioral issues.

This trainer explained one of his methods for becoming the dog’s “pack leader” involved biting the ear of the dog, something wolves in wild packs do. Another ritual he adopted as a training technique involved “alpha rolling” the dog; again, something wolves do.

The problem this particular trainer had is that he viewed dogs and wolves in similar ways due to ancestral history. In fact, this well-meaning trainer was correct in his desire for control but his misunderstanding of the real dynamics of the human/dog relationship meant he was going about it the wrong way.

Over the years, I’ve heard other people advocate similar types of flawed training and I’ve concluded that dogs understand their role in the human world better than humans understand their role in the dog world. Simply put, dogs are smart enough not to confuse a human for a dog. I’m certain my executive protection dog doesn’t get the two of us confused.

Considering the complexity and intricacy of canine interactions, it would be arrogant to think that humans are able to accurately replicate a dog’s view of the world. Given that dogs are masters of body language, they view human attempts at imitating canine behavior as abnormal at best. When a dog bites another dog’s ear there is much more going on than meets the eye. We shouldn’t presume we understand what’s happening.

By observing wolf behavior, we really are highlighting the differences between wolves and dogs. The two behaviors are not interchangeable. The ways in which wolves interface with one another should not be applied to our own interactions with dogs; nor should the way dogs interface with each other.

The differences in the two species are apparent. While wolves do all that they can to avoid humans, dogs readily leave their litter mates to join them (the reverse of the pack instinct). Dogs will even defend their two-legged human companions against another dog. They are fully committed to defending their human handlers whereas wolf pack leaders often have to defend their position from rival members within their own pack. Such behaviors, a few of many, demonstrate that dogs view us differently than they view their own kind.

So when asserting yourself with your personal protection dog or canine companion, please keep in mind that he or she does not see you as another dog. Dogs see us as something they think is even better: a human. To learn more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

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