The Misconception about Dogs

Introduction

There is a widespread belief that a dog considers his owner/handler to be another dog. I disagree with this notion since I know dogs to be remarkably intelligent creatures who know how to distinguish between humans and their own kind. 

Another bone that I have to pick is my dog putting me at the head of a pack that does not even exist! Here are some reasons to support this claim. Whether they seem to be of sound logic or not, you be the judge.

Dogs are Social Animals

Firstly, the domestic dog is no more a pack animal but a social one. Let us look at a true pack animal – the Wolf. He behaves in a very particular way by choosing to shun the company of humans and prefers living with others of his kind. Even when you see one in captivity, people’s presence bothers him. Imagine the horrifying implications of such Jekyll & Hyde – wolf hybrids – on sale to the general public! Now compare that to a dog; he will follow his owner while leaving his littermates behind.

The bond between a dog and his human is one of the most natural bonds there is. It is unique yet very clearly present. However, when man, in his folly, considers introducing abstract concepts like drives or attempts to be the head honcho/ alpha of the “pack”, he throws the balance off by adding a third wheel to the equation!

A dog’s superior sense of smell is so amazing that he uses it to differentiate between minute scents. A master of reading body language, he can also detect the presence of death, evil, cancers, and even seizures before they even happen! How can I keep from cringing when I observe a human being mimic a dog’s actions or canine rituals to dupe the dog into thinking that they are dogs too? Such clownish displays aimed at establishing a sense of superiority over a canine just make me laugh!

Conclusion

A dog knows his role better than a human does. The social instinct draws a dog away from his siblings towards a human voice, not the pack instinct. He freely gives his commitment and is the only animal to do so. Why conquer something that is a gift to us? 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

Your Dog's Eyes

Introduction

Keeping your Personal Protection Dogs in the pink of health should be your top priority. Among other problems is a health condition that is marked by cloudy eyes in dogs. This affliction is called keratitis and is caused when the cornea gets inflammation, turning cloudy.

Causal Agents

Common strains of bacteria that are to blame for keratitis are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas.

Symptoms

The disease can be recognized by the presence of:

• swollen and matted eyelids

• hurting, reddening of eyes

• watery eyes

• squint

• light sensitivity

• eye irritation

• eye discharge

• cloudy eyes

Breeds Under Threat

A breed that is more likely to suffer from keratitis is the boxer – easily recognizable by its short nose and prominent eyes.

Description of the Disease

An infection bacterial in nature, keratitis is the result of a corneal ulcer going even worse. Due to the obstructed iris and pupil, only a limited amount of light can enter the dog’s eye.

End Result

The disease could cause loss of cornea layers, which makes it imperative that you stay vigilant and look for signs of the disease. The signs might not be too obvious at the onset of disease.

Solution

When you notice the signs, try to get your canine to the vet, immediately. An eye examination will include the vet inspecting both the eyes and the cornea. They will be looking for telltale corneal erosions. 

Treatment

On diagnosis, the severity of the disease will dictate the vet’s approach to rectifying it. Deep or worsening corneal damage could require hospitalization and surgery or frequent medical treatment. Alternatively, antibiotic could be prescribed.

Always be vigilant when it comes to the health of your Protection Dog – after all, a healthy dog is an active dog! Read More, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Real Protection Training Versus Sport Training

Introduction

Instead of hiding what is broken, we should always try fixing it. That is the case with the police service dog forum. The price that we are now paying for it is making it difficult to overlook this truth!

Poor Training and its Result

Cases of unprovoked bites and dog attacks by police service dogs are being reported more and more often these days. On the other hand, I have also come across reports of police service dogs who had been killed while in the line of duty. The report mentioned stab wounds as the cause of death but I disagree. Poor training got the canine killed – his training led him to hold on to the unarmed limb of the suspect after a “sport” bite. 

Officers of a neighboring department shot another police service dog during a drug raid when attacked by him. Again, the cause of death is listed as gunshot wounds; poor training is the real culprit.

Poor Training and its Result 

What limits the effectiveness of a police service dog while in the field? Departments like the one in California are now downsizing to 2-3 dogs per K-9 unit because of their ineffectiveness. Poor training, handling which hampers a dog’s decision-making ability under stress. Most of such dogs, as well the handlers, are certified but what does a certification like that prove? Does it help you against the bad guy you are tracking? 

Old vs. New Training

The feats performed by the German K-9 Units in the World Wars let us know in no uncertain terms how effective – and dangerous – a dedicated handler could be when paired with well bred and well trained dogs. Technology has seen unimaginable advancements today, but when it comes to using K-9s as police dogs and their breeding, we seem to be regressing. An effective Personl Protection Dog is only as good as his handler. 

Protection Dog Training 

Do we see the truth easily? It tells us that the dogs on the street are ineffective. Poorly trained handlers and handlers who cannot function under strain are decimating their usefulness even further. 

Protection Dogs being of the oldest and natural dog training incorporates handler-dog communication in it. Its effectiveness can be seen very clearly, when a handler is able to work and communicate while under stress. However, unlike the towel tug and the ball, you need hard work with dedication to achieve that sort of communication with the canine. Working services uses truth and just truth as its prop. This form of training uses the natural bond between a dog and his handler. On the other hand, the sporting method has cost lives and continues to do so! To read more visit, www.ccprotectiondogs.com

Training Your Dog for Protection is not a Game

Introduction

Aside from the misconception about Bark and Hold way to train your dog, the full mouth bite is another huge one. Due to the belief, many law enforcement agencies hold that a full mouth bite will help them avoid lawsuits; they tend to think when faced with strain or pain of death, the dog will let training take over and give a full mouth bite. A dog trained that way may even test well during a U.S.P.C.A. trial. 

Background

Predators, like dogs, possess four large canine teeth. When threatened, a dog will use them. It is a natural impulse and he will not stop and think to bite down with his molars. That is the reason actual bite marks are in the form of four punctures. A dog knows that his molars will be useless when biting through heavy clothing, naturally he will use his canine teeth for a more penetrating and effective bite. No amount of training will overcome this natural instinct. 

The drive to defend himself is a choice between flight or fight. If he chooses to stay and fight back, the canine will not want to look weak or frightened. In order to survive, hunters like dogs, lions and tigers need to behave this way. A full mouth bite only alters this instinct, but cannot completely overcome it. 

Importance of Communication

As I said in the blog post, To Motivate your Dog to work, when training a dog, you need to keep the lines of communication open. The canine needs stabilization that is the result of working with it in a natural, straightforward manner. Think that the nervous dog you can spot on a sporting field that refuses to bite in a manner unnatural to him is a wrong dog for the job? Rethink that! A dog uses his canine teeth to chew and digest its food. Why do we train it to use its molars?

Educate Yourself

Through this blog post, I aim to educate dog trainers sufficiently so that they can separate truth from the myths. Through stabilization, we can form dogs and their handlers into a team with their natural instincts and habits as their biggest strength. These teams will work whether in homes, on the streets or in law enforcement. 

A dog is gifted with natural abilities, like strong sense of smell, the bite and agility. We did not train them to acquire these and we should not try to take them away through training, either. The dog is an intelligent creature, fully capable of differentiating between bare flesh and a bite suit. With the sleeve on, a sporting dog will use his training and give a full mouth bite. Remove the sleeve and attack its handler and you will see the transformation for yourself. When under stress, the dog will use his canine teeth to protect his handler. 

Incorrect training is one of the biggest causes for the lawsuits brought in the court. If you train a dog in prey, how can you expect him to react in the same way in real life situations? Stabilize and remove factor that leads to unnecessary bites. The U.S.P.C.A. and Schutzhund fields do not factor here unless your life is also a part of the equation! 

To read more visit, 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