Thursday, April 9, 2015

Using The Right Tools To Train Your Dog

It takes very special equipment to train our  dogs. Much like a carpenter must possess the proper tools to create great work, so must the dog trainer start with the best equipment available.

CCK9 is very specific about the collars and leads used in both the learning and finished stages of dog training. All of the tools that we utilize are hand made exclusively
for us by a master leather crafter and to our custom guidelines.

Our training method requires multiple types of collars and leads. One collar, however, that we never use is called an “e-collar” or shock collar. Not only are they a cruel method of training but also they are completely unnecessary to trainers who know how to properly train a dog. Often, videos online will show a trainer working with a dog. The level of obedience is impressive until you notice the small device that they are holding which looks like a cell phone. It’s actually a remote control for the shock collar. It is unfortunate evidence that the dog was not given the proper training foundation early on and now the trainer must rely on the e-collar to get results.

All of our finished dogs are off leash obedience trained; they respond to commands off leash just as well as if they are on a leash. As you can image, dogs must start their training on a leash before off leash obedience can be taught. Unique to CCK9 is the long 7-foot lead, with brass double snaps and a floating ring, used when we walk our dogs with structure. The leads commonly found in pet stores are only 4-6 feet long, too short to have the best control over a  dog. It seems counterintuitive but a handler has far greater control when they hold the leash in a loose, u-shape.  Dogs take their cues from the handler and when the handler is holding the leash too tight it indicates stress and tension. 

The dog will respond to this negative message by being overly defensive. Since all of our dogs are off leash obedient, there is no loss of control when using a longer lead. The dog will always heal on your left with or without a lead. Therefore, longer leads allow the handler to communicate easily with their dog.
Another piece of equipment especially useful when training dogs for the police or military is our 3-foot police lead with a handle. Police dogs require a tighter lead since the dogs are often put in tense, acute situations. The handle, held in the officer’s left hand, allows full use of their right hand to discharge a firearm.

One of the best pieces of equipment for at home use is the small pull tab (in the middle of the photo). The ultra-light pull tab acts like a small lead and allows the trainer to easily correct a dog since it is impractical to attach a full size lead to a dog while it is being trained in a home environment. All of our protection dogs are trained in home environments and therefore you can imagine how useful this bit of equipment is.

Lastly, our clients often remark on how great our 1 3/8 inch leather flat collar is. Sturdy, strong, and highly crafted, it makes a statement about your dogs.
All of the equipment is included when your dog is personally delivered to your home . We do sell these items to the general public.
The attention to detail, down to the collar we use, is what makes CCK9 a leader in dog training. 
To Read more go to www.cck9.ca

Friday, January 23, 2015

Your Dogs Body Language

Body language, it is one of the most important parts of communication and can usually compose more than 50% of what someone is trying to communicate. In order to communicate well, it is always a good thing to understand what different types and what they mean. Understanding body language not only applies to humans, it can also apply to protection dogs as well. Being able to understand  this is the key to understanding your protection dog. Dogs all have their own
language that allows them to communicate things such as their emotional state and their intentions to whoever is around them.        


 Since dogs cannot speak verbally, their body gestures do the talking for them. Most of what your protection dog wants to tell you is sent through their facial expressions and body posture. After learning the basic types of body language, spend some time observing your dog in certain situations with people and other dogs.

Here are some examples of different types of dog body language that your protection dog might do and tips on how to identify them. One type is relaxed and approachable, this is when your protection dog is relaxed, unconcerned and not threatened by anything. When your dog is in this state, their head is held high, ears up, and tail down and relaxed. Alert and checking out their environment is another possible type of body language. If your dog had detected something interesting or unknown, they are are usually paying close attention and determining if there is any threat, or if any action should be taken. The body language they will display is ears forward, eyes wide, mouth closed, slight forward lean on toes and their tail moving slightly side to side.

Dominant aggressive is when the dog is expressing their social dominance and also threatening that if they are challenged, they will act. The body language to look for is a wrinkled nose and forehead, ears forward lips curled, teeth visible, stiff leg stance, body leaning slightly forward and a stiff tail. Fearful and aggressive, this is when your dog is facing a situation or individual that is threatening, and if they are pressed they may attack. Look for a lowered body, ears back, pupils dilated, wrinkled nose, corner of mouth pulled back and tail tucked. There are many more types of body language that your dog will convey to you. Understanding your dog body language will help protect you and your dog from dangerous situations. Also it will ultimately help you to communicate with them in a way that others cannot. To learn more visit, www.cck9.ca

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Guard Dog Explaind

Not a day goes by that I don’t get a call or email asking what the difference is between a guard dog and protection dog. As I have mentioned in another article, a protection dog has all the attributes of a family pet. The difference is that now you have a well-mannered, off-leash obedience-trained dog that is social and that you can take anywhere, whether it be an airport or a shopping mall, and not have

Any issues. It will not hesitate to protect you and your family if the need arises.
A guard dog has little or no social skills, and merely guards a gated area, whether it is body-shop or a car dealership. It is important when purchasing a guard dog that you get it from a reputable breeder. A good guard dog still has to have strong nerves, and will not back down from an unwelcome guest.   It is also important to consider purchasing two guard dogs, for they will work together and feed off each others energy. If considering purchasing two dogs, I would recommend a male and female, for the females are a lot sharper and will indicate a lot sooner while the male has greater size for intimidation.

When housing your guard dog it is very important to make sure that no only is your fence secured to keep your dog from getting out, but that you keep your dog in a crate during the day. The crate should be in a quiet and cool place so that he or she can sleep during the day and work during the night. To read more visit, www.cck9.ca

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Top Breeds To Use As Protection For Your Family


People often assume that by owning any dog, your home and family are protected from danger.
Though dogs may detect when someone is at the door, only a well-trained dog can protect your family from intruders and other dangerous events.

The team at CCk9 have the professional expertise to be able to match you with a dog that will offer effective protection and companionship for your family.
Offering three key breeds – German Shepherd, Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, you are given the opportunity to have a dog that not just protects your home and family, but fits into your lifestyle and protection needs.

Each breed has a different personality, different protection abilities and can provide your family with different skills.
These dogs are trained based on these various traits so you can take comfort knowing you are protected the way you should be.

German Shepherd

Most people associate German Shepherds with providing protection for homes and individuals. These dogs were originally bred to serve masters due to their high intelligence, confidence and loving nature.
German Shepherds make excellent personal protect dogs because of their ability to protect, but also remain calm during day-to-day life events.

Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherds offer a different level of protection than traditional German Shepherd dogs. Dutch Shepherds are known for their independent thought and strong obedience. They are slightly more lively than a German Shepherd, but make outstanding personal and property protection dogs.
Dogs chosen for training are selected from owners rather than wholesalers, to ensure the dogs have been properly socialized and are prepared for the rigours of training.
Dutch Shepherds are an excellent choice for owners looking for obedience, protection, agility, article retrieval and scent tracking.

Belgian Malinois


Belgian Malinois dogs are an exceptional protection dog. Swift, level-headed and easy to control, these dogs have found roles not only as protection dogs but in law enforcement too. These dogs are committed to their owners and have a drive to please.They understand their role and will do all they can to     protect and keep their owners happy.

CCk9 will go over your needs whether they be personal protection, property protection or executive protection. They will match you with the right breed for your Family. To Learn more visit, www.cck9.ca