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Archive for December, 2010
Friday, December 31st, 2010
 There has always been the question of whether or not you can catch a disease from you protection dog. Almost everyone is familiar with stories of rabid dogs and just by hearing the word rabies, they are stricken with fear. Rabies also, referred to as a zoonotic disease, is virus that has the possibility of infecting almost any mammal, including dogs. It lives in the saliva of the animal and is transmitted typically by bite wounds. If the virus is not treated, it will attack the nervous system. Personal protection Dogs infected with rabies begin to show a change in temperament, and act rabidly. Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from a wild or domesticated animal to a human, and vice versa. Since there is so much concern, it is obvious that there is definitely a potential for you to catch a disease from your protection dog.
There are also other ways for you to catch a disease from your dog besides Zoonotic Disease. Even if the dog does not appear to be rabid, he could still have a disease that you are not aware of. For example a parasite such as hookworms could be present in the saliva or feces of the protection dog, and there’s no way for you to know that before hand. The hookworm could easily spread to you or your child if the dog happens to lick you. This shows how important it is for you to give you protection dog vaccines for worms, and have regular check-ups.
Rabies, hookworms, salmonella, fleas, lime disease, roundworms are all examples of zoonotic diseases that can be caught from your animal. The best solution is to take your protection dog to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. It is a good idea to never handle feces directly. Make sure to always wear gloves when handling your dog’s feces, and make sure to pick up any feces in your home quickly to prevent your child from coming in contact with it. Wash your hands frequently when handling any dog, especially unfamiliar ones. You have very little to worry about concerning catching a disease, just always use caution and common sense when handling protection dogs.
Tags: Canine Health, CCK9, Protection Dog, Protection Dogs
Posted in Canine Health, CCK9, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
 When taking on the responsibility of owning a guard dog, it is important to be educated about their health, especially the different types of health problems they could develop. Dogs have two small glands located on both sides of their rectal opening, they are called anal glands. Each gland is filled with a small amount of sickly smelling brown liquid. Each time your guard dog urinates or defecates, a small amount of pressure is applied to the anal glands, and a tiny amount of the fluid is released. Each dog has their own unique scent that is produced from the anal gland. If you have ever wondered why dogs tend to sniff each others rears, it is because they are smelling the other dog’s scent. It may seem strange, but this is how your protection dog will learn to identify other dogs. This behavior is as normal to dogs as the behavior of humans shaking hands when meeting someone new.
Although it is not common, it is possible for anal glands to form a infection. This happens when the anal gland liquid is not released sufficiently, and bacteria begins to build up. When this infection is left untreated it can turn into an abscess. This abscess can then rupture the skin, which will obviously lead to more complications. It is often believed that dog anal gland problems can be linked back to the quality of pet food that it is given. Cereal fillers are often used in inexpensive dog food brands, and they tend to make the stool soft. If the stool is not able to press firmly on the anal glands, it will not provide enough pressure to release the fluid. That is why you should take the necessary actions to buy a higher quality dog food, that will produce a firmer stool. This will not only help to prevent anal glad problems, but it will more than like be a better food for your guard dog.
If your personal protection dog, for example your German Shepherd does however develop a anal gland infection, there are many signs that you can look for. This infection will make your guard dog very uncomfortable and being able to see the abnormal signs will be simple. One sign is that your dog will be scooting or dragging his rear across the floor. Another sign is if your guard dog keeps licking or chewing near his rectum. Also if your dog’s stool becomes soft and mushy. If you notice a foul or fishy smell from your dog’s rear, this is also a sign that they may have a anal problem. When you notice one or more of these signs, it is a good idea to take the guard dog in for a check up with their vet. If the infection has not progressed too severely, then the vet will most likely manually express the anal glands. This type of procedure is a job that is better to be left to professionals.
Tags: Canine Health, CCK9, Dog Breeds, Guard Dog, Guard Dogs, Protection Dog, Protection Dogs
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Monday, December 27th, 2010
 If you make the decision to own a protection dog, it is important to know that it is a important responsibility. With any kind of responsibility you must make a commitment to it. If you make this commitment, you must make sure that everyone in your family is committed as well. The protection dog that you bring into your home must be cared for and loved by each of your family members. There are five important things you can do when caring for a protection dog to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
The first thing to know is that your dog needs water. As any other living thing, your dog always need fresh water to stay healthy. Also most tap water already has harmful chemicals in. These could consist of lead and even low levels of prescription medicine. To solve this problem, it is a good thing to consider getting a water filter. A water filter will help to remove the harmful toxins, making the water much healthier for your protection dog.
Secondly, your protection dog needs food. When you are caring for your dog it is important to choose a health dog food. Many dog foods on the market today are quite deceiving and surprisingly unhealthy. Most if them pass government standard, however they contain things that you would probably not want your dog to eat. So when you choose your dog food look for one with more meat rather than fillers. When you are looking at the package look to see that it actually lists the meat like lamb, beef, or chicken. Also look to see if it contains natural preservatives, these are much healthier for your protection dog.
The third thing you can do is make sure that your protection dog has proper health care. It is very important that you take your dog to the vet regularly for check- ups and vaccinations. Flea control and heart worm control often require the use of strong chemicals. This alarms many people because they feel that it is not healthy for their animal. But the truth is that heart worms are known to kill dogs, so it is more important to treat them. Taking your dog to the vet is necessary to ensure their long term health.
The fourth thing you can do is help your dog exercise. Many people don’t think about this as being one of the most important things to keep your dog healthy, but it is. In the United States 40 percent of dogs are considered to be overweight. Just like humans it is important to keep your dog’s weight under control because it could lead to health problems. Help your dog exercise by doing things like taking them for a walk daily.
Lastly, and probably the most important thing you can do for your protection dog is show them affection. Letting your protection dog know that you care for them has been known to affect their health in the most positive way. Doing simple things like playing with them, including them in family activities or even petting them can make them so much happier and healthier. It may not seem like it but showing your dog that you love them is more important than any other aspect of their life. Similar to humans, why would a healthy life matter if you don’t have loved ones to share it with?
Tags: Canine Health, CCK9, Personal Protection Dog, Personal Protection Dogs, Protection Dog, Protection Dogs
Posted in Canine Health, CCK9, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Saturday, December 25th, 2010
The staff at Command Control K9 would like to wish all our clients,
friends & family a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Tags: announcement, CCK9
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Friday, December 24th, 2010
 In the Netherlands, during the early 1900′s, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging was founded. KNPV was first created because there was not a organization whose goal was to organize training of police dogs. These founders wanted to spread the knowledge of this type of training. KNPV conducts police dog trials and then offers certificates. The certificates that they give out to the dogs are respected and coveted by many around the world. In the early days of KNPV the organization would put through the trials many different breeds such as the Bouvier des Flandres. Other breeds such as German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Sheepdogs, and Dobermans were also among the breeds tried in the KNPV trials.
Most breeds are not cut out for these types of trials. That is because each trial requires a dog that has great nerves, physical strength, agility and stamina. One breed that fits all of these qualities is the Bouvier des Flandres. The Bouvier des Flandres, often referred to simply as the Bouvier originated in Belgium as a work dog around the farm. The types of tasks they would perform would be things such as cart pulling, cattle herder, and a messenger dog. The Bouvier is powerfully built, rough-coated, and all around a strong looking breed. Its tough double coat protects this breed in all weather, which allows them to perform their best always.
The Bouvier, in todays world are no longer being used for the KNPV program, for they have been bred incorrectly and cannot do the sport of KNPV. This breed is also not a good option to make a good personal protection dog for they are too weak in the nerves. The only breeds that are recommended to handle the work of a protection dog in todays world is the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois and the Dutch shepherd, and with these breeds, there are only 1% of that can do the work.
Remember that KNPV has always been a sporting title and a certification program for civilians to train dogs. I no way does the KNPV represent a title or a quality of a personal protection dog. The tests that are put forth through the trials of KNPV do not even come close to all of the qualities, skills, and nerves that a great personal protection dog embody.
Tags: CCK9, German Shepherd, K.N.P.V., Personal Protection Dog
Posted in CCK9, Dog Breeds, K.N.P.V., Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010
 As a dog owner, making sure that your protection dog is healthy should be one of your main priorities and responsibilities. One health problem that may occur for you dog is a cloudy eye or otherwise known as keratitis. Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, causing the cornea to become cloudy. The keratitis infection occurs when a bacterial infection complicates the corneal ulcer. The bacteria that most commonly infects the eye is Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. When this happens the eyelids become swollen and matted. Some dogs are more likely to develop keratitis for example, dogs with short noses and prominent eyes and breeds such as the boxer. This infection covers the iris and pupil and limits light to enter the interior of the eye. The inflammation can also be accompanied by loss of the first layer of the cornea or loss of deep layers. At first, the eye might not be noticeable which could lead to trouble diagnosing your dog’s keratitis. That is why it is very important to be alert and take your protection dog to the vet if there are any signs.
There are many signs that you can look for in your dog to diagnose keratitis. One sign is if your dog’s eye looks red and painful. Another is if the eyes are watery or teary and if the animal squints. Also if they are sensitive to the light or rub at their eyes. The eye might remain closed and discharge could become present on or around the eye and eyelids. And one of the common signs is the eye becoming cloudy. If any of these signs are noticeable, take your protection dog to the vet as soon as possible. Once there the keratitis will be diagnosed through a complete eye examination. The vet will inspect the eye and cornea carefully and a test for the presence of corneal erosions by placing dye into the eye will be done. If keratitis is is diagnosed then certain steps will be taken to treat the infection. The treatment ultimately depends on the cause and severity of the corneal disease. Dogs with deep or rapidly progressive corneal damage may require hospitalization for surgery or frequent medical treatment. If it is not severe then surgery is not needed and antibiotic will be applied. Like any other health problems, be alert for signs of abnormalities in your protection dog, and be prepared to take the necessary steps to keep them healthy.
Tags: Canine Health, CCK9, Protection Dog, Protection Dogs
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Monday, December 20th, 2010
 The Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging (KNPV), or translated in English as the Royal Dutch Police Dog Association was founded in 1907 in the Netherlands. This organization was originally formed as NPV and the K was not added until February 28, 1912. When looking at the KNPV logo, many will wonder where the K is, but it is actually represented by the crown above the crest. KNPV was created because there was not a organization whose goal was to organize training of police dogs or to spread the knowledge of this training. This organization conducts police dog trials and then offers certificates that are coveted and respected around the world. These tests require a dog of great character, physical strength, agility and stamina.
The Dutch Shepherd is one of the many dog breeds used in KNPV. Normally most of the dogs that get the title for the KNPV is the breed of the Belgian Malinois. However, there are other breeds that are chosen as well. For example, there is 1% of German Shepherds chosen and 3% of Dutch Shepherds chosen. This year however most of the trials in all parts of Holland there was a higher percent of Dutch Shepherds that received the KNPV certificate. The major different between Dutch shepherd and the Belgian Malinois is there distinctive brindle coloring. They have a coloring that is predominately brindle. Hollanders selectively choose Dutch Shepherds as a breed that they take a lot of pride in. The fact that more have been title this year then any other year is a great thing for these Hollanders.They have genetically strong bred nerves, which is very valuable. They are social, affectionate and loyal yet very guarded toward strangers. Also they make great Family executive protection dogs. These characteristics help to make the Dutch Shepherd a great guard dog and protection dog.
Tags: Belgian Malinois, CCK9, Dutch Shepherd, German Shepherd, K.N.P.V., Protection Dogs
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Friday, December 17th, 2010
 Your German Shepherd goes thought a time of rapid growth and development when they are a puppy. Puppies require a different amount of nutrients than adult dogs, and because of this they should receive puppy food for the first year. Many dog food manufacturers offer a special formula for puppies that includes the nutrients they need. There are a few tips that you should know when feeding your new German Shepherd puppy. To begin with, when you bring your puppy home it is a good idea to feed them the same type of food and on the same schedule that they are use to. After the first few days, you can slowly start using the food you have chosen based on what you have learned from the veterinarian and breeder. If your puppy starts vomiting or has loose feces, slow how fast you are switching him over.
There are three types of dog food that are produced, dry kibble, semi-moist (sealed packages) and moist (canned). Kibble is the type that is recommended by most trainers, veterinarians and breeders. Semi-moist or canned foods are rarely recommended because they are not the healthiest choice for your guard dog. Canned food are high in fat and usually contain 80 to 83 percent water. Semi-moist food are high in salt and sugar and are about 55 percent water. Since these are both high in water, it makes them both very expensive. It would be pointless to spend money on a product that is mostly water and being left with ingredients that are not healthy for your dog. Dry food are 9 to 11 percent water, less expensive, easier to use and overall better for your German Shepherd puppy.
Another tip is that every time you feed your puppy, they should always have a bowel movement and urinate. If they do not do both of these things, you may want to help them by rubbing his anal area. Important clues that will tell you how well you are feeding your puppy are the makeup and amount of feces and urine. First, when the puppy’s feces is expelled its consistency should be soft and pasty. Its color will depend on what you are feeding them, however it should never vary from a pale tan to a mahogany brown. If the feces comes out green, bluish-white or clear is a signal to you that your puppy may be sick. Whenever the coloring is off, stop feeding your puppy and skip its next feeding. Begin the next feeding with a form that is one-half diluted with water. If this fails reduce the quantity by 25 percent, if it continues still consult your vet. Your puppy’s urine indicated its water balance. It should be the same amount each time, and a pale yellow to almost clear color, never deep yellow or orange. If it is dark in color or syrupy, this indicates that your puppy is not getting enough water. If its urine production stops for longer than four feedings, take the puppy to the vet as soon as possible. Your German Shepherd dog puppy will always let you know if it is getting too much or too little food, and it is up to you to be alert for the clues it gives you.
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Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
 Consuming food or as many refer to as eating, is something that all living things must do to survive. All animals have different ways of eating, and to some people the eating behavior of a guard dog, or any other dog for that matter may seem a little strange. However, to the dog this is the most comfortable way of getting the food into its stomach. “Bolting”, it the term used to describe the normal swallowing pattern for a guard dog. There are certain steps that a dog goes through while bolting. First, the dog picks up a piece of food with its teeth, and then tosses the piece of food onto the top of its tongue with a short, quick thrust of its head. Next, without being chewed the piece of food is rolled to the back of its mouth. When the food reaches the base of the tongue, the food is upward and backward into the esophagus by a reflex of the tongue. After this, the piece of food is finally carried to the stomach.
If a piece of food is too large to be swallowed, the dog will then make it so that it is a swallowing size. The dog will hold the food with its paws and using its front teeth will tear it into smaller pieces. If it is too tough to be torn by using its paws, the dog will resort to another method. The dog will cut it into small enough pieces by using two specialized jaw teeth, called carnassial teeth. These teeth have large shearing surfaces that act like scissor blades, which can cut through practically anything. The can cut through tough surfaces like hide, gristle, muscle, and even bone. Although dogs have powerful jaw muscles that are useful for cutting food into swallowing size, they are use very little for chewing the pieces. This is because dogs have a small amount of teeth and they are not equipped for mastication.
Many guard dog owners believe that each breed should be fed differently. However this is not true because the eating behavior of a certain dog, is the eating behavior of the whole species. It is simply because all dogs eat the same. When feeding your protection dog there are some general considerations that can be made. Dogs are not required to eat food like humans, because dogs do not have hands. Their jaws are suited for biting and cutting, not chewing. Dogs rarely gag because they have few gag reflex nerves at the back of their mouth. Dogs also have very few taste buds on their tongue, but have an amazing sense of smell. Overall when feeding your guard dog it is important to realize that they eat much differently from us and the way they eat is normal for them.
Tags: canine diet, Canine Health, CCK9, Guard Dog, Guard Dogs, Protection Dog, Protection Dogs
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After a long 14 hour trip we finally made it to beautiful sunny Houston Texas to deliver YaYa. YaYa is a Female 