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Archive for the ‘Family Safety’ Category
Friday, September 11th, 2009
 We’re just after getting back from a very busy schedule. Latterly, travel from coast to coast doing deliveries from California, Texas, Phoenix, Florida, Michigan, New York, Delaware, Boston and our last stop Brampton Ontario, where we delivered Jack. Jack is a Czech line import DDR German Shepherd Level II Executive Personal Protection Dog that not only looks the part, but has exceptionally strong nerves. Jack would not think twice to protect his new family.
Our clients are extremely pleased with their newest family member and we are pleased to have provided a dog of this caliber. It’s deliveries like these that make my job so rewarding . I’ve always said, “If I won the lottery tomorrow I would still be doing the same thing; delivering top quality protection dogs to families with needs.”
Posted in Announcement, CCK9, Family Safety, German Shepherd, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
 Television, the internet and viral videos alike have made false promises of training protection dogs with ease through the use of electric dog collars. The practice of using an electric dog collar on your protection dog is both inhumane and ineffective. It is the layman’s way.
In many of my visits to Holland, I’ve seen, first hand, exercises performed by the K.N.P.V. program in which they train the dog to find a box in the woods. The dog is to indicate on the box and do a bark and hold. Because the dog is not to mouth the box, the box is electrified to administer a shock. I personally disagree with this method of training, and I would never subject my German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois to electric shocks. However, history has also shown the unpredictability and unreliability of using electricity in training. Detection dogs were trained during World War II to detect mines. Trainers brought the dog’s attention to the ground using electric shocks administered through wires just under the ground’s surface. It was an attempt to train the dogs to anticipate danger in the ground. However, this had the unfortunate side-effect of making the dogs extremely nervous, which shortened their service-life dramatically. To train a dog to anticipate any form of pain will cause extreme and undue stress on the animal.
In today’s world, for a handler to properly communicate with his protection dog is almost a dying art.
Tags: Communication, Electric Collar, K.N.P.V., Protection Dog, shock training
Posted in Belgian Malinois, Canine Health, CCK9 Policy, Command Control Canine Ltd, Family Safety, German Shepherd, K.N.P.V., Protection Dogs, Training | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
 It’s always great to match a perfect dog with an equally perfect family. Deno a Male German Shepherd, Level II personal protection dog who graduated at the top of his class.
Deno passed the executive personal protection program with flying colors and is an expert at targeting the weapon hand when defending his family. His level of hardiness with his man-stopping devastation in defense and sound nerves. He was enrolled in the Level II program when our clients, a couple with a Boy decided he fit the profile of everything they wanted. Deno acclimatized very well and seemed as delighted with our client’s family as they were with him.
Our clients are extremely pleased with their newest family member and we are pleased to have provided a dog that will not hesitate to come to our client family’s defense.
It’s deliveries like these that allows me to sleep at night, knowing that my client is in good hands.
Tags: Child Protection Program, Delivery, family defense, Family Protection, German Shepherd, Home Security, Level II, Protection Dog
Posted in Announcement, CCK9, CCK9 Facility, Child Protection Program, Command Control Canine Ltd, Family Safety, German Shepherd, Guard Dogs, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009
 It’s always great to match a perfect dog with an equally perfect family. This Memorial Day weekend we delivered Tina, a Level I personal protection dog who graduated at the top of her class.
Tina, a female German shepherd, was the pick of the litter. She is the offspring of two Level III German Shepherds from West Germany and was born here at the CCK9 facility.
Tina passed her Level I training with flying colors and is an expert at targeting the weapon hand when defending her family. Her level headedness, sociability and intelligence are balanced with her man-stopping devastation in defense and sound nerves.
She was enrolled in the Level II program when our clients, a couple with 4 small children and a male pet dog, decided she fit the profile of everything they wanted. Tina acclimatized very well and seemed as delighted with our client’s children as they were with her. As usual, Tina and the family’s male German Pointer got along great.
Our clients are extremely pleased with their newest family member and we are pleased to have provided a dog that will not hesitate to come to our client family’s defense.
It’s deliveries like these that reinforce that I have the greatest job in the World.
Tags: CCK9, CCK9 Facility, Child Protection Program, dog delivery, family defense, german pointer, German Shepherd, Home Security, Personal Protection Dogs
Posted in Announcement, CCK9, CCK9 Facility, Child Protection Program, Family Safety, German Shepherd, Protection Dogs, Training | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
 One of our recent clients is the owner of a small computer shop in a very nice part of California. She called me after having her shop broken into afterhours, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars of equipment as well as a broken back door. Her alarm system did not deter the person or persons who broke in. We were happy to help and after determining her needs and evaluating her situation we delivered a balanced, strong nerved guard dog.
A few weeks ago I posted a blog called “Guard Dogs: Defined”. The flood of calls and emails I received surprised me! Obviously, there is a void in the amount of information available on this topic. I’m happy about such a positive response and would like to address some of the questions in case anyone else is wondering about the same thing.
Businesses, especially businesses with valuable inventory, use guard dogs as an alarm system. It would take a very stupid burglar to break into your business after hearing the serious bark of a guard dog on the other side of the door. Their most likely response is to skip your business all together and move on to a locality that presents less obstacles (such as a huge, snarling, barking and possibly hungry German shepherd who has been awoken from a sound sleep). They are also used to protect outdoor assets, such as in a fenced construction site.
As I have said before, beyond training and genetics, balance is part of what sets a guard dog apart from an elite personal protection dog. Guard dogs lack the social skills and perfect manners that a protection dog is genetically equipped and trained to have. They are highly territorial and trained to protect their (really your) space. Protection dogs specifically protect YOU and your family though part of this includes eliminating threats in your environment. For instance, if someone were to break into your house as you slept, the dog would prevent the opportunity to harm you.
My client who owned the computer shop was under the impression that a personal protection dog was the best choice for her. However, she didn’t personally feel threatened, it was her business she was worried about. There is a large price difference between a guard and personal protection dog. While protection dogs run between $18K to $35K and above, a guard dog only costs about $3,500-$5,500. I did not want my client to incur the extra expensive so after explaining the difference she happily took delivery of a guard dog. In fact, she said her dog cost less than the security alarm system she had installed!
It is possible to rent a guard dog though for most home and business owners  this is a much costlier way to go. It does provide a good solution if you have a short-term situation but if you want to protect your business for an extended length of time, buying is definitely the way to go. Most businesses have worked the numbers and are increasingly purchasing dogs rather than subcontracting with a security company. Additionally, rented guard dogs always come with a patrol officer. This really drives up the cost. Whenever I’m consulting with a client I’m always upfront about the rental alternative. We do not rent dogs, they are only available for purchase at CCK9, but I want our clients to know every option.
Another consideration is the environment that the dog will be guarding. It is important that much thought is put into potential dangers for the dog itself. Automotive shops, for example, need to ensure that anti-freeze or other chemicals aren’t lying in the open. If the dog will live outdoors, a doghouse needs to be stationed to protect and keep the dog warm. Guard dogs are known for their toughness but have needs like any other dog.
I specialize in training elite personal protection dogs. However, given the state of the economy and rising crime, we are increasingly asked to provide guard dogs. We put a lot of effort into training or locating guard dogs that have balance. After all, our clients are paying for dogs that are obedient and present less liability. Otherwise, they would just pick up an aggressive dog from the local pound.
So know the difference and assess your needs. We ask A LOT of questions in order to determine what is the best fit for you. Always feel free to call us with any questions.
Tags: CCK9, dog training, German Shepherd, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Personal Protection Dogs, rented guard dogs
Posted in CCK9, Family Safety, German Shepherd, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Protection Dogs, Training | No Comments »
Friday, May 1st, 2009
Without a doubt one of the most asked questions we get has to do with how protection dogs behave toward children. Without hesitation, the answer is “terrific”. Children and dogs have a fantastic connection with each other. 
One of the most prominent differences between canines and wolves is that while wolves shun humans, dogs embrace them. This relationship is especially emphasized when one observes how dogs behave around children. Children are high energy, excitable and have a high-pitched, non-threatening voice. These qualities remind dogs of when they themselves where puppies, having fun in the whelping box with their littermates. Thus, dogs rarely see children as threatening. The feeling the dog has is much like how most humans feel when they see a baby.
Dogs have such a strong desire to bond with children that they will not hesitate in situations where they otherwise would. For instance, dogs are naturally leery of new surfaces and may hesitate at first to step on asphalt or sand. However, if a child is in a sandbox the puppy will step onto the sand without delay because the puppy’s desire to bond outweighs the risk of experiencing an unknown surface.
This relationship is highlighted every time we have a new litter. Our German Shepherd puppies, Dutch Shepherd puppies and most recent litter of Belgian Malinois puppies start to socialize with children very soon after birth. The puppies love the interaction and are happy and exhausted once the children leave. These same feelings continue into adulthood and are part of the reason that protection dogs are excellent for families with children or for specific child protection work. In addition, since dogs do not view children as threats, you never have to worry about your personal protection dog becoming defensive if your children are roughhousing or playing together.
 We have zero tolerance for aggression toward children; none of the dogs we sell would ever feel defensive toward a child. Actually, their instinct to guard a child is higher than for an adult. This is why personal protection dogs are an excellent choice when considering security options for your family. CCK9 offers a popular child protection program. The second best thing to a mother’s protection, our dogs will safeguard your child in all situations. In the few instances where your child may be alone or you may be distracted, the child protection dog will be alert to any danger. If a predator or unknown person should attempt to touch or accost your child or children, the dog is trained to get in between them and bark in a threatening manner. In addition to other commands, our dogs are trained to assist in child rescue if there is ever a need.
Considering the security that trained dogs can and are eager to provide, it’s no wonder that dogs are called “man’s best friend”.
Tags: Belgian Malinois Puppies, CCK9, Child Bodyguards, Child Protection Program, Child safety, Children and dogs, Dutch Shepherd Puppies, German Shepherd Puppies, Personal Protection Dogs
Posted in Belgian Malinois, Belgian Malinois Puppies, CCK9, Child Protection Program, Child safety, Command Control Canine Ltd, Dutch Shepherd, Family Safety, German Shepherd, German Shepherd Puppies, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
Recently, we were interviewed for an article in the April edition of Best Life Magazine. In the article, the author weighed the pros and cons of a variety of different security measures including protection dogs and guard dogs. Obviously, you know my opinion regarding the superior form of home and personal security.
Other sorts of security included employing a human bodyguard, guns, and installing an alarm system. Confidentiality helps one maintain an edge with all security initiatives. The same is true with protection dogs. Though personal protection dogs, and especially guard dogs, are a strong visual deterrent to crime it is still important to maintain the upper hand by not casually disclosing his or her abilities.
Command Control Canine Ltd takes our clients’ privacy very seriously. Fortunately, so do our clients. We recently delivered four Level III personal protection dogs to the home of a well-known rock star living in New York. The dogs will begin touring with the musician shortly. During the delivery, he asked us to sign a series of confidentiality agreements instructing us not to disclose his name or image. We were happy to sign the forms but disappointed that it wasn’t assumed we would be discreet. Given his position, requesting written assurance is understandable and a matter of course in much of what he does.
All of our clients, famous or not, receive the same treatment. Our policy is simple. Under no circumstances do we reveal the names and/or specific, identifying occupations of our clients. We never market our dogs using a celebrity’s name; our dogs stand on their own merit. It’s a celebrity obsessed world, but your personal safety is more valuable than any advantage that name recognition may give us.
We train and supply personal protection dogs to increase your safety. Trust us when we say we’ll do nothing to jeopardize it.
Tags: Best Life Magazine, CCK9, CCK9 Policy, Personal Protection Dogs
Posted in Announcement, CCK9 Policy, Family Safety, Home Security, Privacy | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
I have had many clients who have purchased a protection dog from me after having been the victim of a violent crime. These are some of the best deliveries because I know that their chances of having anything else happen will now be minimal. Plus, the victim will often say that getting a protection dog has made them feel safe again. It’s great to know that our dogs are helping some of our clients in ways that go beyond just providing security.
While training, we often reenact situations and scenarios that are most likely to occur in reality. In fact, I listen closely to our clients who have been in violent situations and tailor the training around the crime with the addition, of course, of a protection dog. As you can image, adding the dog makes the outcome completely different!
Sometimes I hear other trainers say that they never allow their dogs to “interpret a situation” and that their dogs will only become defensive on command, when you tell them to. I understand the motive behind this and agree to a point. It’s true, it is very important that the handler has complete control over a highly trained and possibly lethal protection dog. However, I have found through the years and from my clients that, when put in extreme circumstances, sometimes it is okay to allow the dog to come to your defense without receiving a verbal command. The key is to train the dog to understand not only verbal direction but physical cues as well. It can be done.
One of my female clients who had been the victim of a vicious assault by a stranger spoke in detail about how the crime was committed against her. In training I keep what she said in mind. In her circumstances, a stranger struck her from behind, in the back of the head, in an effort to incapacitate her. Lying on the ground but still conscious, she described the state of shock she went into. She explained that she was not able to speak immediately after being hit. Fortunately, she escaped but even as she dialed 911 her speech was extremely slurred and she was confused as a result of the head trauma.
This is a perfect example of when a protection dog needs to understand that his or her handler needs them to come to their defense. Although the victim would not have been able to give a verbal command, our dogs are trained to take physical cues from their handler. In this situation, the protection dog would have jumped into defensive mode and targeted the wrist of the hand holding the weapon. The dog would have continued to bite until the person left. This crime would most likely be prevented all together if the protection dog had been present since the dog is a visual deterrent alone.
Another situation would involve someone breaking into your home as you sleep. The dog must protect you even as you are awakening and not able to fully comprehend the danger you are in. Given the dog’s superior sense of smell, an unknown person shouldn’t even make it a few feet past the front door.
I know that this treads a fine line since, obviously, you don’t want your protection dog to defend you when, say, someone bumps your shoulder. So we at CCK9 focus on the difference and train our dogs to come to your defense when your body language demonstrates exceptional fear. Also, without a doubt, your protection dog will always respond to verbal commands indicating that you are not in danger.
So it really is to your advantage to have a protection dog that is able to interpret if their handler has or will be assaulted. With a properly trained dog, this ability doesn’t mean a loss in control or that you aren’t in charge. It just means that your dog is prepared to come to your defense when you need them most.
Tags: CCK9, dog training, Family Safety, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Personal Protection Dogs, Protection Dogs
Posted in CCK9, Command Control Canine Ltd, Family Safety, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Protection Dogs, Training | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the advantages of owning a personal protection or guard dog over purchasing a gun. My own recent experience at a shooting range proved first hand many of the reasons why, when it comes to personal safety and home security, trained dogs have the edge. Don’t misunderstand. As a security professional, I’m all for anything that makes a family safer; guns have their place in the matrix. But when it comes down to it trained dogs trump firearms.
 At the range I had the opportunity to shoot both a 45 GLOCK and 44 Smith & Wesson. Much like the training course each client receives when we deliver a protection dog, it’s important to be properly educated before firing a gun. What struck me most is the awkwardness of handling a firearm. Under stress, in a situation when someone is being attacked, a gun user would need to be very well practiced to accurately disable his or her aggressor. It’s not impossible since there are many gun enthusiasts that practice frequently. However, most people don’t have the time or desire to get to this level. With a protection dog, the situation is different. At delivery, our trainers teach you everything you need to know. After we leave, you are free to call us 24/7 with any questions. The first few days after we leave may feel awkward but shortly thereafter you will feel completely comfortable. In a way, by daily walks, feeding and obedience, you are “practicing” with your dog- everyday. So if a situation should occur, giving your dog commands will feel as natural as shooting a target 20 feet away feels to some people.
Another great advantage of owning a protection dog revolves around family safety. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of keeping a loaded gun in their home (especially with children) for obvious reasons. Leaving the gun in a secure place, unloaded, is a frequent solution. You may feel more secure with the unloaded gun but from a practical standpoint you will most likely not be able to find, load and discharge the gun if someone breaks into your home or assaults you. Guns offer peace of mind; this doesn’t necessarily equate to increased safety.
Laws in the US may increase gun ownership control, making it even more difficult to possess a gun. Concealed weapons permits are controversial and many states will only issue these under extreme circumstances. Therefore, while it is possible to bring your dog with you in public it is increasingly more difficult to carry a firearm. Also, a protection dog is significantly more discreet.
Unlike a gun, protection dogs serve the dual purpose of having all of the attributes of a family pet. We never sell dogs that aren’t fond of children or other animals. So the upside is that in addition to having true personal security, you’ll also have an affectionate and fun companion. A companion with a natural instinct to guard, the training to back it up, who will not hesitate to protect- or even take a bullet for you. None of this can be said for a gun. Importantly, your protection dog can never be turned against his or her handler. Sadly, there are some who have had their own firearm turned against them while trying to protect themselves.
I once read a study where they asked individuals that if given the choice would they rather be shot, stabbed or bitten by a dog. Overwhelmingly, most chose to be shot or stabbed. The concept of being bitten by an animal was chosen as the most frightening. The first two choices were seen as less painful and less likely to inflict the most harm even though all three can be lethal. I’m not surprised and I completely agree. It is an instinct to have extreme fear of animals that are poised to bite- wild animals or those trained in defense of their handler.
All in all, you make the decision for what is best for your family. But from my perspective, a gun may make you feel safer but a protection or guard dog will undoubtedly make you safer.
Tags: Family Safety, Firearm, Gun, Home Security, Protection Dogs
Posted in CCK9, Command Control Canine Ltd, Family Safety, Home Security, Protection Dogs | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
One of the biggest misconceptions about guard dogs is that they are trained in the same way and have the same responsibilities as personal protection dogs. In actuality, they vary greatly in duties, genetics, training and in an array of other ways. While guard dogs do serve an important function, they are not comparable to protection dogs in several ways.
Guard dogs are most useful in the role of being a watchful gatekeeper to an estate, compound, or business. Highly territorial, they are more than willing to defend their defined ‘turf’. This is especially useful for businesses that lock up at night yet have valuable inventory that needs to be protected, such as a body shop or car dealership. They respect their handlers but are not sociable and lack the many years of training that personal protection dogs have. Protection dogs, due to their genetics and training, play a dual role in that they are highly sociable and great with children, pets and other people. Their ‘territory’ isn’t a defined area, it is their handler. Their job is to defend a physical person or person(s). The level of control is obviously greater. Protection dogs can be cross-trained to serve as guard dogs. We get this request a lot and it is easy to fulfill.
I cannot stress the importance of genetics enough. The makings of a phenomenal protection dog begin in the genes of its parents and grandparents. The secret to our success in having litters suited to CCK9’s high standards for personal protection dogs is due to our carefulness in selecting our parent dogs. In fact, all of our parent dogs have proven themselves by completing at least our Level II program. Dogs more suited to guard dog work are often the result of poor genetic planning on the part of the breeder. It is an unfortunate but common circumstance since only 1% of dogs possess the genetics to qualify as true protection dogs. This isn’t to say that there aren’t some fantastic guard dogs. It’s just that personal protection dogs have to be nearly perfect in every category just to train to perform their elite role.
Temperament and aptitude are also a product of genetics and play a key role in training. Without the proper attitude and high degree of intelligence it is impossible to train a dog for personal protection. One thing that both types of dogs have in common is that both must have a strong ‘guard’ drive. Quality guard dogs must have the nerve not to back down in the face of an intruder. How effective is a dog that backs away from a fence that a burglar is attempting to breach? Loud barking and a frantic temperament are the advantages of owning a guard dog.
Command Control K9 LTD will, on occasion, sell guard dogs. While we specialize in elite personal protection dogs we often have repeat clients ask us to find and evaluate guard/watch dogs for their estates and businesses. We take the request very seriously and always supply dogs with balance. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding available personal protection or guard dogs.
Tags: CCK9, CCK9 Facility, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Protection Dogs
Posted in CCK9, Command Control Canine Ltd, Family Safety, Guard Dogs, Home Security, Protection Dogs, Training | No Comments »
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