The Best Protection Dogs Come From CCK9

What is the CCK9 difference?

Here at Command Control K9 a special training program is used to ensure that all our Protection Dogs meet the standards of our clients.  Using a program based on dog psychology, our trainers gain the respect and trust of the dogs we have bred, and the imports we select for our program.  The initial step of this program is the bonding period.  Since we do not use balls, treats, or tugs to train, a special bond is required in order to motivate each dog to work and learn.  The bonding period is a unique and vital part of our program because it involves no bribes, nor does it involve harsh or cruel punishment.  This bond is developed through spending time with each dog, using communication and training exercises like agility to gain trust.  Positive reinforcement through verbal praise is what our dogs work for and it is why they become such strong protection dogs.  The bonding period can take anywhere from 3-4 days, to 3-4 weeks, and it is generally shorter when working with a dog in the puppy phase.  This bond is transferred to our clients upon delivery of the dog, but it cannot be rushed.

Another vital part of our training program involves setting and maintaining boundaries.  This comes from dog psychology as well.  Dogs need a leader in order to be happy, and when we start working our dogs at the age of 5 weeks we immediately take over the leadership role by showing the dog what behaviors are acceptable and which behaviors are not. For example, while acclimatizing a puppy to a home environment, some food on a counter may perk the young dog’s interest.  If curiosity takes over and the dog jumps up on the counter, a firm but fair direction is given to stop the behavior.  By establishing this boundary at the very first opportunity we prevent it from happening again, and give the dog a reason to look to the trainer for direction.  This example also illustrates why a puppy, or a new dog should never be left unsupervised, and why boundaries should be established on-lead before off-lead.

The most important exercise to establish and maintain the leadership role is walking with structure.  Walking with structure includes having the dog heeling to the side, not pulling on the leash, sitting at traffic lights, and having their attention focused on you, while still being aware of the situation around them.  This exercise is so important because dogs instinctively are migrators.  In a pack of wild dogs the leader decides where to walk, for how long, and whether they will return to the same place or find a new den to live in.  By stimulating this primal urge to walk or “migrate” (with structure) the human becomes the pack leader.  All dogs that go through our training program work harder, and stay happier when they start their daily structured walks, either as puppies or when we select young adult dogs into our program.  Finally, it is also important for our clients to continue with the structure walk upon delivery, so that they are established as the new leader, and their protection dog remains happy and well balanced.