Breeding guard dogs is a very specialized practise. It requires years of experience and expertise to recognize good bloodlines and to know which dogs are suitable for breeding. However, the process of actually whelping newborn puppies can hold a whole new set of challenges in itself.
If no problems occur, the puppies will be pushed out one by one. They will be contained within an amniotic sac which the mother will break open. She should then bite the umbilical cord in half, and start licking the puppy to help it breath.
The first problem that can occur is if the mother has trouble pushing the puppy out. The mother should not have to spend more than about 10-15 minutes per puppy. If a puppy gets stuck during birthing, it can endanger not only the life of that puppy, but that of the entire litter. If the mother spends too long pushing on a stuck puppy, you will have to help her before she exhausts herself and endangers the rest of the litter. Having some form of non-toxic lubricant on hand can help. Watered-down dish soup may suffice as a last resort. Pull on the puppy gently to help release it. If the mother exhausts herself before the rest of the pups are born, her contractions may stop. If this occurs, an emergency c-section will have to be performed by your veterinarian, or at an animal hospital.
After each puppy is born, the mother may not release the puppies, cut the umbilical cords, or lick the puppies to help them breath. If the mother fails to do any of these, it is up to you to them for her. Keep a disinfected pair of scissors nearby as well as some iodine. Releasing the puppies from their sacs should be fairly easy. However, cutting the umbilical cord requires more of a crushing cut than a clean cut in order to minimize the amount of bleeding. You should cut the cords about a half-inch from the puppy’s abdomen. You may have to tie off the ends using clean string. Dental floss works well for this. Finally, have clean towels nearby to dry off the pups and remove mucous from around nose and mouth. Try to encourage the mother to lick puppy by placing it in front of her, but be prepared to towel down the puppy yourself. If the puppy isn’t breathing, your will have to remove mucous from the puppy’s mouth yourself. Open the pup’s mouth and use a clean medicine dropper to suck out any mucous. Rubbing the puppy with the towel whilst cleaning it also helps to promote circulation.
Finally, you should keep track of the number of placenta after whelping. It is normal for the mother to eat the placenta, but you should not let her eat more than a couple, as it could upset her stomach. If the placenta does not come out along with the pup, you should remove it yourself to prevent it from interfering with the next pup.
Whether they are German Shepherd puppies, Belgian Malinois puppies or Dutch Shepherd puppies, the above steps can help to overcome the most common problems that occur during whelping. However, be on the lookout for large amounts of blood or green-black discharge before whelping. This could indicate a more serious problem that requires the attention of your veterinarian. Always have a phone near by for you to call your vet for advise, or in the case of an emergency.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can be found in a variety of animals, including humans. However, the disorder is commonly found in, and associated with canines. Larger and especially active dogs are particularly at risk due to the excess stress put on their limbs and joints.
Dysplasia is an inherited disorder, and diagnosis can be tricky. While some sever cases are recognizable in a dog’s infancy, many cases go unnoticed until well into the dog’s adult years. Dysplasia is the most common cause for arthritis in canines. The disorder often worsens as the dog ages and can be both painful and debilitating.
Work as a guard dog often involves rigorous exercise. As a result, flaws in the hip joints affecting balance and posture often become apparent far sooner than in less active dogs. Because dysplasia is inherited, dogs from poorly maintained German Shepherd bloodlines are often at high risk. Working line German Shepherd breeders need to pay special attention to the hips and elbows of their dogs in order to ensure that they are not introducing dysplacia into their bloodlines.
While your guard dog may not show symptoms of hip or elbow dysplasia for the majority of its adult life, there is still a chance that minor deformations in the joints will worsen over the years with standard wear-and-tear caused by the exercise your dog needs. Regular x-rays of your dog’s joints can help you and your vet monitor your guard dog for signs of dysplasia in the joints. For working dogs who may be getting on in their years, signs of hip and elbow dysplasia may be an indicator that it’s time to retire your canine to a less active lifestyle.
As the leaves have changed colour and fallen, and we are experiencing our first winter storm of the season, we at Command Control K9 change our training tactics. With winter upon us, it gives us an opportunity to work our protection dogs in a winter environment.
We do less agility, and focus more on man – scent tracking in the deep, snowy, cold winter nights.
A good protection dog has to be well rounded and able to work in all conditions, whether it is in extreme heat or cold, day or night. This is why we at CCK9 only breed train and sell German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, for they, unlike any other breeds, can climate themselves from extreme heat and extreme cold.
Winter is also an exciting time, for this is the time when we not only celebrate the holiday season with our family and friends, but also a time of the year when we breed our female, for a new generation of fetcher personal protection dogs.
It happens all the time; after we have successfully delivered our first protection dog to our clients, we usually get a call from them, three to six months later, looking for a second dog. The questions that they always ask are: “Should we get a Female if we have a Male, will they get along,” and “how much more work is it to have two protection dogs?”
We have zero tolerance for food aggression, handler aggression and dog aggression. However, in all of our protection dogs, and guard dogs, we always recommend a female if you have a male. This is because the females are usually a lot sharper and will indicate a lot sooner than the male, while the male usually has greater size for intimidation. They will work together as a team and feed off each others energy.
The amount of work it would take to care for two protection dogs would be the same as one, for if one would have to walk one dog, to walk two would be the same. To feed two would be also be the same as one. The big different of having two protection dogs would be in the positives. If one dog can come out of the gate at 40 miles an hour to take down an unwelcome intruder, could you imagine what it would be like to have two protection dogs working together to protect you and your family?
The German Pinscher is a lean, muscular dog of medium size. It has a short coat that is most commonly black with tan markings, although red, blue and fawn varieties exist. The breed is thought to be a descendant of early European herding and guard dogs, and shares a common lineage with other Pinscher types breeds such as the Doberman. Also, common to Pinscher breeds, is the practise of cropping the dog’s ears and docking its tail. The resulting pointed ears and stubby tail are supposed to improve the dog’s localized hearing, and prevent the tail from interfering with the dog’s work. However, the discomfort caused by such procedures has caused these practises to be banned in some countries. Dogs with cropped ears or a docked tail are also sometimes barred from participating in dog shows.
Traditionally, the breed’s primary working role was to hunt rats and vermin on German farms. Some German Pinschers are still kept as ratters today, but most are simply house pets. Owners keeping them as house pets should keep in mind that they retain the instinct to hunt vermin, and will attempt to do so if left off-lead. German Pinschers are also very watchful and somewhat territorial. They often make good watch dogs. However, their temperament and size prevent them from becoming effective protection dogs or security dogs.
The German Pinscher was a rare breed outside of Europe. Following the Second World War, the breed nearly vanished as many German dogs succumbed to famine in the years following the war. In the 1950s, Werner Jung, the supervisor of the Pinscher and Schnauzer Club in Germany, revived the breed from its few remaining survivors. Unfortunately, due to the limited gene pool from which the breed was revived, many German Pinschers suffer from a variety of hereditary diseases such as cataracts, hip and elbow displaysia, and cardiac disease. Today, the breed is uncommon in North America, but is slowly gaining in popularity. Many German Pinschers are now bred in Australia, and exported to kennels around the world.
It’s a rare day when I don’t receive an email asking what the differences between security, guard and protection dogs are. This being my favorite topic, I’m always happy to explain no matter how many times I repeat myself.
Security Dogs:
Security dogs work with their handlers at concerts, events and anywhere else where security and crowd control is needed. You’ll often find these dogs working to find explosives or narcotics. They have to have a strong relationship with their handler in order to work as a team. The best security dogs possess a sharp guard drive and are able to respond to a threat if called upon. Semi-social, they are not as highly trained as protection dogs are but have better social manners than a guard dog. In North America, they are not required to have a certificate such as a K.N.P.V. PH I, which is necessary in Holland.
Guard Dogs:
Guard dogs’ primary focus is to guard an area such as an enclosed estate, compound or business. CCK9 provides many guard dogs to businesses, which use them to patrol an enclosed outdoor area or to guard the inside of a building closed during the night time. Anyone that attempts to enter their territory while they are on duty will be greatly dissuaded from doing so (through barking, snarling and/or the visual deterrent of the dog itself)and will be bitten if they make the mistake of entering anyway. Guard dogs are not social, except with their handler(s), and do not possess the intelligence, talents and abilities necessary to train to be protection dogs. This isn’t to say that they don’t serve an important purpose. Your average dog is not equipped with the drive necessary to guard. In the world of dogs, guard dogs can best be described as ‘street smart’. It is a good idea to ensure they are trained for food refusal.
Protection Dogs:
Referred to as personal protection dogs or executive protection dogs, those chosen for this special training can do it all. Strong nerved, highly obedient and balanced, they defend their handlers on command and in situations where a credible threat is determined. Great with children and other animals, they are on and off leash trained. Looking over our website, you’ll see that we feel the best breeds for protection work are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherds. Protection dogs may be trained to do guard or security work as well. However, it is important to evaluate your security needs since guard dogs and most security dogs are less expensive than quality trained protection dogs.
Erika is a solid black, 1 year old German shepherd. Highly obedient and easily controlled, she is both on and off leash trained. Her genetics are excellent; her father is a German imported Level III elite executive protection dog (see photo below). Erika is a working line dog. One of five dogs, she was the pick of the litter.
Erika is very social, affectionate and especially fond of children. She has a high degree of guard drive but has not been trained to do bite work. She currently weighs 75 pounds (will be 85-90 lbs) and has a dense bone structure and a robust build. Her appearance and personality are very masculine for a female; she is remarkably similar to her father.
Erika would be suitable as a family companion/property protection dog.
Please call 1.866.865.2259 if you have any questions.
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.
The work that we do at CCK9 is unique and very special. As a rule, we usually do not release videos showing training. However, in this case we have made an exception. Our most recent litter of Belgian Malinois puppies are everything we were expecting and more. They are the product of breeding Cindy and Ducko, both Level III personal protection dogs. The above video shows Brutus taking a bite and holding onto a bite suit. He is only 5 weeks old. The other pups from this litter are also highly intelligent and are learning at the same level. As we have said before, genetics are a major factor in producing top notch, highly intelligent protection dogs. We took into account the genetics of both of the parents and grandparents in planning this litter. All will be suitable to train for our Level III program.
On a recent trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to visit the town of Pompeii.As you probably remember, this Roman town was buried in a volcanic eruption during the first century AD.The lava has been cleared away and the remaining town is remarkably intact.Many of the houses still remain, most with floor and wall mosaics depicting scenes or patterns.In the entrance of the first house I entered was an intact floor mosaic depicting a large black dog on a chain.The Latin inscription read “Beware of the Dog”.Several other homes had the same mosaic depicting a guard dog in their front entrance.Obviously, dogs played an important role as protector in the Roman culture.Most unfortunate, there was also a cast of a dog that had lost its life in the eruption.
Dogs have been an integral part of human history since they were first domesticated during the Paleolithic age.The earliest evidence of a dog helping a human was found in a cave in France.Prints and other evidence dated 26,000 years ago indicate that a child, holding a torch and accompanied by a dog, navigated the corridors of the cave.This is the earliest evidence known of what could be described as a guide dog.
Dogs have received the most esteem for the roles they have played in war, both in history and more recently.The Egyptians, Greeks and Persians built entire battalions of dogs suitable for combat.The mural depicting the Battle of Marathon celebrates a protection dog at the side of his or her master, engaging the invading Persians without hesitation. The Romans apparently never left home without their canine warriors; each legion was assigned its own company entirely made up of dogs.Napoleon, centuries later, sent his dogs into battle first.
Dogs’ loyalty to their handlers has been capitalized on throughout history.A discreet method of exchanging communications before phones became available, a dog with loyalty to two handlers would be sent from one to the other carrying messages.In addition to conveying information, loyal dogs have been trusted with dragging fallen soldiers to safety and transporting loads across great distances.
In the past, dogs were sent into battle wearing chainmail and a spiked collar.Warfare has changed, but even today they serve the same heroic function- only dressed in Kevlar. Dogs serving a variety of functions are not absent from current engagements in the Middle East.Mostly used for explosive detection and patrol, German Shepherds are utilized though Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds are increasingly becoming more popular.
Canines have helped humans, and vice versa, for many thousands of years.As companions, protectors, and heroes their importance cannot only be seen in the past but will, for a long time, be valued in the future.
Breeding guard dogs is a very specialized practise. It requires years of experience and expertise to recognize good bloodlines and to know which dogs are suitable for breeding. However, the process of actually whelping newborn puppies can hold a whole new set of challenges in itself.
Hip and elbow dysplasia can be found in a variety of animals, including humans. However, the disorder is commonly found in, and associated with canines. Larger and especially active dogs are particularly at risk due to the excess stress put on their limbs and joints.
As the leaves have changed colour and fallen, and we are experiencing our first winter storm of the season, we at Command Control K9 change our training tactics. With winter upon us, it gives us an opportunity to work our protection dogs in a winter environment.
It happens all the time; after we have successfully delivered our first protection dog to our clients, we usually get a call from them, three to six months later, looking for a second dog. The questions that they always ask are: “Should we get a Female if we have a Male, will they get along,” and “how much more work is it to have two protection dogs?”
The German Pinscher is a lean, muscular dog of medium size. It has a short coat that is most commonly black with tan markings, although red, blue and fawn varieties exist. The breed is thought to be a descendant of early European herding and 
Erika is very social, affectionate and especially fond of children. She has a high degree of guard drive but has not been trained to do bite work. She currently weighs 75 pounds (will be 85-90 lbs) and has a dense bone structure and a robust build. Her appearance and personality are very masculine for a female; she is remarkably similar to her father.
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.
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.
On a recent trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to visit the town of Pompeii.
Dogs have been an integral part of human history since they were first domesticated during the Paleolithic age.