December 2020 - GST K9

Why Cane Corsos Make Great Protection Dogs

Posted on December 28, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(By Louis Toffoli)

Strong, noble, and intelligent—the Cane Corso is a breed that has been skyrocketing in popularity as a protection dog, and for a good reason. They have all of the characteristics you want in both a protection dog and a family dog.

With fierce loyalty and an independent attitude, this personal protection dog has become the ideal companion. However, there is more to why Cane Corsos make great protection dogs—beginning with their unique history.

The Cane Corso Bloodline

The Cane Corso breed has a long history that dates back thousands of years. Its name originates from the Italian word cane, which means dog, and the Latin word cohors, which loosely translates to “guardian” or “protector.”

Since the beginning, the Cane Corso has been bred to be a powerful and intimidating protection dog. Originally bred in Italy during the days of the Roman Empire, the ancestors of the Cane Corso were large and fearless companions used in battle.

As part of the Italian Mastiff family of dogs, the Cane Corso shares close ties to its more wrinkly relative, the Neapolitan Mastiff. However, the modern-day Cane Corso has a more compact size perfect for hunting and protecting property.

With a large-boned frame and muscular build, the Cane Corso has a more athletic body than similar breeds in the Mastiff family. But, these dogs have more than just their physical size.

Here is why Cane Corsos make such excellent protection dogs.

What Makes a Cane Corso Ideal for Protection?

There’s a lot of reasons why a Cane Corso makes an exceptional protection dog. With a balance of both intelligence and physical prowess, a professionally trained Cane Corso will be there to keep you and your family safe.

Appearance

One of the main reasons why a Cane Corso is such an excellent protection dog is its physical appearance. With the help of the sheer intimidation due to their size and athletic build, the Cane Corso will do a great job of deterring any potential threats.

With an average weight of 90-120lbs, these dogs have a stocky build—but can also be quite agile. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain and reduces the amount of excess hair shed throughout your home.

Temperament

Cool, calm, and collected.

That’s the perfect way to describe the natural temperament of a professionally trained Cane Corso. A Cane Corso will typically not show any outward aggression unless it is necessary to protect its owner.

These dogs are loyal and want nothing more than to please their owner. With this attitude, training a Cane Corso is very effective, and any dog can be trained to be an effective protection dog.

A Perfect Fit for a Family

A Cane Corso thrives in a family environment with their trustworthy, loyal, and protective instincts. While these breeds have a strong frame, they can also be very gentle and affectionate to those they know and love.

One of the unique aspects of the breed’s temperament is their uncanny ability to switch between being affectionate and protecting their owners. Cane Corsos are very attuned to their surroundings and are alert if they sense any potential danger.

They get along well with children of all ages and will create an unbreakable bond with their family. However, this bond can sometimes be a little too strong as they may have trouble warming up to strangers.

Additionally, when it comes to building a bond with its human family, Cane Corsos can be very welcoming of other animals in the home when they are properly socialized at a young age and professionally trained.

This unique temperament is what makes the Cane Corso so special as a family protection dog.

Conclusion

A Cane Corso is the ideal breed that you want as a family protection dog. When properly trained, they can be a loving and gentle family dog that switches to a protector when necessary.

Their independent and rather calm attitude makes them a pleasant addition to the family. However, it’s also important that you give a Cane Corso enough space to exercise. They are naturally protective dogs, and they want nothing more than to patrol your property.

How to be a Pack Leader with Your Protection Dog

Posted on December 20, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(by Louis Toffoli)

Like all dogs, your protection dog is a natural pack animal that responds best to a designated leader. When you are the pack leader, your protection dog will put you in control and follow your lead.

Shepherd Standing at Attention. Credit: Pexels

However, being a leader is an ongoing process that will continue after the initial training sessions. So, to get the highest performance from your protection dog, you must continue to establish yourself as the alpha of the pack each day.

While this may seem daunting, being a pack leader with your protection dog is all about your attitude towards your protection dog in day-to-day life.

In this article, we will be covering what it means to be a pack leader and some simple ways you can establish yourself in that role.

What Does It Mean to be a Pack Leader?

Dog’s operate within a social hierarchy that focuses on having a leader that brings a structure of stability and consistency to the pack. As the pack leader, they call the shots and are the primary authority figure.

While this hierarchy was utilized between dogs before human owners, this is still a hardwired part of any dog’s brain. As a human owner, your protection dog will either view you as the pack leader or the one they need to lead.

The dog bases this assessment on reading your social cues, and they will determine what is best for the “pack.” If the dog is confused about who should be the leader, they will act out and not follow your commands.

This is why you must assert yourself as the clear leader early on with your protection dog. Being the pack leader will allow you to set the boundaries and get the best performance from your personal protection dog.

5 Tips to Establish Yourself as the Pack Leader

Stay Calm and Be Assertive

Dogs are instinctual animals. They can pick up on nervous energy—even if you try to hide behind confident body language.

When asserting yourself as the alpha, you must stay calm when you are with your protection dog. If your protection dog senses fear, the dog will take this as a sign that they need to be the leader instead.

Staying relaxed is also necessary when disciplining your protection dog. Large emotional outbursts will cause the dog to question your leadership ability.

2. Control Your Dog’s Eating Schedule

As the pack leader, you must have control over your protection dog’s food. Their eating schedule should typically be twice a day, but you should never give your dog unlimited access to their food.

If you notice that your personal protection dog is overly protective of food, they do not see you as the pack leader. From the dog’s point of view, they are assuming control over the food supply.

So, controlling your dog’s eating habits should be an integral part of the pack leader. Be sure to make this a focal point of your protection dog training.

3. Walk Like a Leader

Taking your protection dog on walks is an excellent way to build a strong bond with the dog. However, this is also crucial in establishing the correct power dynamic between you and the dog.

To lead the pack, you need to walk like a leader. Don’t let your protection dog dictate where you walk and pull you while holding onto their leash. Walk in front of them with strong and confident body language.

4. Stick to a Consistent Routine

Dogs value consistency and having a set routine. Sticking to a consistent routine with your family protection dog will reduce any confusion on the pack leader. If you make exceptions to rules and don’t stick to them each day, your dog will not react appropriately.

If you let your dog eat some of your food at dinner one day and scold them the next day, this can confuse the dog. Stick to enforcing your rules continuously each day and try to cut the amount you sway from your rules.

5. Be a Fair Leader

And lastly, you should be an all-around fair pack leader for your protection dog. If they do something you don’t allow, let them know that it won’t be tolerated and punish them. If they are well-behaved, let the dog know with affection and rewards.

Being a pack leader does not mean you have to be overly-strict at all times with the dog. As the alpha role, you should want to be in control, but this doesn’t have to mean you can’t play with your protection dog.

The Differences Between Protection Dogs and Guard Dogs

Posted on December 18, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(by Louis Toffoli)

On the subject of security, protection dogs are, on average, the best bet. You may want a dog that protects your property from intruders, or maybe you want a companion that is by your side at all times.

When discussing protection dogs and guard dogs, people sometimes use these terms interchangeably and assume they play the same role. They may also think that the difference is only in the dog’s breed.

But, as you will learn in this post, it’s not just a matter of semantics. The implications behind “guard dog” are more often than not negatively charged, and you should know why. You should also be prepared to be able to distinguish between the usage of each; know whether a trainer’s use of the term “guard dog” is being used interchangeably, or he means the kind of dog you can’t depend on in personal protection.

Practically, it comes down to the dog’s training level that determines the professionally-used difference between the two.

Before you decide on investing in a particular dog, let’s dig a little deeper and prepare you for your purchase.

How the Dog is Raised

The path life of a “guard dog” takes a vastly different path than what you can expect from a personal protection dog. Dogs advertised as “guard dogs”, in many cases, are raised in an unhealthy, and dangerous environment.

Typically misused for cheap protection, and trained using unethical methods like dogfighting, these dogs are trained to show unstable aggression. In some cases, “guard dogs” are even inbred to attain more aggression.

Many owners will purchase a “guard dog” based solely on the dog breed type, not knowing about its background. Without the proper training and pedigree, these “guard dogs” will not provide the protection you need. Their lack of training will make them less predictable, especially in a tense situation.

You need a dog with a pure pedigree, ancestry you can trace, and professional training by a qualified trainer for personal protection. Unlike “guard dogs”, a protection dog will get the necessary and personalized training to be a family dog.

Professionally trained, personal protection dogs are the only option for a reliable dog to protect you and your loved ones.

Training Requirements and Types

“Guard dogs” usually have very little training as they are purchased as a working dog breed and are expected to be naturally protective. When trained, “guard dogs” typically go through informal self-training from the owners or with dog trainers that are unqualified.

Backyard trainers typically utilize a commercial program like IGP dog training as their training resource. These dog trainers then like to offer a low price that seems too good to be true—and unfortunately, it is.

These very enticing price tags offered to train your dog come with a catch.

These commercialized programs take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and are more for sport or basic obedience training. These dog training programs cannot prepare the dog for personal protection or family protection.

As for personal protection dogs, they require more extensive training to be effective in protection from professional trainers. Each protection dog gets trained differently by master dog trainers to match the needs of the owner specifically.

Trustworthy trainers ensure training includes time at the dog’s worksite.

The Pricing of Protection Dogs vs “Guard Dogs”

Goldenstate K9’s Capone. Credit: SirenPhoto

If you are looking for a dog for personal protection, the prices will differ significantly depending on the breed you decide to choose and its training level. As for protection dogs, the training level is the largest determining factor for the dog’s price.

With professional training, personal protection dogs have an average price tag that starts at $12,000-$15,000. This range rises quickly, based on pedigree + level of training, and training needs.

For example, training a dog for situations like multiple intruders, building searches, and off-premises protection requires more time with a qualified trainer. It also requires a more highly trained, and more diversified trainer, which of course costs more.

Conclusion

For guaranteed protection, no matter the circumstances, a personal protection dog will have your back. Along with being skilled in protection, they have the trained temperament to be able to be a part of the family.

With these differences in mind, you can now confidently find a protection dog you know will get the job done of keeping you and your family safe!

Mike’s Top 5 Dog Breeds for Protection Work

Posted on December 9, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

When searching for a professionally trained, quality personal protection dog, it’s important to know what you’re looking for and what your needs are. Searching for the top dog breeds for protection work online isn’t easy, as there are an infinite number of lists available.

You want to know from a professional dog trainer that’s been in the business for decades what the best dog breeds are, for protection. You want to know form someone like Mike Caporicci.

So we asked him.

And this is what he had to say.

“Wow, that’s a tough one. There are so many good breeds for protection work, I can’t say that these ones are the absolute top, but I guess I would have to start with the Belgian Malinois.” – Mike Caporicci

Belgian Malinois

This beautifully coated dog comes in varieties of red, fawn, grey, and black hues. Often mistaken for German Shepherds by the untrained eye, Belgian Malinois are an active, playful breed that was bred for work. First bred to protect livestock, eager to work, and dedicated to their job, they’re great for family protection because of their boundless energy.

As puppies, Belgian Malinois can be quite small, but grown, a fully adult male can reach about 26” and a fully grown female can stand to about 24” tall. Females reach about 60 lbs as adults, and males anywhere between 50 and 80 lbs.

To know if a Belgian Malinois is right for your protection needs, talk to your local protection dog training professional and find out. Temperament and size will be important factors.

2. Cane Corso

An old Italian dog breed, Cane Corsos are purebreds that are often given up to shelters or rescues because of their intimidating size and weight. However, Cane Corsos are powerful working dogs that love being assigned a job. They were bred to be hunters of large game, like boars, and they perform best in challenging environments. If they’re not being challenged, and find themselves bored, they can turn to destructive behaviors.

As grown adults, Cane Corsos can grow large and tough. Males stand to about 27.5” and females up to 26”, but they can each weigh between 90 and 120 lbs!

Cane corsos need a lot of space and exercise to thrive. If assigned to protection work, they will flourish best in a challenging environment. Do you think you have what it takes to have a Cane Corso as your personal protection dog?

3. Doberman

Originating from Germany, the Doberman breed was developed in 1890 by a Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. Bred to be guarding, Dobermans came from a mix of breeds including Rottweilers and German Pischers, both hunting and security breeds. More of a sensitive breed, Doberman Pinschers (as they’re often called in the USA) require a lot of exercise and attention. However, they don’t shed a lot, and they’re a very intelligent breed. They prefer the heat to the cold, and they’re extremely loyal, showing favoritism to their own family.

Measuring an adult at the shoulder, female Dobermans grow to stand at about 24-26” tall, and males at 26-28” tall. Their respective weights go up to 60 lbs and 80 lbs.

Dobermans are proud-looking, strong dogs, with high leaps and extremely agile bodies. Getting a Doberman breed as a personal protection dog is a good idea if you have the space and time to give them what they need.

4. Akita

The Akita’s Japanese lineage is idolized as the family protectors. Fiercely loyal, their cute round faces belie a dignified, courageous, and highly protective temperament. Double coated, these proud dogs are great for colder places, especially. Unfortunately, Akita dogs are banned in many cities around the United States, but if you live in a rural area (especially a cold one!), an Akita might be the perfect choice for you.

Heights and weights for adult Akitas vary by more than their sex. Small adult Akita males stand at about 26” and weigh up to 85lbs, while large adult Akita males stand at up to 28” and weigh up to 130 lbs. Small adult Akita females stand at about 24” with a low of 70 lbs, warge adult Akita females stand at about 26”, weighing up to 110 lbs.

While Akitas have a reputation for being aggressive, dogs in general are bred to be obedient. If an Akita is trained correctly and professionally, from an early age, their temperament can be anticipated and molded.

5. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has become one of America’s most popular dog breeds. They were bred to be working dogs, but with such a versatile temperament, many people have been happy keeping them as companion pets. Excelling at everything they’re trained to do, German Shepherds make great working dogs, whatever the detail is. Their hunting and protecting instincts have been honed over the centuries to create that versatility they’re relied upon for. They have thick coats and shed a lot, but they handle the heat pretty well.

Male German Shepherds grow to a height of up to 26” and females up to 24”. They grow to weigh between 88 and 71 lbs. If these numbers surprise you, it’s because German Shepherds are not quite as big as they’re often portrayed in media. The bigger, more wolf-looking dogs are other breeds that only look like German Shepherds.

“Remember, though, there are overall breed characteristics, but ultimately, a person has to be matched to the right dog by a professional that knows both temperaments. A good trainer can also train the dog you chose to your specific needs, but you don’t want to force a dog entirely against its nature, and it would have to be done right when the dog is a pup. It’s best to simply decide your protection needs and trust a protection dog professional, a Master Trainer or a breeder, to help you with your choice.” – Mike Caporicci

Look out for the next top 5 on Mike’s list coming soon!