Tag: Family Protection

Why Cane Corsos Make Great Protection Dogs

Posted on | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment on Why Cane Corsos Make Great Protection Dogs

(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. 

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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. 

Cane Corso

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?

Cane Corso

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. 

Cane Corso

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.

Xavier with Blade

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.

Max

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 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment on How to be a Pack Leader with Your Protection Dog

(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? 

Being a Pack Leader. Credit: Pexels

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 

  1. Stay Calm and Be Assertive 
Dog Training. Credit: Pexels

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. 

Dog food. Credit: Pexels

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 

Dog walking training. Credit: Pexels

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. 

Dog training. Credit: Pexels

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. 

Dog Training. Credit: Pexels

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 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment on The Differences Between Protection Dogs and Guard Dogs

(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. 

Dog Sitting. Credit: Pexels

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 

Beware of Dog. Credit: Pexels

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.

Protection Dog. Credit: Pexels

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. 

“Up!” Credit: Pexels

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 

Goldenstate K9. Credit: SirenPhoto

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! 

Are Protection Dogs Safe?

Posted on | by Chris Hubbard

Are Protection Dogs Safe? Yes. A fully-trained protection dog that has bonded with you and your family is safer than an untrained pet dog of any breed.

Are Protection Dogs Safe?

Are Protection Dogs Safe? As with any dog, temperament plays a big role. Even as a puppy, is it good with children? Is it good with other animals? GSTK9 has been performing temperament testing for nearly 30 years.

More importantly, they need to be trained at your side and with your family.

The result is a protection dog that will be as quick to lie down on command, as it is to charge a home intruder.

There is a reason people of all walks of life trust GSTK9 Protection Dogs

  • Hand Selected Dogs from Working Breeding Lines
  • At Your Side Training and Environmental Set Up

Are Protection Dogs Safe? – Better to Ask if Any Dog is “Safe”

Are Protection Dogs Safe? 3A common area of concern voiced by just about anyone when discussing protection dogs is with safety and rightly so. The news media does a very good job of vilifying certain dog breeds as dangerous simply because they are a specific breed. 

Think Rottweilers or Pit Bulls. Some communities wish to banish them.

If they did the research, Jack Russell Terriers top the list of dog breeds that most often bite humans.

Should Seattle ban Frazier’s dog? 

At GSTK9, Our family protection dogs provide ultimate peace of mind and protection for you and your family. But to get to that point, you need the right dog for your situation and it must be professionally trained at your side.

Trained For Success

Family Protection k9 for sale - Good with childrenAt Your Side Training – Here at GSTK9 it’s mandatory that we do Personal Protection K9 Training at your side. A common myth is that you can send your dog off for training. Fact:  Safe protection training demands several hundred hours of dedicated work under the direct supervision of an expert, professional trainer.

It takes at least 18 weeks for your new Protection K9 to become fully bonded with your family. This is why ALL of GSTK9 dog’s protection work is done at your side. After this time and only after, bonding is complete and control is given to the client. Without this bond and training, it is like giving a loaded GUN to a child!

The Best Family Protection K9 for Sale – Bred for Success – Trained at Your Side

Unmatched Peace of Mind

Faithful Companions That Are Devoted To Protecting You – GSTK9

Ultimate K9 Family Protection

Posted on | by Chris Hubbard

Ultimate K9 Family Protection – Guard Dogs, Family Protection Dogs, Child Protection Dogs, Personal Protection Dogs all with at-your-side training included.

Ultimate K9 Family Protection

When it comes to family protection, there is nothing that beats a trained protection dog. Mind you, it takes time and plenty of professional at-your-side training, but in the end, you have a devoted pet that puts family protection above all else.

Ultimate K9 Family Protection - Cane Corso

And if you landed here from a Google search, here are the top 6 ways Golden State Dog Training is different from our “competitors”. In other words, why we are the very best source for the ultimate K9 Family Protection.

  1. GSTK9 is the ONLY company that makes it MANDATORY that our clients get One-on-One training at their home;
  2. We spend an average of 2 years with our clients depending on the age of Protection Dog, and the exact type of training that is needed;
  3. We are the ONLY Protection company that customizes the Protection K9 to the environment by doing an Environmental set up;
  4. All of our Protection K9s are temperament tested – has to be excellent with kids and other animals or they are not SOLD;
  5. All of the personal protection training is always done at the side of our clients, NEVER at our sides;
  6. All of our Protection K9s are trained by GSTK9 Trainers, never outsourced. No matter where you are, we come to you.

And with GSTK9 Trainers throughout North America, South America and Canada, we are at your service.Ultimate K9 Family Protection - German Shepherd

Ultimate K9 Family Protection – Breeding Lines Make a Difference

Any professional working dog, whether herding sheep or sniffing for bombs, must be bred from select working lines.

Simply put, Customs and Border Patrol get bomb-sniffing dogs from breeder who breed for that purpose.

Here is the rule that no one mentions to you.

Personal protection dogs have to possess characteristics that are usually only found in dogs when they are bred to have these characteristics.

Additionally, any protection dog must be trained at your side and at the side of all family members. Doing anything less is all too similar to handing a loaded pistol with the safety off to a child.

It must bond fully with yourself and your family, or you have wasted your money.

Protection Dog Training – The Dirty Secret No Trainer Share With You

It takes at least 18 weeks for your new Protection K9 to become fully bonded with your family.

Ultimate K9 Family Protection - Serious Training for Serious PeopleAt Your Side Training – Here at GSTK9 it’s mandatory that we do Personal Protection K9 Training at your side. A common myth is that you can send your dog off for training. Fact:  Safe protection training demands several hundred hours of dedicated work under the direct supervision of an expert, professional trainer.

GSTK9 – Your Source for Ultimate K9 Family Protection