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Dog training

Is a Boxer a Good Guard Dog?

When considering a dog breed for both companionship and home security, the Boxer emerges as a popular choice. Known for their muscular build, boundless energy, and distinctive appearance, Boxers are more than just loyal pets; they possess qualities that can make them excellent guard dogs. However, their suitability for this role depends on several factors […]

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Dog training

How to Stop Destructive Behaviour in Dogs

Destructive behaviour in dogs can be a frustrating and potentially expensive issue for pet owners. Whether it’s chewing on furniture, digging up the garden, or tearing apart shoes, these behaviours can cause significant stress. So in this post, we’ll learn how to stop destructive behaviour in dogs so that you and your dog can enjoy […]

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Dog advice

Does castration change a dogs behaviour?

Castration, also known as neutering or spaying, is a common surgical procedure performed on dogs to remove their reproductive organs. While this procedure is primarily aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risk of certain health issues, many dog owners wonder whether it has an impact on their pet’s behaviour. In this article, we […]

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Dog advice

How to Teach a Dog to Sit

Training your dog to sit is one of the fundamental commands that can pave the way for further training and discipline. Not only does it help in managing your dog’s behaviour, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. So in this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to effectively […]

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Dog advice

What is a Flirt Pole for Dog Training?

A flirt pole, sometimes referred to as a “teaser pole” or “tug pole,” is a versatile and interactive dog training tool. It consists of a long, sturdy pole with a rope or line attached to one end, and a lure or toy affixed to the rope’s end. This simple yet effective device is designed to […]

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Dog training

Is Submissive Behaviour in Dogs Bad?

Understanding the behaviour of dogs is important for pet owners, as it helps foster a healthy and happy relationship between them and their furry companions. Submissive behaviour is one of the key aspects often observed in canine interactions. But, is submissive behaviour in dogs bad? Let’s explore this question to gain a clearer understanding. Understanding […]

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Dog advice

Can Dog Food Affect Behaviour?

The diet of a dog can have a profound impact on its physical health, but what about its behaviour? As research into canine nutrition advances, evidence suggests that what a dog eats can indeed influence its mood and behaviour. Pet owners and professionals are taking notice of how nutritional components can act as building blocks […]

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Dog training

How to Stop Dominant Behaviour in Dogs

Dominance in dogs is often misunderstood as a personality trait when, in fact, it is more about a dog’s perception of its place in the social hierarchy. Protection dogs that display dominant behaviour may do so because they are trying to assert control over a situation or other individuals within the home. This can manifest […]

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Dog training

How Does Gender Affect a Dog’s Behaviour?

Understanding the behavioural differences between male and female dogs can be a vital aspect of pet ownership. Recognizing these distinctions can lead to a better bond between the owner and the pet, and can provide valuable insights when it comes to training and care. Physical Maturity and Hormones The most prominent factor that influences dog […]

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Dog training

How Long Should a Dog Training Session Be?

Training a dog is not just about teaching commands, but also about building a bond of trust and understanding between the pet and its owner. The length of a training session can greatly influence its effectiveness. Here’s what you need to know about timing your dog’s training sessions. Understanding a Dog’s Attention Span Dogs, especially […]

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Dog training

The Advantages of Having a Protection Dog

A protection dog is more than just a pet; it is a member of your family that provides an invaluable layer of security. The concept of protection dogs goes beyond the guard dog stereotype; these animals are trained to be well-behaved, loyal, and attentive. The Advantages of Having a Protection Dog From a more secure […]

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Dog training

Raising a Protection Dog: Tips and Tricks

Raising a dog for the purpose of protection involves specialised training, socialisation, and care to ensure that the animal is both a loving family member and a reliable guardian. At TOTAL K9 ® we believe that unlike traditional pet dogs, protection dogs need to balance loyalty and affection with keen instincts and courage. Here are […]

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Dog advice

How Can Palatability Affect Dog Behaviour?

The palatability of dog food plays a significant role in shaping a dog’s behaviour. Palatability refers to the taste, texture, and aroma of food that entices a dog to consume it. While the impact of palatability on a dog’s appetite and enjoyment of meals is well-known, its influence on how dogs act is often overlooked. […]

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Dog advice

Preparing Your Home for a Security Dog

Owning a security dog can bring a sense of safety and protection to your home. These highly trained canines serve as excellent deterrents to potential intruders and can provide valuable assistance in maintaining a secure environment. However, before bringing a security dog into your home, it’s important to make sure your living space is prepared […]

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Dog advice

What is Guarding Behaviour in Dogs?

Guarding behaviour in dogs is a natural instinct that manifests in various ways. Often perceived as a display of possession, aggression, or loyalty, this complex trait can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on the context. In this article, we will explore what guarding behaviour is, its different types, causes, and how to manage it. […]

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Dog training

Choosing the Right Guard Dog for Your Family

Protecting your family and property is of the utmost importance. One way to enhance security is by having a guard dog. Choosing the right guard dog for your family involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure the safety and compatibility of the dog with your household. Here’s a guide to help you in this […]

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Dog training

How to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash Without Pulling

Walking your dog can be an enjoyable and healthy activity, but it can quickly turn into a frustrating experience if your furry friend constantly pulls on the leash. However, with the right training techniques and consistency, you can teach your dog to walk politely on a leash. In this post, we’ll go over some helpful […]

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News

Is Dog Barking Anti-Social Behaviour?

Dog barking is a natural and instinctive behaviour exhibited by our canine companions. While barking serves various purposes for dogs, it can sometimes become a nuisance to neighbours and be perceived as anti-social behaviour. This article aims to explore the question: Is dog barking anti-social behaviour? Is Dog Barking Anti-Social Behaviour? So, is dog barking […]

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How Does Diet Affect Dog’s Behaviour?

Diet plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. It affects their physical health, mental health and behaviour. A well-balanced and nutritious diet can help keep dogs healthy and happy, while a poor diet can lead to various health problems and unwanted behaviours. In this blog post, we will explore how […]

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Dog training

How to Stop Possessive Behaviour in Dogs

Dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature, but sometimes this can turn into possessive behaviour. When a dog becomes possessive over their toys, food, or even their owner, it can lead to aggressive behaviour and become a problem. However, there are ways to stop this behaviour and ensure a happy and safe environment […]

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Dog advice

What to Look for When Buying a Protection Dog

Protection dogs are specially trained canines that provide security and protection to their owners and their property. They are becoming increasingly popular among people who want an extra layer of protection for their homes or day-to-day lives. If you are considering buying a protection dog, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure […]

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News

Understanding the Difference Between Guard Dogs and Police Dogs

Dogs are loyal and intelligent animals that have been trained to perform a wide range of tasks for humans. Two of the most popular types of dogs that are trained for specific purposes are guard dogs and police dogs. While these two types of dogs are often thought of as being the same, there are […]

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Dog training

How to Teach Your Dog to “Leave It”

Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is an important part of proper canine training. This command can help keep your pup safe in potentially dangerous situations, as well as help you maintain control in potentially chaotic situations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to “leave it.” Start With Basic Training Before you […]

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Dog training

The Responsibilities of Owning a Security Dog

Having a security dog is an effective way to protect your home and family. While owning a security dog can provide peace of mind, there are also certain responsibilities that come with it. In this blog, we will discuss the responsibilities of owning a security dog, as well as the benefits. Training The most important […]

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Dog advice

What Do Dog Trainers Do?

Dog trainers are professionals who specialise in teaching dogs to behave in desired ways. They help owners to develop an understanding of their dogs and to teach commands, skills and behaviours to help dogs become well-mannered and obedient companions. Training Basics The first stage of training a dog usually involves teaching them basic skills and […]

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Dog advice

Preparing Your Home for a Guard Dog

Introduction Bringing a guard dog into your home is incredibly rewarding, but it can be a little daunting at first. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you and your pup have a safe and comfortable environment. By taking the time to prepare your home for a guard dog, you can make sure […]

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Dog advice

The Benefits of Owning a Security Dog

Introduction Dogs are our best friends for a reason. People love dogs as pets because they are loyal, affectionate, and fun to play with. If you choose to train your pet as a security dog, then it also offers a number of unique benefits. So in this article, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of […]

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Dog training

What age can you train a dog?

Puppies learn surprisingly quickly and you can usually start training them at the age of around eight weeks. Their initial training should be very basic and simple. Keep training sessions brief at this stage, starting off at around five minutes. Always use positive reinforcement and never use fear. End each session on a positive note. […]

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Dog training

How to train your dog to guard you

One of the reasons dogs really are man’s best friend is that they can help us in many ways – as a companion, as a guide, or in some cases, as a protector. For some dog owners, especially those living in areas of the world where walking early in the morning or late at night […]

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News

Qualities in various guard dog breeds – Kangals

There are many qualities that are important in guard dog breeds – loyalty, obedience and responsiveness to training are some of the key factors. However, it is also important that the breed is powerful and fearless, without demonstrating aggression in inappropriate scenarios. Kangals are a large, powerful breed, commonly used as a guard dog because

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Dog behaviour training

When you own a dog, ensuring that it behaves in the right ways is essential. This means that you have a better understanding of what they can do and how they react to certain situations.

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Dog training

Heel training

One of the basic obedience commands that all dogs should learn early is to heel both on and off the leash. Heel is one of the most difficult techniques for puppies to learn but the rewards make it worthwhile.

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How to teach a dog “no”

Teaching a dog the word “no” is important for their safety. It’s something that all police dogs and guard dogs must learn as part of their training. But how do you teach a dog “no”? Here’s what to do.

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Dog training

Teaching your dog to bark on command

Teaching your dog to bark on command is a good skill for them to perfect. If you want to teach your dog to bark for reasons of protection and security, there are effective ways for you to teach your dog to bark without worrying about them barking non-stop for minutes on end.

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Dog training

Tell-tale signs your dog needs a professional trainer

Most dogs are trainable with a little persistence. Eventually, they understand and start responding to your commands. Sometimes, though, at-home training doesn’t work, despite your best efforts, leaving you feeling confused. At that point, you need residential dog training; expert dog training done by experts on your behalf, away from your home, at a specialist facility.

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Updates

Bonding with your new protection dog

So you’ve done your research, taken the plunge and finally got a personal protection dog from Total K9 for yourself. Some new owners experience a bit of apprehension when they first take their new dog home.