Basic Equipment #2

Integrating Training Equipment for Mission specific applications:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKhN-fUas4

Equipment Video #1

This is the first part of a description of the basic training equipment that we use at Dunetos K-9.  A Dogman carries 4 pieces of equipment, watch here to see what they are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8tiWMlHyzk

Is Dog Training Scientific?

When you think about it, practically everything you do or think of must be based on various scientific assumptions.  Each of us builds our understanding of how things work by accumulating and organizing information and then interpreting it based on our presuppositions and experiences.


You can read the rest of the article here.

What is Effective Correction?

Dogmen, must lead your dog in wise decisions.  But this training, if it is going to be lasting, must be done with a form of pain for the foolish behavior.  In this way, you will also be encouraging the good behavior with verbal praise for the behavior.


You can read the rest of this article here.


For more information about how to effectively correct your dog, contact us at www.dk-9.com.

To Theorize or Not to Theorize...That is the Question...

One of my common problems with many of the training methodologies is that the proponents of many of those systems develop and write their systems from the comfort of the computer chair with little or no practical application.  They only know theory.  This kind of theory is largely useless.

However, this does not mean that some theory is not useful and important.  In fact theory is essential.  But theory that is not tested is merely conjecture and speculation.  Read the rest of this article here.

For more information on practical application in dog training, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

What do the 12 Pillars of Dog Training Mean to You?

This Pup was born and trained in Iraq to detect explosive devices along the roads of Baghdad. Here the pup is resting on the front bumper of my HMMWV.

Now that we have discussed each of the 12 Pillarsindividually, let’s recap how these affect dog training as a general rule.

You can read the rest of this article here.

Titanium Teeth, Dog Breeds, and other questions...

There has been some wild speculation about what breed of dog was used in the assault on the Bin Laden compound and if there were surgical modifications to said dog.

There are several breeds that are commonly used and fully capable of doing the job required to integrate into a Navy Seal Team.  Among them are the German Shepherd’s Dog, the Belgian Malinois (pronounced Mal-in-wa), the Dutch Shepherd’s dog and others. 

For more on this article and my response, visit http://dunetosk9.com/?p=404.

Can Dogs be on Special Forces Raids?

I saw the potential for these dogs and their application in almost every aspect of life, to include the highest level of military application many years ago.  My mentor at Baden K-9 was talking about it long before I was.  Both of us were told we were crazy.  

I have not really discussed this in the public eye for several years, as I have spent time overseas and at home testing, training, and determining the best techniques for integrating dogs into every area of life.

To read more about this dog and my responses to the article, click here http://dunetosk9.com/?p=399.

Pillar #12 Anything a Soldier, LE Officer or Tracker Can Do, They Can Do With a Dog

This pillar is closely related to Pillar #11, but is more of the practical.  Previously we discussed the concept that you SHOULD integrate your dog into your life.  But this pillar states that you CAN do it.  Anything a Soldier, LE Officer or Tracker Can Do, They Can Do With a Dog.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=356

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #11- Dogmen Must Integrate Dogs into Everything They Do

If you desire to be a Dogman, you must learn to integrate dogs into everything that you do.  Dogs have so many different ways that they can be useful to men, and it is the desire of every Dogman to apply the benefits of the dog to as many areas as they can.  This means integrating the dog into everything that you do.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=353

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #10 - You Should Regard the Life of Your Dog

Many people think that they are being kind, when in fact they are being cruel.  This manifests itself in many ways both in society as well as in the world of dog training.  We create weak and suffering dogs by interfering in the natural culling process of the mother dogs.  We take from the wealthy that work hard for their money and give it to those who have not worked for it and create even more poverty.  And in many cases, we allow reckless liberty in our dogs, only to have them harm another person, causing their own death. Regarding the life of your dog does not mean that you allow your dog to do whatever it wants.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=351

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #9 - Dogs are Affected by the Fall of Man

All creation now groans because of man’s sin.  This also means that the animals are not only imperfect, but also that they can be a danger to us.  Because of this, we must take dominion over the animals that we are in contact with such that they are safe, enjoyable and productive.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=348

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #8 Dogs Do Not Think Humans are Dogs

In my opinion, this is the prevailing failure in the dog community today.  Practically every other training facility and philosophy assumes the opposite of this pillar.  But allow me to make a defense of my case.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=344

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #7 Dogs are Not Humans

On the surface, this would seem like an obvious statement.  But when considering dog training, it is worth discussing.  Increasingly, more and more people are treating their dogs like children and children like dogs.  This is the sad reality of the world we live in.

http://dunetosk9.com/?p=342

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to better understand your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #6 - You Are Responsible for Everything Your Dog Does or Fails to Do

What this means for you as an owner, both based on these pillars, and also in reality is that you must have control of your dog.  This does not only apply to those owners who have highly trained protection dogs, but this also applies to those with any dog.  See my article entitled, “I don’t want my dog to bite.”


http://dunetosk9.com/?p=338

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to control both yourself and your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #5- You Must Master Yourself Before You Can Master Your Dog

Many people become frustrated with their dogs and wonder why they are out of control.  These people may have done training with their dogs, and their dogs may even be highly trained.  But for some reason, unknown to the handler, the dog is simply out of control.  Today we explore how you can master your dog.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/05/04/pillar-5-you-must-master-yourself-before-you-can-master-your-dog/

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on how to master both yourself and your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com

Pillar #4 - Train Under Realistic Stress

For Law Enforcement and Military, this pillar is well founded for training effective officers and soldiers.  But I find it interesting that this tactical principle is largely not practiced among dog trainers.  Allow me to give you an example:

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/05/03/pillar-4-train-under-realistic-stress/

Until next time, this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your six.

For more information on protection work, visit us at www.dk-9.com.  

To respond to this article, feel free to contact me at joel@dk-9.com.

Pillar #3 – Discipline and Control

I am always amazed at people who expect discipline and control out of their dogs, but they are completely undisciplined and out of control themselves.  In order to be a good Dogman, you must develop in yourself, discipline and control.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/29/pillar-3-discipline-and-control/

To find out more information on training dogs, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Pillar #2 - One Direction - One Correction

For anyone who deals with dogs in potentially life threatening situations, including search and rescue, this is totally unacceptable.  You do not need to be harsh with your dog, but you must demand obedience.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/28/pillar-2-one-direction-one-correction/

For more information on dog training, come visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Pillar #1 - Consistency

We must discipline ourselves to be consistent.  Why would we expect something out of our dogs that we are not willing to train into ourselves?

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/27/pillar-1-you-must-be-consistent-if-you-want-a-consistent-dog/

For more information on training your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

The 12 Pillars of Dog Training

Many of you reading this will wonder what several of these pillars really have to do with training dogs.  But never fear, I will cover each of these in detail over the next several weeks.  In the meantime, think about each of these in detail in your own mind and consider carefully how these could not only apply to your training of your dog, but also how each of these may impact your own personal life.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/26/the-12-pillars-of-dog-training/

Check back tomorrow to see my post on pillar #1.

For more information, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Dynamic Movement with Your Dog #1

Hello friends,

This is the first video on moving dynamically with your dog.  This is the very first introduction exercise you begin to introduce your dog to fast and random changes in direction followed by basic obedience commands such as sit and lay.  I introduce you to this exercise, but keep in mind that I do not spend the required time here that you will need to spend with your own dog to make these movements concrete.

Now get out there and enjoy training with your dog.

New Video Post - Shouldering Your Dog

In this video, I explain how and why to shoulder your dog and then show you a demonstration for actually putting your dog on your shoulders.  I am currently filming videos that require you to have your dog shouldered.  Make sure you are getting yourself and your dog familiar with this technique so that you will not struggle when I introduce more advanced training.  Enjoy!

Integrating Dogs into the Warrior Mindset

In our last article, “What does it take to truly defend yourself?” many of you may have been asking yourself, what does this have to do with dog training?  Allow me to explain why it is so important to discipline you first and then to integrate this philosophy into your dog training and employment.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/25/integrating-dogs-into-the-warrior-mindset/

This is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you…to watch your 6!

If you missed our last article, you can read it here.

For more information on this topic, you may be interested in On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society.

What does it take to truly defend yourself?

One of our goals at Dunetos K-9 is to help people in defense of their person and home, so I thought I would share it with you.  I have written my comments first, but you may wish to scroll down and read the article and then come back to my comments.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/04/22/what-does-it-take-to-truly-defend-yourself/

So how does this relate to training dogs?  Stay tuned for my next article, Integrating Dogs into the Warrior Mindset.

For more information on how to protect yourself and your family, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Are you prepared to Get Out Of Dodge with your dog?

This is an actual picture of the Japanese Tsunami on March 11, 2011. This is just minutes after the 8.8 magnitude earth quake just off their coast.

The recent events in Japan have had me thinking about the need to be prepared to leave your home under various situations.  I do believe it is prudent to evaluate your home and your particular situation and determine if you are prepared for a natural or man-made disaster.

Read today's article to learn more about how to be better prepared with your dog.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/03/30/getting-out-of-dodge-with-your-dog/

For more information, visit www.dk-9.com.

Have you deprived your dog of practical agility?

I am always surprised when I hear Law Enforcement and Military handlers tell me that they don’t need advanced agility training.  In my opinion, if you are not occasionally putting your agility training to the test in the real world as LE or Military handlers, then you are probably not really doing your job.  Read my latest article for more on what it means to train for practical agility.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/03/23/practical-agility-2/

For more information on practical agility, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Winning

Harold M. Abrahams: If I can't win, I won't run! 
Sybil Gordon: If you don't run, you can't win. 

New Video Post - Dunetos K-9 YouTube Channel Introduction

This is an introduction to the Dunetos K-9 YouTube channel.  Here I will discuss the topics and upcoming videos we will be posting for your dog training and integration benefit.  I hope you enjoy the video and that you are able to benefit from this content in your life.

Should I track with my dog?

I run into a lot of people who have misunderstood impressions about tracking.  From the average person, they are intrigued, but don’t feel that the effort is worth the time.  From the SAR volunteer, they think that there is essentially no difference between the groomed football field and the wilderness where people actually get lost.  From the LE Officer, they believe that some dogs track while others do not, but that it is really not that important to their job.  From the military handler, they feel that only combat tracker dogs should track and that they are wasting their time to track with their dog.

What is the real truth about tracking?

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/03/09/should-i-track-with-my-dog/

Until next time, this is Joel reminding you to watch your six.

For more information on tracking and Search & Rescue, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

My Brothers in Arms

Could this dog have saved his handler?

Friends, today I am very saddened.  Over the last few months, there have been a significant number of law enforcement officers shot and killed in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida.

Join me as we work through this sad story to learn lessons that could save your life, or the life of one of your friends...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/03/09/my-brothers-in-arms/

Until next time this is Joel with Dunetos K-9 reminding you to watch your six

What is the purpose of agility?

Many dog owners avoid training their dogs in agility because whenever they imagine agility training, they picture the various images of agility competitions they have seen in so many dog magazines.

Read my latest article to find out what real agility is all about...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/03/02/what-is-the-purpose-of-agility/

For more information, contact Dunetos K-9 at www.dk-9.com or email me at joel@dk-9.com.

Until next time, this is Joel reminding you to watch your six.

How can I play with my dog and maintain discipline at the same time?

Frequently people ask me, “Do you ever play with your dogs?”  This is usually a response to the required discipline that I have of my dogs, as well as myself.  It's easy to misunderstand the real relationship between playing and discipline.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/22/integrating-discipline-when-playing-with-your-dog/

Happy Playing.

For more information on integrating your dog into every aspect of your life, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

To Kennel or to Tie Out?...That is the Question...

People frequently ask me why I tie out my dogs rather than use a kennel.  To many the worn down grass and heavy chain appear to be unsightly and they feel as though the dog may not be happy. Read my latest article to find out why...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/15/kennel-or-tie-out/

Until next time, this is Joel Ryals reminding you to watch your six.

For more information on how to train and treat your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

You are giving commands - Not suggestions

Negative vocabulary with your dog has been previously discussed.  In the article below I will explain the importance of using your communication properly to give commands...not suggestions.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/07/commands-not-suggestions/

For more information on how to properly communicate with your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

But I don't want my dog to bite...

“But I don’t want my dog to bite.”  I have heard this statement frequently.

It is not my intent to offend anyone who is unfamiliar with dogs here, but this statement is an expression of ignorance.  Allow me to explain...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/05/i-dont-want-my-dog-to-bite/

To read a follow up letter I received reference this article, click here.

Are you using a negative vocabulary?

It is important to understand what we mean when we use certain words.  Each niche has its own vocabulary.  Bird watchers use certain phrases differently than radio operators.  Horse trainers use different words than dog trainers.  So what is meant by “Negative Vocabulary”?

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/03/negative-vocabulary/

For more information on training and communicating with your dog, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

How do I start training a puppy?

I frequently hear the following questions about training puppies:

View my latest article on puppy training to get answers to these frequently asked questions...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/02/01/puppy_training/

For more information on puppy training, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

How do I house train my puppy? Or adult dog?

One of the greatest struggles for many new dog owners is how to house train their dogs.  Today I explain the easiest and most successful method to house train a dog...prepare to be amazed at how easy it can be...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/01/17/crate-training/

This is Joel with DK-9 bringing you ancient wisdom for modern dog training.

What are you doing?

After spending years watching owners handle their dogs, one thing has become painfully obviously: People often do not know what they are doing.  My mentor in Canada likes to say, “It doesn’t matter what you think you are doing, it only matters what you are doing.”  Allow me to explain what this means from the perspective of dog training.

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/01/10/what-are-you-doing/

For more information on how to receive practical, real world training, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Is your dog inconsistent?

...or are you?

Many people face the dilemma of having a dog that is obedient and responsive while on the training field, but when they go home, the dog seems out of control.  Find out what really makes the difference...

http://dunetosk9.com/2011/01/08/obedience-and-consistency/

For more information on training philosophy, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Should you choke your dog, electrocute your dog, or just pinch your dog?

There is great controversy within the dog training world about what kind of correction to use when training a dog.  Practically everyone agrees that some kind of correction is needed, but which correction to use is a hotly debated one.

http://dunetosk9.com/2010/11/24/prong-collars-vs-choke-collars/

For more information on training techniques, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

"I should have brought more treats!"

Are you ever amazed at the things some people will say?

While my wife was at a women’s retreat, enjoying the company of like minded women, she noticed that a Dog Agility Trial was taking place.  Knowing my involvement with dogs, she wandered over to observe and see how things were going.  She related this story to me:

http://dunetosk9.com/2010/11/02/i-should-have-brought-more-treats/

For more information on training your dog and integrating them into every aspect of your life, visit us at www.dk-9.com.

Does your dog need discipline, or do you?

One of the greatest problems in the dog training world is also one of the greatest problems throughout the rest of the world, the lack of self-discipline. There is a derth of self-discipline in our nation, and yet this character quality is vital to building culture.  How can we regain this vital quality in ourselves?...

http://dunetosk9.com/2010/10/20/hello-world/

For more article and information on how to integrate your dog into your life, visit us at www.dk-9.com.