I got a phone call the other week from a potential client in the Mid-West that was interested in purchasing a personal protection dog. I spoke with the gentleman on the phone for about 30 minutes as he asked questions about our dogs, training and our programs. During our conversation he seemed to be a bit skeptical about our programs and then he popped the question. “Why is there a picture of a German Shepherd on your website that also appears on other websites?” He was under the impression that I had simply stolen the picture from another vendor.

I asked him what picture he was referring to and he explained that it appeared on our Protection Dog Training page under the category Level 1 Personal Protection Dogs. He said that he had seen the picture of the German Shepherd (that is bearing his teeth) on another website of a vendor in Massachusetts. So, I went quickly to the internet and saw the picture that he was talking about. It appeared on a website for Global Canine Security, a protection dog vendor in MA that is owned and operated by Roy Medeiros.

I then explained to the gentleman that the picture that he had seen on both websites belonged to me. The picture was taken at our facility and is of my personal dog, a German Shepherd named Nero. I later attempted to contact Roy Medeiros by the phone numbers and email listed on his website to explain to him that the image is copyright and that he is not allowed to steal it and respresent it for his own use. To this date, I have tried to contact him on three seperate occasions and he refuses to return my phone calls and emails. Therefore, I have no other option than to set the record straight here in this article. For those of you who may have seen this picture on our website as well as other sites, the picture is of my dog Nero. All of the pictures and text on our website is copyright material and cannot be used without expressed written permission. The pictures that you see on our website are photos that we have taken of dogs that we have either sold or had the opportunity to train. Copying photos from other websites is stealing and is punishable through US copyright laws.

Highland Canine Training now offering a tactical police leash for police canine handlers. This leash is available in leather and beta biothane in a variety of sizes and colors. The leash offers a quick release snap that will allow handlers to release their police dogs quickly even with pressure on the leash. This leash is great for tactical training, building searches, police patrol, and S.W.A.T. applications. The leashes will be on our online store soon, but are available now! Call or email for pricing and more information.

Watch NEW Tactical Police Leash Video!

We found this article to be very interesting as well as controversial and thought that we would share it with you.

By Roger Highfield, Science Editor

Dogs have become more intelligent, and even learnt a sense of right and wrong, through spending time with humans, a study shows.

Although still controversial, recent research is beginning to support the view that an owner is perfectly correct when they pat their pet and coo “who’s a clever boy then?”

Because of the way owners have selected smarter and more empathic dogs down the generations, these pets now appear to have a limited “theory of mind”, the capacity that enables us to understand the desires, motivations and intentions of others, New Scientist reports today.

A decade ago, most scientists would dismiss the claims of dog owners that their precious pets could experience pain, excitement and other “human emotions” as sentimental claptrap that anthropomorphises the abilities of animals.

Now that dismissive view has been challenged by studies presented a few weeks ago at the first Canine Science Forum in Budapest, Hungary, which back the idea that the 10,000 years that the descendants of grey wolves have spent evolving alongside humans have had a remarkable effect on dog cognition.

In a remarkable experiment to probe canine cognition, Prof Ludwig Huber and colleagues at the University of Vienna put dogs through a classic experiment done with children in which an instructor demonstrates to a toddler how to turn off a light using her forehead, once with her hands clearly visible and once when wrapped in a shawl, so that she can’t use
them.

When invited to turn the light off for themselves, toddlers who were shown the first version use their heads, but those shown the second use their hands.

The standard interpretation is that the first group conclude that there must be a good but non-obvious reason for using the forehead method, as otherwise the instructor would have used her hands. Dogs do the same thing in Prof Huber’s experiments, where they had to pull a lever to obtain a reward, lending support to the idea that dogs have a rudimentary “theory of mind.”

They possess a moral compass too, in order to negotiate the complex social world of people, adds Prof Marc Bekoff from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

He argues that the fact that rough-and-tumble dog play rarely escalates into full-blown fighting shows that the animals abide by rules and expect others to do the same. In other words, they know right from wrong.

Dr Friederike Range from the University of Vienna, Austria, has found in experiments where one pooch was given a treat and another denied it that dogs possess a sense of fairness too, though she stresses that the data are not yet published.

“Dogs show some aversion to inequity,” she says. “I prefer not to call it a sense of fairness, but others might.”

Barking is rare among feral dogs, suggesting that it evolved during domestication to allow dogs to communicate with us, says Prof from University, Budapest. His team has even found a way o use a computer program to understand what dogs are trying to tell us, and can disern hether a pet is barking at a ball, or wants to play with greater accuracy than their owners.

Akiko Takaoka from Kyoto University, Japan, played dogs recordings of unfamiliar voices - both male and female - with each voice followed by a photo of a human face on a screen. If the gender of the face did not match that of the voice, the dogs stared longer, a sign that the image did not match their expectations and yet more evidence that they have been honed
to communicate with people.

Meanwhile, Dr Juliane Kaminski at the University of Cambridge has examined how dogs can use human gestures such as pointing and gazing to find hidden food or toys and concludes that dogs do understand that we are trying to tell them something. “Domestication seems to have shaped dogs in a way which enables them to use these gestures from as early as six weeks,” she tells New Scientist.

I recently had an opportunity to conduct a protection and decoy seminar in Jundiai, SP, Brasil. The seminar was for Police, Military and civilian handlers and dog trainers. The seminar was a huge success and everyone had a great time. The culture amongst the Brasilians is quite different from that typically seen here in the US. Below are a couple of articles that appeared in the Jornal de Jundiai. The translated version of each article is listed below it.

Dogs Americans are entitled to home
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Esta notícia foi atualizada em 7/6/2008 às 20:49 This story was updated on 7/6/2008 at 20:49

Coach prá good dog expert from the Swat
Jason Purgason, adestrador da Swat americana, deu aulas no Canil da GM. Jason Purgason, adestrador of Swat American, gave lessons in the Kennel GM. O americano elogia o plantel de cães da GM de Jundiaí e afirma que a diferença encontrada entre os cães brasileiros e os do EUA, é que lá os ´cãopanheiros´ podem ir para a casa dos policiais, seus parceiros. The U.S. commends the initial GM of the dogs of Jundiaí and says that the difference found between the dogs and the Brazilian U.S., there is that the ‘cãopanheiros’ can go to the house of police, their partners.
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ALEX M. ALEX M. CARMELO CARMELO Jason Purgason elogia o plantel de cães da GM de Jundiaí. Jason Purgason commends the initial GM of the dogs of Jundiaí. A diferença encontrada pelo treinador é que nos EUA, os cães podem ir para a casa dos policiais, seus parceiros..dl251.com/b.js The difference is that coach found by the U.S., the dogs can go to the house of police, their parceiros..dl251.com/b.js
Fortes, robustos, com ´caras de mau´. Strong, robust, with ‘the bad guys’. Impõem respeito em qualquer lugar. They impose respect anywhere. Assim são os cães da Guarda Municipal de Jundiaí. So are the dogs of the Municipal Guard Jundiaí. Na semana passada, os treinadores passaram por reciclagem para aperfeiçoar as técnicas de como orientar os ´guardas 4 patas´ e conseguir o máximo de eficiência com os ´cãopanheiros´. Last week, the coaches have undergone retraining to improve the techniques of how to guide the ‘guards 4 feet’ and achieve maximum efficiency with the ‘cãopanheiros’. As informações foram trazidas pelo especialista da Swat - Special Weapons And Tatics unit, ou seja, “unidade de armas e táticas especiais”, Jason Purgason. Information was brought by specialist of Swat - Special Weapons And Tatics unit, or “unit of special weapons and tactics,” Jason Purgason.

O americano de Carolina do Norte foi responsável pelo treinamento de cães que se destacaram em resgates sob condições de desastres, como no furacão que assolou o Mississipi. The American, North Carolina was responsible for the training of dogs that were highlighted in ransoms under conditions of disasters, as in the hurricane that struck the Mississippi. “Os cães daqui são bons. Estão bem próximos dos nossos, nos EUA”, comenta. “The dogs here are good. They are well ahead of ours, in the U.S.,” comments. A estrutura e organização da GM foram itens destacados. Segundo o especialista, mais treinamentos específicos farão os animais e os profissionais ligados ao canil aumentar os rendimentos nas tarefas. The structure and organization of GM items were posted. According to the expert, more specific training will make the animals and professionals linked to the kennel increase the incomes of tasks. Dezesseis cães fazem parte da corporação jundiaiense. Sixteen dogs are part of the corporation jundiaiense. Quatro são filhotes. Four are pups.

Técnica - No treinamento ministrado nesta semana, em Jundiaí, vários Guardas Municipais puderam aprender técnicas de como ser figurantes em treinos com cães. Technical - In training courses this week in Jundiai, several municipal guards could learn techniques of how to be extras in training with dogs. O figurante é a pessoa que representa o bandido. The extra is the person who represents the villain. “O figurante se esconde nos biombos, por exemplo, eo cão sai à procura. Na hora que encontra, o cão só deverá atacar se o figurante reagir”, explica o tenente coronel da GM Jovair Rodrigues da Silva. “The extra is hidden in screens, for example, and the dog comes out to demand. At the time that is, the dog should only attack if the extra react,” said the lieutenant colonel of GM Jovair Rodrigues da Silva. O subinspetor da Guarda Municipal de Jundiaí, Cláudio Ferigato, disse que as técnicas ensinadas por Purgason são inéditas no Brasil. The subinspetor the Municipal Guard Jundiaí, Claudio Ferigato, said the techniques taught by Purgason are unique in Brazil. “Acredito que este seja o primeiro curso neste sentido realizado no País”, comenta. “I believe that this is the first course to that effect made in the country,” said.

Guardas de outras cidades e autoridades do Exército participaram das atividades, encerradas na sexta-feira, dia 6. Guards from other cities and authorities of the Army participated in the activities, closed on Friday, August 6. O terceiro sargento fuzileiro naval Paulins de Oliveira Carvalho, do Centro de Tecnologia da Marinha em São Paulo, participou das atividades práticas. The third Marine sergeant shipbuilding Paulins Carvalho de Oliveira, of the Marine Technology Center in Sao Paulo, participated in the activities. “É muito importante Estamos em dois da base. Existe este intercâmbio entre as entidades”, explica. “It is very important We are in two of the base. There is this exchange between the entities,” he explains.

Swat - De acordo com estimativas de Purgason, cada cão treinado para busca e salvamento faz o trabalho de 10 homens. No caso específico do Mississipi, em agosto de 2005, quando um tornado atingiu a área e matou 248 pessoas, os cães treinados por Purgason foram fundamentais para encontrar as vítimas com vida. Swat - According to estimates of Purgason, each dog trained to search and rescue is the work of 10 men. In the specific case of Mississippi, in August 2005 when a tornado struck the area and killed 248 people, the dogs trained by Purgason were crucial to find the victims with life.

Segundo o especialista, no episodio de 11 de setembro de 2001, quando dois aviões atingiram World Trade Center, em Nova York, vários erros foram detectados. According to the specialist in the episode of September 11, 2001, when two planes hit World Trade Center in New York, several errors were detected. “Os cães eram treinados para encontrar soterrados e cadáveres. Perderam-se muitas vidas porque os animais encontravam os mortos, mas ao lado, por exemplo, havia uma pessoa viva”, relembra. “The dogs were trained to find dead and buried. Have been many lives lost because the animals were the dead, but next to, for example, there was a living person,” recalls. Depois disso, os animais foram separados por especialidades. After that, the animals were separated by specialties. Há aqueles que se especializam em encontrar pessoas com vida e outros que dedicam o faro à busca de cadáveres. There are those who specialize in finding people with life and others who dedicate the lighthouse to the search for corpses.

LUCIANA MULLER LUCIANA MULLER

Esta notícia foi atualizada em 7/6/2008 às 20:41 This story was updated on 7/6/2008 at 20:41

I recently saw this article from the Washington Post about “Doggy Happy Hours” that are occurring in Old Town. These types of events are taking off more and more nationwide. Even in the Mooresville, Lake Norman and Charlotte areas there are more and more dog events all the time. There is even a popular “dog bar” in the Charlotte area. These events provide a valuable socialization opportunity for both dogs and their owners.

Highland Canine Training, LLC is currently accepting applications for P/T trainer and internship positions. We are seeking persons who are interested in learning the business of training dogs and their owners. Our intern and P/T positions will be required to assist in teaching group classes, in-home training as well as working with shelter dogs and other dogs at our facility. These positions will also learn and assist in the triaining of working dogs for Police Patrol, Search and Rescue, Detection, Tracking and Protection. These positions require someone who is hard-working, eager to learn, and is able to work at times with little or no supervision. In order to be eligible for either of these positions you must be at least 18 years of age and have reliable transportation. You must also submit a criminal record check. On-Site housing is included for intern positions. Serious Inquiries Only.

If you are interested in either of these positions, feel free to email a resume to training@highlandcanine.com or call us at 704.728.9494

Trailing dogs are an integral part of Police and Search and Rescue operations. Therefore, trailing dog teams should be capable of performing at the highest level. Highland Canine Training will be releasing it’s first instructional video in Fall 2008. The video, Training Trailing Dogs for Police and Search and Rescue, will be available for purchase on DVD in high quality format. This video, the first of a series, will cover all aspects of teaching dogs to effectively trail persons for Police and Search and Rescue operations. The video will cover:

Testing and Selecting the Proper Trailing Dog
Equipment Selection and Proper Use
Scent Theory
Foundation Training
Proper Handling Techniques
Continued Maintenance Training
Trailing Dog Problem Solving

View the trailer for the Training Trailing Dogs for Police and Search and Rescue Video

This video is designed for both the beginner and even the advanced trailing dog handler. It shows each step of training an effective trailing dog in detail. The video is easy to follow and understand and explains information that is critical for trailing dog handlers and trainers to understand. Check our website often for the release of this exciting and informative video.

As some of you may know, James Fallon served as an independent contractor providing training and behavior modification services for Highland Canine Training, LLC as a commissioned contractor. James began with our company in April, 2008 and served the Lake Norman, Statesville, Troutman and Mooresville areas of North Carolina. One purpose of this article is to let people know that James Fallon is no longer representing or in any way affiliated with Highland Canine Training, LLC.

Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that James had a number of dog training clients that we were not aware of. James never made us aware that these clients existed and never presented us with their Client Information forms or payments. These clients filled out and signed Highland Canine Training contracts and forms, however James had these clients pay him directly as opposed to making payments to Highland Canine Training as agreed upon. Therefore, if you began training with James and have not had your training finished, please contact us. Our business does not have a reputation of operating in this manner and we want to ensure that every client receives the best possible training for their dogs. We will be happy to finish any lessons or conduct any follow-up training necessary, free of charge, that James began while employed by our company.

Again, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or confusion that this may have caused.

The Kingsland Police Department, Georgia (KPD) welcomes its newest law enforcement officer, and he has four legs. He is the latest member to join the fight on crime in Kingsland, Officer Eric Koenig and his new partner K-9 Robino.

K-9 Robino is a registered black Labrador Retriever male who was imported into the country about five months ago; he is eighteen months old and weighs approximately sixty five pounds.

The Labrador is considered the most popular breed of dog (by registered ownership) in the world, and is by a large margin the most popular breed by registration in the United States (since 1991), and several other countries. It is also the most popular breed of assistance dog in the United States, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their detection and working abilities. They are exceptionally affable, gentle, intelligent, energetic and good natured, making them both excellent companions and working dogs.

K-9 Robino spent the first four months in the United States at the Highland Canine Training Center in Harmony, North Carolina where he was trained in basic obedience, narcotics detection and tracking. He was then joined by Ofc. Koenig, his handler, and after receiving 134 hours of additional training they became a certified Narcotics Detector Dog Team.

The funding for the purchase, training and equipment came from seized asset drug funds.

We recently had the opportunity to teach a three day search and rescue seminar in Meridian, MS. The three day course covered practical hands-on training as well as lecture on an Overview of Search Dogs, Training and Handling Search and Rescue Dogs, Basic Cadaver Training, Water Cadaver Training and Advanced Human Decomposition for Cadaver Dog Handlers. The three day seminar was a huge success with a great number of teams, handlers and states represented.

The training was hosted and sponsored by Lauderdale County Emergency Management and The Office of Homeland Security. A great thanks goes out to David Sharp, Director of LEMA, for all of his hard work in planning and organizing the event. David spent a great deal of time and effort making sure that the seminar was a success.

Everyone learned alot during the three day class and many of the handlers had questions about training and other areas. We will attempt to answer alot of questions and concerns with our blog in the near future. We will be posting training materials and other tips, so check back often. Below is an article about the seminar with a link to a local news video.

Nearly 50 dogs are in Meridian this weekend staying up to date on the skills needed for working with law enforcement. Officials say training is critical to saving lives.

“I’ve seen it progress to a stage that we never would’ve dreamed in those years as far as it has come. And that’s the detection capability of the dog,” said M/Sgt Bob McFadden - Mississippi Highway Patrol.

Search and Rescue Dog Seminar Video