Kitusak9s

11/06/2024

05/06/2024

WHAT IS
IGP DOG TRAINING?
Experience the irresistible allure of IGP dog training – more than just a hobby, it’s a captivating lifestyle, a fervent passion, and an exhilarating journey of teamwork that will forge an unbreakable bond between you and your canine companion.

Prepare to be challenged!

What is IGP?

IGP is like a dogsport triathlon. Three phases, Tracking, Obedience and Protection (Defence) test the skills of the trainer and the heart and soul of the dog.

Each dog and handler team are tested in a variety of stakes which become progressively harder until they ‘graduate’ and enter competition with their dogsport peers.

At competition level, each dog and handler pairing are judged critically, which means that accuracy and precision in all three phases is essential.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT IGP
In the early 1900s in Germany the sport was created originally as a fit for breeding test for the German Shepherd Dog, to enable breeders to make better decisions about the temperament and character of dogs used in breeding programs. The German Shepherd Club of Germany (S.V. or Schaeferhund Verein) mandated that only dogs who had achieved a Schutzhund test would be suitable for breeding and to have their progeny registered as German Shepherd Dogs. This rule remains to this day.

Schutzhund soon expanded to take in all five of the German protection breeds, including the Boxer, Dobermann, Riesenschnauzer (Giant Schnauzer) and Rottweiler, although any breed can take part in today’s sport.

The Schutzhund breeding test included tracking, obedience and protection, as the IGP sport does today. Some people will recognise the sport as being similar to police dog work and police dog trials. Indeed Schutzhund as-was has been used to identify the traits and abilities of dogs who would be well suited to work of this type and allow them to be incorporated in the various breeding programs in place at the time.

OVER THE YEARS
Over the years the sport has evolved from those original Schutzhund tests into a highly stylised triathlon for dog and handler where both are required to perform to the highest levels of accuracy. When you obtain an IGP title, you will have earned it with blood, sweat and tears of frustration for sure! It remains one of the most difficult dog sports to master and compete in.

Even now, IGP titles and within that, the grades and scores of each exercise, are recognised to be useful and insightful in highlighting the nature and characteristics of any dog.

HOW DO YOU GET A TITLE?
The titles in IGP are awarded at Trials where each dog and handler team are examined by a specialist Judge. Those who attain a good standard are awarded a title. There are three titles, IGP1, 2 and 3 all of which are preceded by the BH Test.

The first step on the IGP ladder is the BH (Begleithund – or Companion Dog) Test. This test is a combination of obedience and temperament. The dog is exposed to loud noises, cars, joggers, cyclists, strange dogs and groups of people and is briefly tethered alone. Each dog must exhibit themselves with confidence and any dog showing signs of aggression, anxiety or fearfulness will not attain a pass and therefore cannot proceed to any of the other IGP examinations.

The first real title is IGP1 and consists of three phases, A-Tracking B-Obedience and C-Protection. A dog must pass all three phases in a single trial with a minimum score of 70% in each phase to be awarded a title. IGP2 and IGP3 titles involved the same three phases and same minimum score but there are additional exercises in each examination and others become increasingly more difficult at each level.

Tracking
The tracking phase tests the dog’s ability to execute scentwork and concentrate and apply themselves to the exercise in a specific manner for the duration of the test. A person (known as a track layer) walks through a field depositing three small items (articles) over the distance (which varies according to the level of the title). After a period of time, the handler directs their dog to follow the track and will follow the dog on a 10metre leash. As each article is located by the dog he will indicate this to the handler, usually by lying down with the article between his front paws. The judge will evaluate the performance based on the level of care, accuracy and intensity shown by the dog in working out the track.

Obedience
In a large field similar to a football pitch, two dog and handler teams will enter and report to the judge. One dog is placed in a down position on the side of the field and the handler leaves it whilst the other dog works. The dogs are asked to carry out several heelwork exercises whilst gunshots are fired, Sit out of motion, Down out of motion, Stand out of motion, several recalls, retrieve of a dumbbell on the flat, over a 1m hurdle and over an A frame and a sendaway where the dog must run fast, and as directed, away from the handler and lie down on command whilst he is running. All exercises are graded by the judge according to speed and accuracy and must be seen to work collaboratively with his handler and with joy and enthusiasm for the work.

Protection or Defence
In this phase the judge requires an assistant to help test the courage of the dog to protect itself and its handler. The assistant is known as a ‘Helper’ or ‘Decoy’. The Helper wears a heavily padded sleeve on one arm and carries a padded stick with which to threaten the dog. There are six ‘blinds’ on the field which are like tepee tents. The Helper will be hiding in one of them and the dog is directed by the handler to search for the helper and look in each of these 6 blinds to locate him. When the dog locates the helper he indicates this by barking continuously, guarding the Helper to prevent them from moving until the handler arrives. A series of prescribed exercises follow in which the Helper is directed by the handler to move around the field and makes various attempts to escape, attack the dog, attack the handler and is escorted to the judge. At certain points the dog must stop the attack or escape by biting the padded sleeve and must also release the sleeve and cease the attack on the handler’s command. Failure to comply with the handler’s commands results in a disqualification. At all times the dog is expected to engage with the helper without hesitation and with courage and must always obey the handler. Any signs of fear, lack of control or inappropriate aggression will result in termination.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO THIS?
A reasonable time commitment

A high proportion of people who are interested in the sport drop out within the first year as they become discouraged by the amount of time they need to invest or their perceived lack of progress. This isn’t a sport that measures progress in 6 week chunks like other dog training courses or clubs you may have been involved with.

As a guideline, an average member in regular training seeking progress will be attending sessions at least weekly and working at home on obedience and tracking. On a weekly basis this time commitment could be:

Obedience – around 6.5hrs (2 club sessions of 2 hrs each plus 10 mins twice per day at home)

Tracking – around 4-6hrs (3-4 tracks per week)

Protection – 10 hrs (2 club sessions of 5hrs each)

Training with a group or club is not a solitary endeavour and members are expected to help one another by attending training regularly, staying for the duration of the session and helping support the smooth running of the group/club.

Naturally, many hands make light work so if you join a group, feel free to roll your sleeves up and pitch in with something you feel comfortable with!

A DOG!
The sport was originally conceived as a ‘fit for breeding’ test for the German Shepherd Dog. It goes without saying therefore that the sport is best suited to German Shepherds.

However, many other breeds are active in the sport and have competed with great success at club level and can be seen at all levels up to and including the FCI All Breed World Championships.

We are proud to welcome handler and dog teams with the necessary drive and commitment to succeed in the sport, irrespective of breed.

We have supported dog and handler teams in many breeds to excel at all levels. You can see therefore that our training philosophy is to accommodate the individuality of each dog.

IS YOUR DOG SUITABLE?
Before joining a group you will meet with our Head Trainer and your dog will be evaluated to confirm that he/she has a stable temperament. The Trainer will advise you of their opinion concerning the abilities of the dog. Please understand that this honest appraisal of the dog’s capability to participate in this sport is no slight on either yourself or the dog by its very nature. Sometimes a dog doesn’t have the motivation or heart to succeed in a sport that requires a high level of drive and a high level of self control. We don’t believe in forcing participation on a dog who doesn’t want to play; we want to make sure that participating in our sport is fun for both the dog and the handler. We may agree that you have a fantastic dog, but also tell you that this just isn’t the sport for him/her.

If you don’t have a dog at the moment but you are interested in the sport, we can help guide you during your research and support you in asking questions of any vendor before making your decision on whether to get a puppy or a young dog that has been started in work or a titled dog.

MEMBERSHIP
In order to trial you must be a member of an appropriate working dog club and in possession of a score book/performance book for your dog. This will vary according to your breed of choice and location. We can help advise you in due course.

EQUIPMENT
Over the years you will, as most people do, accumulate a vast array of toys and equipment if you remain in the sport.

In your first year however you can start with a very basic kit. You will need:

A padded agitation collar or harness for protection work. Look for a harness specifically designed for agitation and protection which is well padded in areas that are unlikely to rub.
A standard leash with clip fastening
A fur saver chain link collar
A crate or method of containment appropriate for securing your dog when you are away from your vehicle at training
A 10m line for tracking and protection
Whatever treats or toys motivates your dog

THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE
We don’t expect you to know it all when you get here but we do want you to push yourself to learn and develop. We want you to ask questions. We want your knowledge and understanding of the sport to grow and develop.

We tend to conduct a more ‘hands-on’ style of training and instruction, which means you will see all of our group members being accompanied through their obedience and protection routines with the Head Trainer and with the support of other group members. You should expect that you would be instructed in a similar manner.

WHAT CAN I ACHIEVE?
The achievements of our group members are largely dependent on their goals and aspirations, their level of skill and training and the ability of their dog. Our group members have had varying achievements over the years including multiple National, European Championship and World Championship entries with multiple breeds, and too many IGP 1,2 and 3 club titles to count!

With a good dog and a lot of hard work on your part, we will do everything we can to help you succeed.

19/03/2024

The champion himself he turns 10yrs today.. help me wish him a happy birthday.. happy birthday Aaron Kitusa.

19/03/2024

Some parts of the dogs body you didn't know.

15/03/2024

If you are lucky a GERMAN SHEPHERD will come into your LIFE , steal your HEART and change EVERYTHING ...

26/02/2024

These beauties are looking for a forever loving home.. 7wks old both genders available. Vaccinated and dewormed.. 0721841386

12/02/2024

New rules as agreed during the GSDCEA...

20/01/2024

Dear all,
Dog breeding is not a business,it is all about passion.If you want to start it,ask yourself and do the following:-

1.Can you feed dogs with no returns for 2 years or more?

2.Can you spend sleepless nights in the whelping box to watch on mama and puppies?

3.Can you clean do p**p and puppy p**p?

4.Can you spend money to train your dogs and take them to dog shows?

5.Can you afford vet charges,hip x-rays and dog emergency care like c-section.

6.Can you withstand the death of puppies and adult dogs due to distemper and parvo virus and or aflatoxin poisoning?

7.Can you cancel important family meetings,etc to nurse a sick dog?

8.Can you get back your puppy and return money to the buyer if they mistreat it?

9.Can you make a good kennel and feeding equipments?

10.Can you sell a fellow breeders puppies and not tarnish their kennel names?

11.Can you drive long hours withstanding dog farts and vomitus as a result of motion sickness from Siaya to Mombasa to bring a smile to a family?

12.Can you spend your last coin on ypur dogs and not on your own self?

13.Can you always take I will get back to you as a normal answer from clients who never get back?

14.Can you drive long hours looking for stud and failed matings?

15.Can you replace a puppy that passes on at a clients' place within weeks of rehoming so that you maintain relationship?

16.Can you answer questions why a client should buy a puppy from you and the benefit they will get and not from another breeder?

17.Can you withstand frequent consultations from new owners on any funny normal behaviour of a puppy even during late hours?

18.Lastly,can you mentor someone on breeding,good practices etc with out getting tired?This I do every day because you can never be successful without mentoring others to be better than you.

Start from those few questions above,answer them yourself honestly.Visit breeders for pros and cons in dog breeding and then think of starting.

NB:- dog breeding is not a profit making venture actually we spend more than what we make but passion keeps us going.

Nerry Ephraim Ogutu, I totally agree with this.

01/01/2024

Happy 2024 ..

31/12/2023

Happy new year my friends! Thanks for being part of my 2023.. 2024 will be better...
Kitusak9s

17/12/2023

With Jeremy Damaris – I just got recognised as one of their rising fans! 🎉

23/11/2023

I've just reached 3.5K followers! Thank you for continuing support. I could never have made it without each and every one of you. 🙏🤗🎉

07/11/2023

Great explanation of the difference

27/10/2023

Different types of dogs and their names..

12/09/2023

Njamba and Bella...

11/09/2023

TAKE CARE OF RABIES

🏡🦮🐈 Rabies Awareness in Kenyan Homesteads 🐄🐕🐖

In our Kenyan homes, we share our lives with various beloved animals. It's essential to know the signs of rabies to keep both your family and pets safe. 🏠🐾

Common Kenyan homestead animals that can contract rabies:
1. Dogs 🐕
2. Cats 🐈
3. Cattle 🐄
4. Goats 🐐
5. Sheep 🐑
6. Donkeys 🐴
7. Poultry 🐔

Clinical signs of rabies in animals:
- **Behavioral Changes:** Aggression, restlessness, or unusual friendliness.
- **Excessive Drooling:** Foaming at the mouth.
- **Difficulty Swallowing:** Exhibiting discomfort while eating or drinking.
- **Paralysis:** Weakness or partial paralysis, especially in the hind limbs.
- **Change in Vocalization:** Unusual or constant vocalizing.
- **Seizures:** Sudden and uncontrolled movements.

Remember, rabies is deadly and can be transmitted to humans. Keep a close eye on your animals, vaccinate them, and seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these signs. Share this information to protect your loved ones! 🐶🐱🐮

17/08/2023

6 wks old.... 1st day out..

10/08/2023

Is this pure breed? Here is the answer...

01/08/2023

Just a dog.

From time to time people tell me “chill out, it’s just a dog” or “it’s a lot of money just for a dog.” They don't understand the distance traveled, the time invested, or the costs incurred by "just a dog".
Some of my proudest moments have occurred with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed being my only company "just a dog", but not for one moment did I feel despised. Some of my saddest moments have been because of “just a dog,” and on those gray days, the gentle touch of “just a Dog” gave me comfort and the reason to get through the day.

If you also think “it’s just a dog”, then you’ll probably understand phrases like “just a friend”, “just a sunrise” or “just a promise.” “Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy. “Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

For "just a dog" I will get up early, take long walks and look forward to the future. So for me and people like me, it’s not “just a dog,” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the memories of the past, and the absolute joy of the moment. “Just a dog” brings out the good in me and takes my thoughts away from myself and daily worries.

I hope one day they can understand that it’s not “just a dog”, but the one that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.” So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog”, just smile because they “just don’t get it”.

14/07/2023

POEM OF A DOG🐾

I'm the one waiting for you...
Your car has a special sound and I can recognize it from a thousand.
Your steps have a magic bell, they are music to me.
Your voice is the greatest sign of my happy time and sometimes it's not necessary to mention: I hear your sadness.
Seeing your joy makes me happy!!
I don't know what's good or bad smell, I just know that your scent is the best.
Some presences I sometimes like, others not so much.
But your presence is what stirs my senses.
Your waking, wakes me up
Sleeping you are my joy resting at home, and I your dream.
Your look is a ray of light, when I realize your awakening...
Your hands upon me, have the lightness of peace.
And when you walk out, everything's empty again..

And I wait forever and ever..
By the sound of your car;
By your steps;
For your voice;
For your ever fickle mood;
By your smell;
For your rest under my watch;
For your eyes;
By your hands.
And I'm happy just like that.

I am the one waiting for you:
I am your faithful companion!!
Forever yours YOKO 🐾

11/07/2023

Dog Pregnancy Guide:

Dog pregnancy

Dog pregnancy, also known as gestation, refers to the period during which a female dog carries and nurtures her unborn puppies. The average gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days, although it can vary slightly depending on the breed and individual dog. Here are some key points to understand about dog pregnancy:

Breeding:
Pregnancy in dogs occurs after successful mating between a male and female dog. It's important to plan and carefully select the breeding pair, ensuring both dogs are healthy and have desirable traits.

Signs of pregnancy: Early signs of pregnancy in dogs can include changes in behavior, increased appetite, weight gain, and ni**le enlargement. However, these signs can also be indicative of other conditions, so it's essential to confirm pregnancy through veterinary examination.

Confirmation:
The most accurate way to confirm dog pregnancy is through a veterinarian. They can perform various tests, such as palpation (feeling the abdomen for fetal development), ultrasound, or hormone analysis.

Prenatal care: Once pregnancy is confirmed, proper prenatal care is crucial. This includes providing a balanced diet formulated for pregnant dogs, regular veterinary check-ups, exercise moderation, and ensuring a calm and stress-free environment.

Fetal development:
During pregnancy, the embryos develop into puppies within the mother's uterus. The first few weeks are critical for organ formation. By the fifth week, the skeletons form, and by the sixth week, the puppies' heartbeats can be detected.

Nesting behavior:
As the due date approaches, the pregnant dog may display nesting behavior, seeking a comfortable and secure spot to give birth.

Labor and delivery:
When it's time for labor, the dog may exhibit signs such as restlessness, pacing, panting, and nesting. The delivery process can last from a few hours to a day, with the mother dog pushing out each puppy and cleaning them. If any complications arise during labor, immediate veterinary assistance should be sought.

Postnatal care:
After delivery, the mother dog will care for and nurse her puppies. It's essential to provide a quiet and clean area for them and monitor the mother's health. Regular veterinary check-ups for both the mother and puppies are necessary during this period.

It's important to note that dog pregnancy should be planned and undertaken responsibly. Breeding should only be done under the guidance of a knowledgeable breeder or veterinarian to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the puppies.

09/07/2023

Reading a 80year old 📖.... In dogs we learn every day.

05/07/2023

For public awareness

why do dogs get stuck?
As a zoologist, we all are familiar with this scene. Many of us don't have much fun with animal s*x. When someone find street dogs in this situation, they kick them.
Some again hit them with bamboo or sticks, overly enthusiastic.

Let's understand a little bit. We mean that animals and "s*x" are just as basic as humans. First of all, the joke about the system in which you were born is not very appropriate.

So why are they stuck?

Dog s*x is mainly done in two or three steps, the second of which is the 'stuck' step. When a male dog emits semen, the 'bulbas glandis' of his ge****ls become quite stiff and at the same time the muscles of the va**na of a female dog become constricted.

As a result, the male dog cannot remove its ge****ls from the female dog's ge****ls until both muscles are relaxed. During this time, some fluid is secreted from the male dog's ge****ls, which causes his s***m to flow more quickly.

The duration can be 5 to 45 minutes.

So what happens when you force them to run or hit their ge****ls with something?

Yes, sometimes the muscles relax quickly, but in most cases the muscles break and in some cases the female dog loses its s*xual ability. Sometimes there are more problems, including loss of kidney function in male dogs.

You have no right to harm them just as they are not harming you. It is a good thing that you are collecting love reactions with pictures of puppies on social media day and night, if you can at the same time do them some good.

And even if you don't do that, there is no problem, please don't do any harm to them.

If you would like to own a German shepherd working line dogs please call 0721841386

03/07/2023

TICK CONTROL

a) Any newly purchased animal should be completely de-ticked before allowing to mix with other animals.

b) Carry out periodic application of acaricide on the animal.

c) Each adult tick lays around 3000 eggs and the larvae can survive from 2-7 months , based on the climate, without feeding.

d) All cracks and crevices in the cattle shed therefore should be sprayed with a higher
concentration of the acaricide along with application on the body to avoid re-infestation. Flaming also can be done using a flame gun if available, with a little bit of caution.

f) The acaricide group should be changed often to avoid resistance from developing.

g) The acaricide should be applied in proper concentration.

h) Seek advice from a veterinarian on the appropriate acaricide and its dosage

16/06/2023

In business,Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.

Kitusak9s.

15/06/2023

What’s the purpose of your dog walk? A great way to break up the monotony of doing the same walk every time is to think about WHY you’re walking your dog. What benefit would you like your dog to gain? Different styles of walks will provide you and your dog with different benefits.

When I walk my own dogs, there are four main themes that I usually follow, though I’ll often mix and max in the one outing.

During a TRAINING walk you and your dog are in the learning zone; you’re practising your loose leash walking, polishing up those obedience cues and working on your latest tricks. This type of walk is great for mental enrichment, increasing your dog’s focus in distracting environments, and strengthening your relationship.

A DECOMPRESSION walk is all about Zen. No agenda, no training, just some time for you and your dog to stroll about and explore together. It’s a chance for your dog to relax from the everyday little stresses that come from being a dog in a human world. The best locations for decompression walks are places that aren’t too busy, where you can safely let your dog off leash (or on a long line) to sniff and wander where they please.

An EXERCISE walk is designed to keep your dog fit and provide an outlet for their energy. For most dogs, plodding along at a human’s walking pace isn’t much exercise. There are plenty of ways to structure an exercise walk, like sprinting, strength training exercises, weight pulling, endurance running and more. Talk to your veterinarian about an exercise routine suitable for your dog’s age, breed and fitness level.

A SOCIAL walk is an outing where your dog gets to interact with other creatures. Not every dog enjoys the same type of social interaction; there are introvert dogs and extrovert dogs. Some dogs will prefer a quiet play date with a dog or two that they know and trust. Others like playing rambunctiously with any dog they meet. Interaction with humans counts as social time too; if your dog loves meeting new people an outing to a café or marketplace can be lots of fun.

What types of walks do you like to go on with your dogs?

Happy training Dog Geeks!