Proper K9 Decoy Training – Getting the Most from Your Protection Dog or Police K9
The ability to “catch” a police dog or protection dog in a bite suit or sleeve properly requires more than the ability to properly put the equipment on and run away from the dog. Being an effective decoy requires considerable practice with technique and understanding of basic drives. Far too often we see Police dogs and protection dogs that do not meet their full potential because they are working with unskilled decoys. These decoys do not have the proper experience, techniques and have not received the proper k9 decoy training necessary to be effective when working with protection dogs and police dogs. For a decoy, non-verbal canine communication is the most important skill required to be an effective decoy.
Targeting is one of the first aspects of proper K9 decoy training that we want to focus on. Targeting refers to where the dog will bite. Unfortunately, many improperly trained decoys simply allow the dog to bite anywhere on the suit or sleeve. This causes the dog to bite the center of the back of the suit and in other places where it is not feasible for the dog to bite a person in real-life. By teaching the dog where to bite, high inside and outside arms, legs and forearms, the dog will learn to become more comfortable in his apprehension work. When we begin to work on more complex skills training, the dog will be more sure in his bite work because he more comfortable about where to bite.
Grip is another important aspect of proper K9 decoy training. When we refer to “grip” we are referring to how the dog bites the equipment. We will typically be able to obtain a better grip with a sleeve as opposed to a suit. When trying to resolve grip issues, we will generally resort to using a sleeve to remedy them. We want a dog with a full grip that is not “mouthy” and does not easily transfer from place to place on the equipment. When we encounter a dog that has a short grip and bites with the front teeth only, it is generally because of two reasons. The short grip is usually cause by lack of proper k9 decoy training or because it is “nervy” and does not have the confidence to obtain and hold a full grip.
Channeling is also important for the k9 decoy to comprehend and be cognizant of while working with protection dogs and the police k9. “Channeling” is thee decoys ability to understand and be able to transfer or channel the dog between drives. Channeling allows us to work the dog in both prey and defense in order to establish a well rounded dog that is both social and civil. Working in prey drive allows the dog to have fun with the bite work and work in a more relaxed state. Working in defense is obviously more stressful for the dog, but allows him to gain confidence in his work that will allow him to remain in the fight in real-life situations. Channeling dogs properly through drives is an aspect of k9 decoy training that requires the most practice and understanding and also affords the most results.
Our School for Dog Trainers teaches proper decoy techniques during both our Police K9 Trainer/Instructor Course and our Protection Dog Trainer Course. If you are interested in learning more about proper K9 Decoy Training or would like more information to polish your existing skills, please feel free to contact us a 866.200.2207 or training@highlandcanine.com