This was perfect because it is very hard to be able to not only find someone to decoy well but also he consistent. I had to do this out of necessity. No other options and so I’ve made the best it it and by doing a lot of what Hans just said I’ve done 1 Malinois and one Dutch Shepherd. I would def not advise it. It’s going to have some things you’ll just have to “deal with” but I think in the end it’s better for protection dogs. They have to by definition be able to go from playing with someone to biting them on command and the right back to chill. It can’t be an “attitude” they carry around for a protection dog its just a mode of play they switch into. Just like Hans said you spar within your own pack and since we want them fighting humans sparring with dad just seems pretty logical. They learn to bite and have bite inhibitions and how you very easily teach pressure and how to play vs fight. They very easily redirect that aggression and go full tilt when engaged by an actual decoy that’s not dad from my experience. That’s the genetics that’s shine through. Genetics genetic genetics and understanding those genetics and then channeling them from the time you get them. I would definitely benefit from more actual 3rd person decoy, but the bloodlines have given me quite the pieces of clay to mold. Those genetics take over and shine through even less than training as long as it was done “well enough”. Defining “well enough” is that moving target given your dog and their genetics and the early imprinting you do. So I would definitely only do this with a puppy that I picked and was the first owner of. Given the bloodlines and the makeup of any of the “good” protection dogs have I would not do them alone. I would not allow them to mouth me like that. Only ones I’ve had that understanding and respect with from a baby. One accident could cause too much damage. Again I did this out of pure necessity and not design. The Mal I have did have the very early beginnings of some protection work but he was 8-9 months old early so it wasn’t too dialed up.
I have heard of this and seen many dog trainers do it. I was also told never to do it with my own dog, so I was initially confused when I witnessed this practice. I had prior experience with it in play or prey drive situations, treating it like a game where I acted as the decoy with my own dog. Nowadays, it's becoming more understandable, especially when you consider the high cost of hiring a decoy or the challenges of finding one. I'm understanding why more dog trainers are choosing to take this approach. Looking forward to your "Out of drive" podcast coming up.
Im in the same postiom as you discussed from your personal experience the cost are hard to keep up with so most of the works on us inbetween saving for professional decoys its hard thanks for sharing your knowledge
I’ve decoyed my own dog a lot and we’ve had good success in developing his performance, grip, fitness, and out. It depends on the dog and you obviously need to know what you’re doing.
You help me and the dogs I work with so much in A. Sharing your experiences, teaching me that most often times the old ways are best and B. Assuring me that I am making the right moves when hardly anyone nowadays trains quite like we do. We're gonna meet some day, Thank you Hans! 🫡
It's nice to hear a voice of reason in today's dog training world.
Thank you 😊
Experience, time tested results and understanding how and why dogs think the way they do... Exceptional training...
This was perfect because it is very hard to be able to not only find someone to decoy well but also he consistent. I had to do this out of necessity. No other options and so I’ve made the best it it and by doing a lot of what Hans just said I’ve done 1 Malinois and one Dutch Shepherd. I would def not advise it. It’s going to have some things you’ll just have to “deal with” but I think in the end it’s better for protection dogs. They have to by definition be able to go from playing with someone to biting them on command and the right back to chill. It can’t be an “attitude” they carry around for a protection dog its just a mode of play they switch into. Just like Hans said you spar within your own pack and since we want them fighting humans sparring with dad just seems pretty logical. They learn to bite and have bite inhibitions and how you very easily teach pressure and how to play vs fight. They very easily redirect that aggression and go full tilt when engaged by an actual decoy that’s not dad from my experience. That’s the genetics that’s shine through. Genetics genetic genetics and understanding those genetics and then channeling them from the time you get them.
I would definitely benefit from more actual 3rd person decoy, but the bloodlines have given me quite the pieces of clay to mold. Those genetics take over and shine through even less than training as long as it was done “well enough”. Defining “well enough” is that moving target given your dog and their genetics and the early imprinting you do. So I would definitely only do this with a puppy that I picked and was the first owner of. Given the bloodlines and the makeup of any of the “good” protection dogs have I would not do them alone. I would not allow them to mouth me like that. Only ones I’ve had that understanding and respect with from a baby. One accident could cause too much damage. Again I did this out of pure necessity and not design. The Mal I have did have the very early beginnings of some protection work but he was 8-9 months old early so it wasn’t too dialed up.
This is mainly applicable to discerning dogs. Like GSDs, even though other breed may do it as well.
I have heard of this and seen many dog trainers do it. I was also told never to do it with my own dog, so I was initially confused when I witnessed this practice. I had prior experience with it in play or prey drive situations, treating it like a game where I acted as the decoy with my own dog. Nowadays, it's becoming more understandable, especially when you consider the high cost of hiring a decoy or the challenges of finding one. I'm understanding why more dog trainers are choosing to take this approach. Looking forward to your "Out of drive" podcast coming up.
Good stuff once again! Thanks!
you are very welcome. Thanks for watching :)
Im in the same postiom as you discussed from your personal experience the cost are hard to keep up with so most of the works on us inbetween saving for professional decoys its hard thanks for sharing your knowledge
I do it . And have good luck with both my dogs.. and ive seen live action so i know my system works.
Good to hear. Thanks for watching
I’ve decoyed my own dog a lot and we’ve had good success in developing his performance, grip, fitness, and out. It depends on the dog and you obviously need to know what you’re doing.
Thanks for listening
Would love to talk to you about a pup or even an older dog perhaps. I'll be checking you website out.
IT DEPENDS IS IT FOR TRAINING RESON 🤔 THEN YES !!
Please pray for 3 year old Levi Wright
You help me and the dogs I work with so much in A. Sharing your experiences, teaching me that most often times the old ways are best and B. Assuring me that I am making the right moves when hardly anyone nowadays trains quite like we do. We're gonna meet some day, Thank you Hans! 🫡
Happy to help!