Decoy Dog Training for K9 Professionals and Enthusiasts

Decoy dog training is a unique and valuable skill for K9 professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Decoys can be used to train police dogs to respond to a variety of scenarios, including narcotics detection and suspect apprehension.

A well-trained decoy can also help dogs develop their drive and focus, making them more effective in real-world situations.

The key to effective decoy dog training is to create a realistic and unpredictable environment that challenges the dog to think critically and make quick decisions.

Decoys can be used in a variety of settings, from training facilities to real-world scenarios, and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each dog and handler.

By incorporating decoy dog training into their routine, K9 professionals can help their dogs become more confident, capable, and effective in their work.

Decoy dog training is a crucial aspect of canine training, and it's essential to approach it with care and consideration. We should never forget that the most bombproof dog could deteriorate if we forget to consider the training program from their point of view.

Dogs in a training situation are always learning and making new associations, and what we do with one dog can affect the other. We need to limit our strategies to those that keep dogs under threshold to avoid putting them in uncomfortable situations.

A good decoy dog wants to participate, and they should be rewarded for their efforts. Give hazard pay to decoy dogs and take advantage of situations that lend themselves to creating stronger positive associations.

Decoy dog training is a game-changer for many pet owners. It's a method that uses decoy dogs to help train your own dog, and it's surprisingly effective.

Decoy dogs are often trained to perform specific behaviors, such as sitting or staying, to distract the dog being trained. This helps to keep the dog focused and engaged.

The decoy dog's behavior can be tailored to the specific needs of the dog being trained, making it a highly customizable approach. By using a decoy dog that's more confident or dominant, you can help build your dog's confidence and self-esteem.

Decoy dog training can be especially helpful for dogs with anxiety or fear-based behaviors, as it allows them to practice responding to distractions in a controlled environment.

It's essential to remember that both dogs in a training situation are always learning and making new associations. We should never forget that the most bombproof dog could deteriorate if we forget to consider the training program from his point of view.

We need to limit our strategies to those that keep dogs under threshold. Each above threshold response, displacement behavior, and warning sign that whispers, “I am not comfortable” is on full display to the decoy.

Dogs with poor bounce back or who startle easily are not cut out for the decoy job. We should be aware of our decoy's limitations and not push them too far.

An excellent decoy dog wants nothing more than to participate, but it's crucial to give them hazard pay for their work. Forgetting to pay the decoy for work done well can lead to weak behaviors.

Decoy dog training is a method that targets a specific audience: dog owners who live in urban areas with limited space.

These owners often have small backyards or no yard at all, making traditional obedience training challenging.

The decoy method is ideal for dogs that are easily distracted by people, other animals, or noises, such as street performers or construction work.

This type of training is also effective for owners who have limited time for training sessions, as it can be done in short intervals.

Decoy dog training can be adapted to fit the needs of dogs with anxiety or fear-based behaviors, such as resource guarding or separation anxiety.

By using a decoy, owners can help their dogs overcome these issues in a controlled environment.

The decoy dog training method is not suitable for all dogs, particularly those that are highly energetic or require a lot of physical exercise.

Decoy training is a crucial part of K9 team development, and it's essential to do it right.

Throwing a rookie into a bite suit is no longer acceptable, as it can lead to injuries for both dogs and people.

Complete Canine Training offers custom decoy courses tailored to individual unit needs, including basic, advanced, and problem-solving courses.

Decoy training should improve decoy skills, whether you're a seasoned vet or a beginner, and enable decoys to start puppy bite work, build green dogs up, and develop proper biting habits.

Decoys should be assets, not liabilities, to K9 teams, and proper training is key to achieving this.

Our decoy dog training courses are designed to help you and your canine partner become a well-oiled machine. We offer a range of courses, from entry-level to advanced, to suit your needs.

Our 3-day decoy courses are perfect for green handlers and decoys, covering safety, decoy fundamentals, and bite-building techniques. These courses provide a solid foundation for effective and safe training of patrol canines.

We've worked with over 15 K9 handlers and training staff, teaching them the art of decoy work through our 5-day decoy schools. Our courses are always tailored to meet the specific needs of the agencies and teams we work with.

Here are some of the topics we cover in our courses:

February 15-16, 2025 marks the dates for a Decoy Course, where participants can learn the ins and outs of protection dog sports.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of protection dog sports such as IPO, PSA, KNVP, Ring, and SDA.

You'll get hands-on experience with selecting the right equipment, including bite suits, sleeves, hidden sleeves, and muzzles.

Decoy safety is also a critical aspect of the course, as you'll learn how to navigate complex situations without putting yourself or others at risk.

Primary and secondary targeting are key concepts to grasp, as are fundamental movements and "catch" mechanics.

You'll also learn about opposition reflex during bite work, a crucial skill for any decoy.

Alerting on passive suspects is another important topic, and you'll learn how to effectively communicate with your dog.

The course also covers the decoy's role of the "out", where you'll learn how to navigate complex scenarios and keep your dog focused.

The course will also delve into the theory and practice of proper decoy skills, helping you to eliminate useless movements and promote useful ones.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to apply your new skills in practice, taking your decoy skills to the next level.

Here's a breakdown of the course topics:

Police K9 courses are designed to help handlers and decoys develop the skills they need to effectively train and deploy their K9s.

Our Police K9 decoy program covers topics such as decoy safety, opposition reflex, and proper catch mechanics.

Decoy safety is a crucial aspect of K9 training, and our courses emphasize the importance of prioritizing both human and canine safety.

The decoy program also covers channeling drives, man orientation, and civil bites.

A 3-day decoy course is available for green handlers and decoys, covering safety, decoy fundamentals, and proper equipment usage.

By the end of this course, participants will have the skill set to effectively and safely train and build up patrol canines.

The course covers drive channeling, bite-building techniques, and problem-solving for common K9 issues.

The 3-day course is an entry-level course, perfect for those new to K9 training.

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect from our Police K9 courses:

Our courses also cover the theory and practice of proper decoy skills, including eliminating useless movements and promoting useful movements.

We've had the privilege of teaching K9 handlers and training staff the art of decoy work in various locations across the country. Delaware State Police Decoy Course in Dover, DE, was one such event where we worked with over 15 K9 handlers for 5 days in November 2023.

We've also had the opportunity to teach the fundamentals of decoy work to new departments and decoys in Brighton, CO. Our 3-day Basic Day Decoy School in September 2023 was a great success with over 10 students in attendance.

In Colorado, we've hosted multiple K9 decoy courses, including a 3-day Decoy School in June 2022 and a Decoy & K9 Skills School in July 2019. These courses were designed for LEO and Military personnel, as well as K9 trainers.

Our Decoy & K9 Problem Solving Seminar in Jacksonville, Florida, in August 2018 was a unique opportunity for dogs and decoys to learn and grow together. We also partnered with Proven K9 Training and George Vidler to teach basic techniques.

In addition to these courses, we've also hosted a Decoy Workshop in Loveland, CO, in September 2017, which focused on enhancing decoy skills through expert instruction.