Never simply turn your back and walk away from a high-drive dog. Always exit the field while maintaining a level of awareness, ensuring the dog is safely secured by the handler.
A common mistake for beginners is focusing only on the "bite." For a decoy, the (the moment before contact) and the grip (the quality of the bite) are where the training happens.
The dog’s response to a perceived threat. This is where true "aggression" lives. The dog isn't playing; it is working to neutralize a person who is putting pressure on them.
The decoy is a , not a punching bag. Your job is to read the dog’s eyes, their ears, and the tension in their body. When you feel the dog's confidence waver, you must "die" and let them win. When you feel them becoming cocky or sloppy, you must apply the pressure necessary to sharpen their focus.
The decoy must present a clear, consistent target—whether it’s the forearm, the bicep, or the leg. Unclear targeting leads to "dirty" biting or accidental injuries.