Let me ask you something simple. Where does bark, bite and hold come from? It comes from sport. It comes from a trial field, a bite suit, a decoy, a judge and a scorecard. That isn't an insult. Sport produces athletic, confident, clear-headed dogs. I respect that work. But I want you to be honest about what sport trains.
Every piece of sport-based protection training builds the same picture. The dog gets rewarded for engaging the equipment and holding it until it's told to let go. Rep after rep, month after month, the picture stays the same. Water, sticks, shouting and noise get added, but the pressure is scripted and it's delivered by a man whose job is to help the dog succeed.
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THE READING RECORD
Supporting References & Further Reading
This article records my findings, observations and professional standards. No external references are cited in this edition.
From my operational record
I have worked as an operational K9 handler since 2009 and have seen more than 44 dogs go through our unit's program. These articles draw on that work and the feedback I bring to our K9 specialists.
References support the specific subjects for which they are cited. My operational findings are presented in my own voice. Individual medical and legal questions require the appropriate professional.
