Today, most K9 trainers understand the advantages of non-compulsive training methods for teaching aggression control. When Stephen Mackenzie started his career training police service dogs, trainers relied on pain to teach dogs what was expected of them, and motivation was limited to their love of biting on one hand and their desire to avoid painful consequences on the other. The idea that aggressive dogs could learn in non-compulsive ways was slow to take root but is now widely accepted. In this completely revised and updated edition, Mackenzie describes several different approaches for training dogs in aggression control and teaching them to release the decoy without using compulsion. He explains in detail the use of the muzzle, the self out, and various toys and games, so trainers can use the techniques they prefer. Advice for decoys on controlling the dog's excitement level and the use of equipment to help the trainer are also included.

Learn how to: Master the basic skills and common procedures every decoy needs. Read dogs accurately through seven key factors. Stimulate and reward useful forms of K9 aggression. A good decoy is a K9 trainer s most valuable tool. A good decoy can make a poor dog better, a mediocre dog good, and a good dog excellent. A poor decoy, on the other hand, can havedevastating effects, ruining even a good dog. Stephen Mackenzie, professor of animal science and deputy sheriff with more than 30 years experience training and handling police dogs, shows you how to master the art of being a decoy in this revised and updated new edition. You ll learn how to communicate effectively with your canine partner and how to stimulate specific types of aggression in the dog in a safe, positive way. This guide is essential reading for all decoys, including both instructors and students. It will improve the effectiveness of all K9 personnel, handlers, and trainers. Get a free ebook through the Shelfie app with the purchase of a print copy."