Debbie High said:
What is the best way to work a dog that is high in defense and will engage a man without equipment but is not really very interested in biting a sleeve? The dog loves playing with a tug, and is high in prey. Has foundation training using the Flink's method of building drive. OB and control is solid. Is for PP. Has innate desire to protect owner and property so is bite training really necessary? In the heat of the moment does it really matter where dog bites?
Thanks.
Best Regards,
Debbie
Wow, seems like your dog has it, but unless you work it for PP as you intended, you'll never know. Knowing that your dog will bite for real, why don't you simulate actual PP workouts. You may want to start with ambush workouts, work out your moves given such situations. Give the perp a warning to back off while commanding your dog to watch him. The perp will be out there just to menace you. No bitesuit on. No bites yet. Observe your dog. I want to hear those teeth clacking as perp makes a forward move. This time the decoy is not a helper. Make it as real as possible.
You may also want to know if your dog indicates a threat from a distance. Then make your choice to run for safety, or engage. The workout can be made anywhere; parking lots, wooded areas or any areas where your workout will be valid.
What if that perp wants to skin you alive? What if there's 2 of them, How about 3? It's just limitless depending on your imagination what a hostile situation for you will be.
In short, the work itself is your training and the work done is your reward. You will see failures, then you know where you need to work your dog. Without failures, no work need to be done.
Just a recommendation. It's just a start, and only if it does make any sense to you...
Best regards...