DECOY or HELPER?
I use the terms of Decoy and Helper as one and the same. From the perspective
of the K-9 sport Schutzhund, you're called a "Helper" because your job is to help the judge assess the dogs
which are being tested for that day. As a club decoy, you're there to "spar" with the dog and to help the handler
get the best from their training sessions. Decoying means
you work at the pleasure of your club members, while you also use your skills and knowledge to help develop the young dog
or puppy. In either case, it's just YOU and the DOG...
My view on being a working dog breeder and decoy is simple...
There are some folks out there who will tell you that ALL OF THEIR puppies will be police or personal protection
dogs. I know of some "breeders" who have NEVER caught a true sport or police service dog on a bite sleeve
or bite suit, much less even having been certified in any venue to work these types of animals! Knowing what drives working
dogs are in, how to channel these drives, and how to build on them are things few breeders I have seen can do. You don't have
to burn your arm to understand the pain of fire, but when you breed and sell working dogs and their offspring, you better
know what is going out the door for others to face down the road!
The other issue
I have is with PUPPY MILL operations. These folks crank out one litter after the next, some have no knowledge about the
lines or the offspring which they are creating. Yet, these same experts, "know" their animals will be man-stoppers.
So why then do PMs remain in business and often the puppies end up in animal shelters? Simple answer: when folks buy without
doing their homework, they help keep these wonderful businesspeople in business.
