Being new to the protection arena, I am very interested in learning to become a Helper (as mentioned in a previous post). To this end, I have been working with a trainer, in which he has two experienced protection dogs. I have been in his bite suit while the trainer works his dogs through various scenarios in preparation for an upcoming PSA trial. Essentially, I have no experience or instruction in the proper application of the bite suit (although I have been studying Ed's videos Training the Trial Helper and Advanced Trail Helper Training). What I have found is that I am taking bites (some breaking skin and others severely bruising my inner arm and biceps - where the dogs are taught to bite). These bites have resulted in me being unable to take bites on consecutive days, as the bruising and subsequent tenderness are severe. Therefore, I am seriously considering buying a custom suit from Ed, with the thought that it would help. However, before making such a substantial investment, I wanted to ask your opinions.

Is it normal to have severe bruising and even broken skin in taking bites?

How often should a Helper take bites in a body suit (especially if it is natural to have severe bruising)?

Will a customized (properly sized suit) make a difference in the amount of bruising and broken skin?

Are there any additional resources to get training in working in a bite suit (other than the videos I have from Ed)?

I just found out there is a top-notch Helper about 2 hours from me and I will make every effort to go see him and ask him as well (and hopefully get an opportunity to work with him), but in the meantime, I need some advice.

Thanks,

-Al

LOl, hey Al are you sure this trainers not just having a laugh at your expense. Sorry, I just picture him putting you in some phoney bite suit or maybe scratch pants and laughing his ass off.

You will learn to get less but will take a lot of pinches especialy if using a trial suit. Everyone that takes bites here will also use some form of wrap. Except the newest and his arm looks like minced meet right now. Sooner or later he learn as well

Steve -

Your post actually made me laugh out loud! No, the suit he is using appears to be of good quality (and yes - it is a bite suit for training not a trial suit). I bought and am using a Neoprene sleeve which has helped and I am trying to rotate my arm away from the dog into the "back" of the sleeve, which does help.

-Al

Bruises are part of the territory

You'll learn

Worst are the bites where the front teeth pinch your skin

Greetings

Johan

Generally speaking bruises do not bother me, it is when the skin gets broken that I get concerned. Also, even with the bruises, how often do those of you who do this regularly, take bites in the suit? As it stands, I cannot take bites on consecutive days in the same area (upper left arm) as it has simply suffered too much trauma.

Mitch brings up an excellent suggestion of using a wrap, what do you use/recommend?

-Al

I have an opportunity to buy a used bite suit (made by Elite K9). The owner has only used the suit 6 times and is selling it for half price. However, I have several questions I'd like to pose to the group:

1. Does anyone have any experience or any information on Elite k9's bite suits (their website provides very little information)?
2. Are custom made suits a better option - obviously they will fit better, but are there additional considerations?
3. And if money were not a consideration, what training suit would you buy and why?

-Al

I have a pair of the neoprene sleeves. Most of the time, I can avoid the bad pinches, but we have one dog that always seems to nail me. He's drawn blood on me a few times. The neoprene sleeves offer good protection cheap.