Hi all,

I'm new to the board and have loved reading through these threads. I have two dogs (one is mine and one is my girlfriends). My dog, River, is now off-leash trained and has been doing great. We just started doing agility for fun a few months ago. I also just started working as a decoy for my trainer. Who knew being bitten by Mals and GSDs would be so much fun! My first question involves learning to be a decoy. I've only done two sessions so far. I've taken bites from two very experienced dogs, mostly to teach me the ropes, and I was able to take a bite from a 6 month old Mal. It was her first day of bite work, and it was a blast to watch her discover a love for it. I'm curious if anyone has any advice for a new decoy? Tricks of the trade, etc? Of course, the trainers have guided me through this, but I'd love to get advice from you all as well.

I love my dog, of course, but agility is really the end of her drive capabilities. I'm thinking of getting a puppy next year or the year after that I could train in personal protection or a ring sport. I'm curious as to what I can do over the next year to prepare myself and my other dogs for a working dog, how I can gain some more experience and know how as a handler? I currently am very idealistic about looking for a Mal puppy . Is that a horrible idea for a first time handler of a working dog(I'll also be asking my trainer about this as he has seen me work with and train dogs)? I think I can handle a psycho puppy and intense dog, and enjoy it, but I know I have a lot to learn.

Any and all advice is welcome! Thanks!