Erica,
We all know that doing K-9 demonstrations is a necessary part of the job; to promote the use and effectiveness of our partners to the public. When our unit does a bite dog demo, it is usually a well orchestrated event, reserved for the larger functions (school and/or public fairs). It involves 'good guys', 'bad guys', mock car chases and a collaborative effort of the 'take down' and the sniffer dogs finding firearms and contraband. And it is always a big hit.

I understand your position on wanting to put on a good show, but consider the message your sending when you allow your dog to 'hit' you. (Especially 12 times) When you are put in the position of solo demonstrations, just being there in uniform with your dog is a thrill for most.

I do lots of drug dog demos solo and most of the time, when doing pre-schools, (with 10-second attention spans) well it's the 'just being there in uniform' and letting the kids pet the dog. The biggest reward in that is to get the kids who have been raised with a fear of dogs to pet your dog. (after the 'ask to pet the dog' lecture.) We can make an impact in many ways without always doing a bite.

So, next time, tell your Chief, no support crew, no bites. But lots of pets! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I see no problem with working your own dog, as long as it is not aggression work, or muzzle work.

I have actually served as my dogs primary "training decoy". meaning that I do the suit work when he is learning something new... then I bring in the "real" decoy to take the work to the next level..

I have found it tremendously helpfull to the dog to be able to learn w/o being in overdrive (which is anytime another decoy is present!)..

Erica, don't worry, you did something we do regulary.
I'm a KNPV member fot 15 years now, and i am now working to certifie my 4th dog, allready did Policedog 1 twice, and objectbewaking once, and at our club it happens frequently that a dog gets to work on his own handler. There allways is a shortage on Decoy's, and it is quit normal for us to take hit;s from you own dog.
I let my bitch bite me on the legpiece , but she won't even think about taking me on without the legpiece or the suit.
Don't worry. Be happy