This isn't really a PSD question, but PSD handlers are probably the most qualified to answer...

My dog often wears an agitation collar with a handle. I find it adds a great deal of control in training (avoiding dirty outs, especially on upper-body bites, etc...), and also during street-work when working around crowds (security K9).
In a real-world deployment scenario, how much of a disadvantage does it put the dog at if it is wearing a handled collar?
It is impossible to judge from a training scenario whether a person being bitten would have the presence of mind to effectively use the dog's collar against it. Obviously the possibility is there, but would this out-weigh the benefit of the added control over the dog that a handled collar affords the handler?

And before everyone jumps on my post, just want to add that I don't need a handle to "control" my dog, his obedience is great. I just like the deterrent value of allowing my dog to fire-up while retaining the ability to keep him glued to my side.

Look forward to all replies, especially those based on observations of actual K9 deployments.

Thanks

Simon

Personally, my dog wears a pinch, an e-collar, and a 1.5” flat agitation collar (looks like a Mr. T starter kit at times. If you want to try to choke out my dog that’s fine…. You won’t notice me getting ready to Taser you! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ours wear nothing but a choker.

DFrost

The MWD's I had assigned to me in Iraq wore nothing but a flat leather collar. Of the deployments I'v seen the bad guy NEVER went for the dogs collar. They were to busy slapping at the dog and pulling AWAY from the dog (gotta love when the bad guy continues to envoke prey and builds the dogs confidence huh? LOL) to think tactically.

Chris your PM folder is full