When do you decide to step it up? And what are the consequence? Some trainers are against this and some start to early. When do you want to step it up to the next level?

We have done the prey foundation work, gone from strong tug and sleeve work with fairly hard stick hits, to Civil work, to sittingg or hanging dummy bites.

When should you really start using the body suit and getting rough with the dog, kicking and punching? I know it should build from taps to raps and never full powered blows. An injuried dogs is useless dog, out service. And a hurt friend.

What are the consequences? I know the Pros are a dog that really knows how to fight, more confidence and stronger fight drive.

What are the Cons? Can you break their spirit after progressing from foundation building to now?? If he breaks off the bite, and turns back into helper is this a sign of weakness or strength that he continues to fight? At what point do you let them win? Should the helper run off or Fall down and don't move?

Which would bring the highest form of victory/ reward in the dogs mind? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

What I've seen is when the dog is called "out" the helper acts like he is limping away, back slightly turned away from the dog, touting off. And the handler praising in the fight and even more right afterwards.

Please move this to protection training, fight drive. Sorry.