Thread: do you think this is a set up???

Originally Posted by Brad Griggs

So I take it that you would agree with my summation John?
Clearly, once again, operational deployment can be regarded as the only ultimate test of k9 and handler, and their relationship.

In the video posted, the dog is deployed and engages the offender first, therefore it has a clear picture of what is required, and again through training, the officer has no problem giving close support to his dog to subdue the offender and affect an arrest.

Yes Brad I agree with your post, operational deployment really can only be considered the ultimate test. However in a different scenario training for close work where the handler is either constraining the offender (fighting with him) or in fact is under the offender (the bad guy on top) isn’t really that easy, and has to be carried out initially with the dog muzzled. The handler can finish the session with quite a few bruises (in some cases break injuries) from his own dog. The dog does not always engage the bad guy on top initially……..natural instinct….. i.e. in the States this is trained in a scenario where the handler leaves his dog in the vehicle and is confronted by the offender and overpowered, he manages to remotely open the patrol vehicle door (such luxury!) to deploy his dog which is muzzled (in training), initially we can see the dog appear to be aiding the offender who is on top and assaulting the officer, however once the dog understands, obviously through regular training/practice, hopefully very close work is achieved, however it really is not an easy process to start with irrespective of the level of dog.