 The American Protection and Patrol Dog Association (APPDA) Program is designed to consistently and fairly test and evaluate the defense drive, fight drive, hunt drive, courage, endurance and strength of character of each dog entered in all APPDA trials, in all locales.
The APPDA Decoy must ALWAYS strive to challenge him/herself fully in the endeavor to challenge every competitor dog. Decoy consistency is paramount in achieving the APPDA goal of certifying legitimate working dogs worthy of positions as security, police and military service dogs. No working dog system in the United States today, tests the working ability of dogs fully as APPDA. We, the Board of Directors, are proud of this fact and will strive to uphold the original intent and mission of APPDA.
The PRIMARY FUNCTIONS of the APPDA TRIAL DECOY are-
To attempt to intimidate the dog from the moment the Decoy walks on the field through gestures, attitude and presence on the field.
To properly and SAFELY absorb the kinetic energy of the dog as it enters the bite. There are numerous ways that this absorption is obtained, as each situation is fluid and unique. The NUMBER 1 Priority of the APPDA Trial decoy is the safety of the dog.
To properly oppose the dog during the confrontations with the dog. The Decoy is to execute opposition to the dog utilizing the proper amount of pressure for the level in which the dog is competing. This opposition is attained through the use of various objects, through applying mental/psychological stress, and through instilling in the dog a clear perception of the ‘power' of the Decoy. It is expected that the Decoy will apply the proper level of pressure and opposition to the dog for the entire duration of each confrontation. |
