It’s really important to know how to set up a decoy assessment so it creates minimal stress for the dog, both emotionally and physically. That means keeping the interaction short, providing space, and ending the moment with immediate support and decompression. The lead stays completely loose. The dog decides whether to move forward or move away. That choice matters more than anything else. We can’t ever know what the dog truly believes, but we can observe how they respond to something novel or something that appears to look like another dog. It helps us identify those who struggle more at a distance, and those who react without processing information first. This work isn’t about provocation. It’s about protection. It’s about learning where fear or predation begins, and how safety can be rebuilt. When I do this work, I’m not only supporting the dog in front of me, I’m also protecting the community, my own dog and the other trainers who work alongside me. Safety for everyone matters. Always. As professionals, we need to know how to do it, when to do it, and how to support the dog and ourselves through it. There are cases where I choose not to use this approach, because it’s never something I do lightly. I only conduct a decoy assessment when it’s necessary to understand a dog’s bite risk and ensure everyone’s safety. These cases are becoming more common, and our communities depend on us doing this work safely and ethically. It’s confronting, yes, but it’s also the bridge between risk and rehabilitation. If you want to learn how to conduct assessments like this, interpret body language at a deeper level, and protect both dogs and humans in real-world settings, you’ll find that education and support inside The Professional Hub. Comment Memberships for info.

To learn more about ethical behaviour join the ✨Membership✨ Canine Conversations Professional Hub 🤓 https://www.canineconversations.com.au/professional-membership-hub

I’ve been MIA working hard on launching my membership for professional development and it’s now live. Needing help with consults? This space is for new trainers unsure the next move after gaining their certification or maybe you are starting your journey. Ready to-use-templates and handouts, case studies complex behaviour cases, weekly Live Q&As, new science publications the list goes on. Use friendly app and designed by yours truly. https://www.canineconversations.com.au/professional-membership-hub

A successful introduction starts with setting both dogs up to feel safe and supported. With the right environment and guidance, you can turn first hellos into calm, confidence-building experiences. 🌿 Choose a quiet place – a calm bush track or reserve is easier to navigate than a busy park. ↔️ Create space – distance helps dogs settle and adjust before moving closer. 🐾 Position wisely – let the less confident dog follow. This reduces eye contact and keeps pressure low. 👀 Notice their body language – head turns, sniffs, or lip licks show they’re regulating and coping. 🎯 Support with your clicker or marker – reinforce disengagement and help them bounce back before tension builds. ⏳ Go at their pace – steady, thoughtful progress builds trust and makes future interactions smoother. ✨ Introductions aren’t about rushing. They’re about creating comfort, choice, and the chance for genuine connection . Bensound – License code: FZXIKSKKTPNDQPPC | Artist: Benjamin Tissot