[Storm]

cucciolone,

There is nothing wrong with having an enquiring mind.;) And it sure is so frustrating when we would like to pursue something with our dogs, with the correct intentions, yet assistance or knowledgeable people are so hard to come by or simply don't exist in some areas. But it is of utmost importance to follow the correct procedure as the consequences could be "disturbing". Pity we couldn't train dogs here on the forum.:D Some people may differ in opinion, which they are entitled to:p but for me the correct way to pursue what you have in mind, with your circumstances, would be to expose the dog to the sports work you have been doing, concentrating on developing the bite to that which is satisfactory, working the dog's drives as necessary for this intention. Also working the dog in associated obedience thereby getting in the necessary control in both facets. As the dog progresses to a level where it is pretty proficient in these aspects I would source the appropriate trainer to work the dog's "civil drives", depending on the dog he may already be pretty proficient in the nymph stages of associated aggression pertaining to certain drives making the dog more civil etc. This will include switching the dog, thereby making the dog more receptive to a civil threat, but depending on the dog this training may have some effect on what has been "constructed" already, so obviously with feeling the dog will have to be assisted through these "stressful" encounters, teaching the dog in each instance how to deal with the stress and resolve the situation. Initially what may be "stressful" to a dog, will not have the same effect down the line as we work with the dog and once the dog comes through this he tends to "stabilize", operates in different drives and the confidence goes up. Then we take it another step further and work the dog to the next level, each time helping the dog making him stronger and stronger until a point where the dog is developed to a point where it is most proficient yet knows its surroundings and has a fair idea of acceptable and non acceptable behaviors. Why I say get to this level first is that to take it one step further in the direction you would like to should be more accessible with the foundation already established. It would be best to turn on lights as required during initial stages thus not causing additional or more difficult work down the line but you are limited by circumstances. At this stage your dog is pretty confused, he does not understand nor grasp the possible actions or intensions of a "bad guy". He will have to be taught how to be receptive to a possible threat and how to react or combat the scenario whilst operating within certain parameters, control, commands etc. and to be the victor. True aggression is really scary, depending on the dog and training;) will determine how he will react through this period as well as the intensity of the aggression. But sure the dog is not to be a loose cannon and although we require the dog to have a certain level of discernment, we are to be fully aware that as a result of the dog having been subject to a certain type of training and that certain lights have been switched on in the dogs head, that the dog is capable of creating great harm in an unforeseen situation, discernment is not flawless and never will be. It is not appropriate to stage a full blown attack and to make an assessment from this. This is something to work towards, having assessed the dog in question, to ensure that the dog is proficient when called for. All the best with your endeavor.:)