Describe the role of a 'decoy' in bite training.

The role of a 'decoy' in bite training is to simulate a suspect for the dog to react to. This is a crucial aspect of training because the decoy wears protective gear, allowing the dog to practice its bite and apprehension skills safely. The decoy's movements and actions can mimic those of a real-life suspect, providing the dog with realistic scenarios to respond to.

By doing so, the decoy helps the dog learn how to assess a situation, make decisions about when to engage, and properly execute the bite and control techniques that are essential for police or protection work. This interaction also helps build the dog's confidence and reinforces its instinctual drive to apprehend a potential threat. The training scenario reflects what the dog might encounter in the field, making this role fundamental to law enforcement dog training.