Training the Elite: How Police Dogs Are Prepared for Service
Police dogs, or K-9s, play an integral role in law enforcement. From detecting drugs and explosives to apprehending suspects and tracking down missing persons, they are trained to perform a variety of critical tasks. How do police ensure these canine partners are ready for duty? Let's explore the rigorous training process that police K-9s undergo.
The Innisfail, Alberta Model
It’s fascinating to watch the documentary series that follows police dogs being trained in Innisfail, Alberta. This small community breeds, selects, and trains their own puppies. Those that don’t meet the high standards are offered for adoption. This in-house training approach ensures that every puppy selected has the potential to excel in law enforcement work.
The 10-Week Intensive Training
Once a dog passes the basic obedience training course, they enter the K-9 corps. There, they are matched with a handler and undergo a 10-week intensive training program. During this time, they learn to identify over 9,000 different explosive scents. These dogs are also trained in advanced skills such as patrol work, drug detection, bomb detection, and even locating cadavers. In fact, K-9s and their handlers participate in regular competitions sponsored by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA).
The cost of this training can be substantial, ranging from $12,000 to $15,000. After purchasing the dog, even at a reasonable price, the training expenses add up, making it a significant investment for any police department.
The Training Process in Depth
Before the 10-week program, police dogs often begin with basics like potty training, crate training, and basic obedience. This foundational training is often handled by the breeders. Once the dogs reach a certain age, typically between 3 to 6 months, they are sold to a specialized trainer group. These trainers take the training to the next level, introducing advanced skills such as advanced obedience, patrol work, and detection work for drugs, bombs, and even cadavers.
During this stage, any dogs that do not respond well to training, have poor health conditions, or are unfit for service are let go. This ensures that only the best dogs are paired with handlers.
Selecting a Handler and Training Together
Finally, after selecting the right dog, it is paired with a handler. This handler, whether a rookie or a veteran, goes through a basic handler school with the new dog. Handlers learn training techniques and work under the supervision of certified trainers who can provide pointers and ensure safety. Towards or at the end of basic handler school, the dog and handler are certified together as a service dog team in the respective disciplines.
For example, my dog and I are certified in patrol work, tracking, people searches, obedience, and narcotics detection. A third-party evaluator who has no financial interest with the agency or trainers comes in to evaluate the dog team to ensure they can perform the specified tasks proficiently.
Maintaining Skills and Continuing Education
Once the dogs are certified, they can work the streets. Each state law and agency policy varies, but my agency requires a minimum of 20 hours of K-9 training monthly with our respective training groups. Additionally, I may do around 1 to 2 hours of training each shift, totaling approximately 35 to 40 hours of additional ongoing training per month.
Every year, the dogs undergo an annual certification to ensure they are maintaining their skills to proficient levels. This is also an opportunity to reconnect with experienced trainers and discuss or correct any developed bad behaviors.
Many handlers, including myself, seek out more advanced training or extracurricular work. These activities may include SWAT-K9 training, advanced detection methods for large events like stadium gatherings and airports, or participating in show sports where the dogs' abilities can be showcased to the public.
Conclusion: The training of police dogs is a multi-stage and rigorous process that ensures these animals are capable of performing their duties effectively. From foundational obedience to advanced skills, and ongoing certification, the dedication to these canine partners is clear. If you're interested in learning more about dog training, visit my Quora profile for more insights and resources.
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