Training to be a Police Dog Handler

Dogs can be trained for many assistance roles and work with their owners and handlers in many situations, but how do you train to become Police Dog Handler?

The dog

When you think of police dogs the first breed that comes to mind is a German shepherd, this type of police dog is the one you will see most. However, there are many other breeeds that that undertake this arduous work. The Rottweiler, Doberman, and Giant Schnauzer are just three other dogs considered for the job.

Tasks

Dogs are used to undertake many tasks when working with our police forces. These specially trained dogs have the ability to sniff out illegal substances during body searches as well as drug searches in buildings, offices, airports and nightclubs. The detection of explosives is another skill these clever dogs undertake, as well as recovering lost persons and seeking out bodies. Police dogs also carry out work such as; routine patrol, the tracking of offenders, plus work in riot and dangerous situations. The role of the police dog is ever growing as these clever animals prove their worth.

Applying for the job

The job of a police dog handler is sourced from within the force. After an initial application form is processed applicants will be interviewed by a panel of senior officers. A home check will follow to ensure that the officer has room at home, and that it is a suitable environment for a dog. There follows a two week suitability course where officers are assessed as suitable candidates for the job. Application and training processes can differ slightly between police forces.

Entry level

A police dog handler is one of the most sought after jobs within the police force and competition is fierce to get into this unit. Before an officer can apply they have to have been a serving police constable for two years. Most police dog handlers stay in this job until retirement.

Training

Dog and handler will have to attend a three month course at a dog training school where both learn to work together. Training includes obedience, search, tracking and obeying commands. Both will learn to work as a team and have all the necessary skills to work in the police dog unit. Training is ongoing and both dog and handler will attend training days and courses each year to enable dog and handler to remain licensed for the job.

Day to day care

The police dog handler must keep his dog fit, healthy and happy. The officer has to understand canine care as much as any pet owner would. Feeding, grooming, vaccinations and veterinary check ups must be followed and dog and handler must be aware of all bylaws concerning dogs.

The police dog

Dogs who work with the police dog unit are donated by breeders and members of the public with some forces having their own dog breeding unit. Officers as well as volunteers are used as puppy walkers until the dogs are old enough to be assessed as suitable candidates and matched with an officer who they will live with for life. Donated dogs will go through a four week assessment programme to see if they are suitable for work as a police dog. Those who fail are returned to the breeder or owner.

Similar jobs

The Ministry of Defence has a joint services dog school where dogs are trained for the Army and the Air Force. Like dogs working within the police force they are trained in detection and defence work. Dog handlers are trained from within the forces themselves. The Civil Nuclear Constabulary also have a dog unit section who supply protection for civil nuclear licensed sites. This section of the police force has its own training centres and units throughout the UK.

Licensed

Police dogs are licensed and assessed through the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). The Police Dogs Manual of Guidance is provided by the ACPO working group who regulate all working dogs within the UK’s police forces.

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