May 17, 2011
I am a new handler. I have a dog that acts very nervous when he searches buildings. What can I do?
Full Question:
I'm a police officer new to the K-9 unit with a new dog. I am having difficulty in getting my dog to feel comfortable in buildings, although it would be nice to say I'm still in patrol school, unfortunately I'm on patrol with a "work in progress" in this area. I am seeking all the help I can get; references, articles, etc. please. I have watched your tracking videos and found them to be very informative. I work in urban areas and have doubts as to a dog's ability under adverse conditions; slippery floors, dark corridors, etc. cause him to be noticeably hesitant. He is a very high pretty dog otherwise. How do I overcome this? 
Ed's Answer:
I have a training video on teaching the Building Search - but I am afraid that is not going to help.
I am going to produce a video on selection testing police service dogs. I am afraid your dog would probably fail. There are a lot of dogs out on the street that should not be police service dogs but are - DO NOT TRUST YOUR DOG WITH YOUR LIFE. When you search do it tactically and DO NOT RELY ON THIS DOG.
Document every single training session in detail. Make sure you write down every time he looks nervous. Then take it to your superior and tell them the dog needs to be replaced.
I am going to produce a video on selection testing police service dogs. I am afraid your dog would probably fail. There are a lot of dogs out on the street that should not be police service dogs but are - DO NOT TRUST YOUR DOG WITH YOUR LIFE. When you search do it tactically and DO NOT RELY ON THIS DOG.
Document every single training session in detail. Make sure you write down every time he looks nervous. Then take it to your superior and tell them the dog needs to be replaced.
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