What are your thoughts on a dual purpose police service dog having a handler change after being in service for approximately 2 years.

The problem is usually the new handler and not really the dog. Most new handlers have little to no understanding on dog training.

If the new handler has never handled a dog he should be sent through patrol dog school with the dog. If this does not happen and the department is really opening itself up to lawsuits. A good defense attorney will tear the handler apart.

As far as the dog goes – it takes time to bond. When I get a new dog, even if it’s a SchH 3 dog, I assume he knows nothing and I take him through the training program. The dog already knows the game but he has to learn that I am fair, that I too know the game and that he now needs to mind me. This helps set the rank with the dog. Read the article I wrote on DEALING WITH A DOMINANT DOG.