Could a disabled person with a working dog pose as an under cover at events?

Can I use a paw scratch at my thigh and sit as the alert?

This dog, Pilgrim, is sharp and I'd like to learn more working with him and maybe starting a pup for the formentioned.

Why couldn't a disabled person perform this task? If this person was able to train and qualify as a handler I see no problem. I m sure things as far as training and such may need or have needed to be modified but that doesnt make it impossible. It I think has more to do with the bond between the person and the k9 than total physical ability. Dont get me wrong physical ability plays an important role but is not the deciding factor. We have an officer who has won several body building contests and is the poster child for physical fitness and sporting ability. He was totally unable to get a k9 to do anything for him. They actually ran from him NO Bond we have a handler who ( not picking on anyone ) probably couldnt run up a flight of stairs with a hot poker to his butt without being winded. one of our best handlers. Good Luck

Thanks for your input! I do wish to hear from others as well.

I was spinal cord injured in 1988 and remain a C-5 quadriplegic, and a wheelchair user. I still have strong arms and shoulders while my hands and below my chest remain paralyzed. I know I don't have the strength to detain anyone. But I forsee that My k9 and I could be the detectors and discreetly call in the strong men.

So far my mobility assist dog, Pilgrim, is able to detect and locate, marijuana, cash, traces of peanut butter, chocolate, and his heartguard. I have great fun setting up these searches and he just goes to work with his nose.

It's a good laugh when he finds weed at parties, but now I'd like to begin to work on more useful tasks. I'd like to begin to have "Pil" detect ammunition and then on to firearms.

Please understand I'm self taught through research and trial and error. I'm seeking information from those of you with experience in this field.

I'm eager to get started with ammo and firearms. Could someone suggest a starting point, techniques, strategies, etc.

I'm fully confident in my teamwork with Pil. He presently obeys 100 verbal commands, six hand signals, and is now learning to read my lips.

I feel there is room for more!

Kirk

Since you are not law enforcement, I don't see you having a particular problem with probable cause. If I understand correctly, you are in a school. Not knowing whether it's public or private, or what the laws of search and seizure would be in your particular environment, it's difficult to say whether there would be a problem with a search based on the response of your dog. Having a dog trained on multiple odors, that are not associtated with each other, Ie peanut butter, marijuana etc, would cause a signicant problem in a law enforcement environment. My biggest concern would be training the dog for any type of explosive odor, in light of the other odors the dog is trained to detect. Serious safety considerations arise in instances like this. I understand you are only looking for a weapon, but all data shows the most commonly used explosive for IED's is black or smokeless powder. Will the benefits outweigh a potential disaster, should you expect to find a weapon or drugs but detonate an IED? Most reputable law enforcement trainers I've been associated with in my 36 years are totally against mixing drug and explosives odors in any type of working environment.

DFrost

Legally using a dog to search is not considered invasive under the 4th amendment and can be done without a warrant when acting as and invited agent of the private sector.

The most dogs are trained to detect only explosives or only narcotics.

For safety and credibility in court are the main reasons for this. If a dog were trained to give the same response to both types of contraband, the handler would never know which type of threat he was dealing with. If the dog were trained to give different responses, there still would be the lingering doubt about whether he was giving the proper indication. Certainly the dog would give his favorite indication over time. His favorite would be the most consistently well timed reward based on his particular motivational drives. Simply the consequences of making the wrong response can be so terrible, a good trainer will not risk having their dogs give an improper alert.

The "sniff" of a trained canine is not considered a search, under the provisions of the 4th amendment as you stated. The ensuing search however, based on a trained dog's response however, is an invasion and is covered under the exceptions to a search warrant. In a law enforcement environment, training on mixed odors, particularly odors that are not illegal to possess would cause considerable problems with the probable cause issue. In spite of all that, the most pressing issue, when involving an explosive is the safety issue.

DFrost

Many thanks to each of you for your contributions.

A little explanation... I'm a spinal cord injured man (bike racing, 1988). I teach brain and spinal cord injury prevention in the Montgomery County, Maryland high schools.

Safety belts, responsible driving, sports and recreation, shallow water, and of course violence the second leading cause of SCI, next to automobile collisions.

I speak about partner abuse, guns, weapons, etc. The students seem to be oblivious to the presence of hand guns in thier schools. Some do acknowlege that they are aware of guns in school. Thank your god, some understand the danger.

I'm primarily interested in hand guns and have little desire to put my dog at risk with bombs. It's very clear he must have a passive alert. I'd like to have your further advice on methods for teaching a passive alert.

Please do share more.

Sincerely,

Kirk Simon