Foundation training: Which training methods give the best results, short medium and long term. – As background for discussion - We have struggled with this issue for many years until we started to become very selective in procurement of working lines.

Our evaluation, acquisition, and “prepping” training program translates in to a significant reduction of lost time in training to be sure the dog is trainable and soothed for the new job at hand -Police K9 work- Pre-screening of temperament and drive plus grading, health screenings, competency, and comprehensive skills testing has become the norm.

Our intensive – Prepping program - builds skills and confidence. The young dog is trained, conditioned, and proofed in a variety of challenging environments and is then developed into the mature working police dog. Which demonstrates traits that are just not there with “Green” well bread dogs.

This enables us to turn out Patrol dogs in 13 weeks that is trained in – Obedience on/ off lead, distance control up to 80 meters, send away 50 meters straight out then left or right at another 50 meters, building and field search off lead, tracking on and off lead, squaring in a area of 20 x 20 meters four articles to retrieve, full agility course ipo standard, scent discrimination- shoes matching, protection and guarding of suspect or package, criminal apprehension work, gun proofing etc. and this does not include the tactical training done for the officers.

So with this background I would like to determine how do other LEO AGANCYS go about there task in preparing police service dogs?

What are the criteria for a police service dog exercise wise to be certified as patrol dog in other parts of the world and how long is there training program?

My experience shows me that "length of course" and "standards", to which one trains, are not always a matter of schedule. While we may estimate the amount time it will take, in my opinion, dog training is controlled by when the dog meets the prescribed standards. Standards themselves differ somewhat from one department to another depending on a department's particular tasking for that dog. I would hope that each department that has dogs, have their standards documented in writing. In order for something to be measured, ie., the proficiency of a canine team, a behavior must be observable and measurable. In order to provide an objective measurement, you must have a standard.

DFrost

Hi David

Thanks for the reply, I have no argument with you opinion, as far as documented standards are concerned we are evaluated at national level by the SAPS –South African Police Service – dog school – who has one national standard for all police working dogs in South Africa, re-evaluation takes place every three months, for a working permit to stay in place. With out a permit you are not allowed to work, every trained dog gets allocated a PD number when passing out.

Now how about sharing your best practices? – regarding this

There is no mandatory national standard in the US. In fact, other than maybe 1 or 2 exceptions, there are no states that have mandatory standards. There is a great deal of resistance to a mandatory standard in the United States. Personally I think it comes mostly from private trainers that sell trained dogs to departments. It is strictly my personal opinion, which of course does not mean it is so, but my opinion none the less. Departments that are more up-to-date, have well written programs, that include the tasks required for police service dogs. Those programs also contain what it takes for a dog to be "certified" and ready for street duty. There are several organizations within the US, that are dedicated to working dogs and ensuring that dogs have at least some level of training. They do this by having a written, measurable standard and conducting training seminars and certification exercises. Many departments depend on that certification prior to working the dog.

DFrost

David

What is your view on the certification standards of USPCA, I think this is as good a certification test as any, I would not want to work a dog with out a descent “road worthy” test and "license disk”, if you know what I mean, what’s your opinion.

I share your suspicion –with the private training bit – but it’s true for any country that has a democracy.

Personally, I think the USPCA does a good job of certification. At least they are making an effort of establishing a standard, and measureing the dogs performance against that standard. USPCA is also a membership of some very fine trainers and handlers, that in my experience are always willing to share thier expertise. My only problem with them is they require no training records prior to certification. I refuse to conduct a certification on a dog without being able to review at least the 3 previous months of training records. That is the Department's written standard. I'm a member of USPCA, well I think I am, can't remember if I"ve paid my dues or not, but I do enjoy meeting other handlers and sometimes even a little friendly competition.

DFrost