Police Dog Recruits
A newly recruited Police dog can come from two sources.
The first is a 'gift dog' where a dog is donated to the Police by a
member of the public or purchased at a nominal cost. They will vary in
age from approx. 12 months to approx. 18 months.
The other route into the Police Service is the purchase of puppies from
an established line of working stock. These puppies will be placed with
experienced handlers and be brought on through the 'puppy programme',
this should ensure the pup is raised in a family environment and
nurtured through natural puppy development.
The dog is continually assessed and if all is well start the 'general purpose dog' course between 14-18 months of age with the handler who has reared it.
Before new recruits are accepted they are carefully assessed. Each dog must carry out a series of tests, specially designed to help identify whether or not the animal possessed the necessary instincts and temperament required. If the dog passes the assessment it will be paired with a handler and put through the initial 'general purpose' course.
Whichever route the dog has taken to the initial course, the end result is the same. The dog is trained in all tasks required in order to become an operational Police Dog.
