How Police Dogs Are Trained

The training of police dogs may depend on a number of different factors. Dogs which are trained specifically for police work through training centers may begin training as puppies and be trained in a number of different behaviors to prepare them for a number of different duties as canine members of the police force. These specially trained dogs may be acquired by the police force for their ability to perform a number of different tasks. Other dogs may be acquired by the police force and trained to perform a smaller number of specific tasks. These dogs may not be as versatile as the commercially trained dogs but they may be well qualified to perform the specific tasks required of them. For the purpose of this article we will consider the case of dogs that are trained for police work by commercial training centers and describe a number of the different tasks which are commonly taught to these dogs.

Basic obedience is typically the first skills taught to potential police dogs. They are taught commands such as sit, down, stay, heel and come. These commands are taught both on leash and off leash to prepare the dogs to obey these commands in any situation. The obedience commands may also be practiced in a variety of different training situations to ensure the dog is capable of focusing on the owner and obeying the commands regardless of any distractions which may be present.

Dogs in training for police work are also taught to navigate an obstacle course with both speed and precision. These obstacle courses are designed to mimic real life situations the dog may encounter during the course of performing police work such as walking on narrow surfaces, squeezing into small spaces, going around obstacles, jumping over obstacles and crawling under obstacles. This type of training enables the dog to be confident walking and running in these types of situations. This may come in handy when the dog is pursuing a suspect through a crowded area filled with obstacles.

Control is also taught to potential police dogs. Dogs that are being trained to perform police work are taught to wait for a command from the handler before reacting. The dog may be presented with a variety of aggressive behaviors but are taught to not respond to these behaviors unless given the command by the handler to respond.

Dogs trained for police work are also trained to attack on command. This command can be used by the handler to signal the dog to attack the suspect. Once given the attack signal, the dog should respond immediately and should continue to attack until a cease command is given by the handler. The police dog in training should be taught to attack on command but should also be trained to recognize situations in which an attack is necessary but the handler is unable to give the command because he is in some way incapacitated. This will enable the dog to protect both himself and the handler in these situations.

Police dogs may also be given a back off command. This command is useful because it involves the dog being called off from the attack at any point. This may include a point before the dog has made physical contact with the suspect or after physical contact has been initiated. In both cases the dog should immediately respond to the command to back off and return to the handler. This can prevent the dog from injuring a suspect who has surrendered.

Police dogs may also be trained to standby while the owner is searching the suspect. During this time the dog remains non-aggressive but vigilant to ensure the suspect does not make an aggressive or threatening move toward the handler. This could include actions such as sudden movements, reaching for a concealed object or attempting to run away. In these situations the dog can be trained to protect the handler in a number of different ways including attacking if necessary or giving verbal indications intended to both warn the handler and threaten the suspect.

Police dogs can also be trained to perform a number of different searches. Police dogs may be trained to search people, automobiles, open areas and buildings for a number of different scents. The dogs may be searching for explosives, narcotics or even to search for people based on scents obtained from objects belonging to the individual.

Police dogs are also trained to remain focused in the presence of distractions. These distractions may include loud noises, crowded situations, the presence of other animals or a number of other situations which may be distracting to the dog. This is very important because it is highly likely the dog will be required to perform his duties in a situation filled with potential distractions. A dog that is able to focus on the handler is capable of performing his job despite these distractions.

Still other police dogs may be trained for other situations such as working with children. This may include police dogs that are being trained to assist police officers in visiting schools to speak to children about a number of different topics including topics such as self defense, personal safety and avoiding strangers. These dogs may not require as much training as dogs that will assist police officers in police duties which are potentially dangerous. Police dogs that will only be assisting police officers in these types of instructional conversations with school aged children may be required to undergo a different type of training similar to the type of training which would qualify a dog to visit hospitals and nursing homes as a therapy dog. This type of training may include basic obedience as well as training specifically designed to enable the dog to put those around him at ease such as taking treats gently, approaching the individual with caution and not reacting to awkward movements.