Police Dog's?

Question

What are they looking for in a police dog?

I had a year old German Shepherd dog which I've had to re-home for many reasons (nothing to do with the dog, it's been heartbreaking to see him go). I contacted the police force first, and they came to see him, liked him and took him away for testing. I'm just wondering what they are looking for in him, just so I can assess the chances of him getting in or not!? If he doesn't, then he'll be returned to me, and I miss him so much, that I now wish he would come home, but deep down know that a life in the force would be great for him.

Answer 1

they are looking for a dog with DRIVE..Wagging tail, and enjoying trying to please. They also check for working character, and will play tug o war with him ..they will see how quickly he learns and responds to a new task..they also want him to be friendly/sociable, and not shy back from noises and quick movements.
They also want good hips..good eyesight, and over-all good health.
A normal dog will learn a new, simple task ( such as drop the ball) in about 14 repetitions. They will want a dog that would learn the same in 5 or 6 repetitions..
Here is a list of tests that may be given> http://www.absarokasearchdogs.org/training/volhard_puppy_aptitude_test.php

Edit: I meant the test on the sidebar, not the main page, sorry> http://www.absarokasearchdogs.org/training/paws_working_dog_evaluation.php

Answer 2

The things that will be considered, in order of importance, are, a complete physical to make sure the dog does not have any health isues that would preclude him from the vigorous life of a police dog such as hip and elbow x-rays and any genetic issues that may come up. They will test his prey drive and defense drive. They will also test his retrieval and hunting instinct. Some trainers are interested in the dog's fight drive. The dog must show some type of active aggression. Then his environmental sensitivity issues will be tested alone with his sociability. If he passes those tests he will be trained with a handler over a 3 month period in the following disciplines. Obedience, on/off leash, obstacle course, tracking, building search, area search and criminal apprehension including handler protection. Very few dogs pass the initial evalution to start training.

Answer 3

They are basically just looking for him to be very trainable.
And don't worry, I saw someone else said he would be put down if he failed after attack training. That is highly unlikely, because they wouldn't teach him that stuff until they knew he was a good candidate.
And even when he retires, they don't put down police dogs.
You are likely to get him back, though, because most dogs are just not trainable enough. If he is young and smart, his chances are better

Answer 4

Firstly, they have him checked by a vet to make sure he has no health problems - in particular, they'll do a DNA check to make sure he won't develop any of the bone problems German shepherds are unfortunately prone to.

Then, he'll be checked for temperament (aggressiveness), ability to learn (and overall "trainability"), and possibly acuteness of sense of smell, if they're thinking about making him a tracker or drug dog.

Answer 5

The trainers are looking for a dog willing to learn and eager to please their leader. They must respond well to their intensive training - remember the important job the do. Your dog will be designated one master. They will be rewarded by being extremely well looked after. Remember that the dog police adore dogs and will treat it like their own. Your dog will be in safe hands.

Answer 6

Here is a Link to the K-9 Police in Sacramento, California.
http://www.ssdk9.com/
Hope it helps.

Answer 7

they get traines for many different things such as agility, search,
recovery alot of stuff with her being young she should be pretty good with all of it, she will make a good police dog

Answer 8

if you really like him why get read of him and if they do want him no hes in good hands at the police station

Answer 9

They test temperment, like his reaction to loud noises or,sudden movement, and other things like obeying commands and his general disposition and nore.......

Answer 10

Calmness, enthusiasm in learning and working, smartness.