Annual Salary for Training Police Canines
Canine officers provide communities with a variety of benefits. They assist in the location of disaster victims, detect drugs and provide protection and aid to their partners. The training of these animals comes from another officer, who should be certified as a dog trainer.
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History
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Animals have long been used to assist armed forces. Horses were an essential part of warfare, carrying troops into battle and across long terrain. Camels, mules and oxen often hauled heavy supplies across hot and treacherous terrain. Canines, however, provide speed, agility and loyalty. Without fear, they will face even the most extreme dangers.
Salary
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The earnings of a police dog trainer vary based on experience. In 2008, the median salary for a police officer was $52,810, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Benefits and overtime pay are also included. K-9 officers generally spend more time working outside of the normal police groups and tend to have more-specific tasks assigned to them, which may entitle them to bonuses and better pay.
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Starting Out
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Trainers need to be certified before or after they become an officer. It might be years before they actually enter into a canine unit. Once in the unit, the officer is paired up with with a canine. They train together over time, enduring a series of classes to teach both dog and owner to work together as a team.
Companies
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There are companies that specialize in the training of military and police dogs. They are hired to assist the officers with the training and help them make better connections with their new counterparts. These companies, such as Work Dogs International, can also teach dog owners to properly train their dogs and become certified.
Types of Canines Used
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There are a variety of dog breeds used as police dogs. The majority, however, are German shepherds and Belgian malinois because they are more readily available. Protection of the officer and holding and detaining criminals is more simple for these breeds because of their size, strength and intelligence.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit police body and dog image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
