How to Become a K9 Cop
The process of becoming a cop is difficult and intense. Despite this, even after some people become cops, they aspire to other positions in the force. A person who is wondering how to become a K9 cop should be prepared for a lot of work and a lot of patience.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Become a cop. While the prerequisites to become a cop vary from place to place, many municipalities require that the cops have a degree from a university. Virtually all law enforcement agencies and states require those who want to be cops finish some sort of police schooling or police academy. Once these things have been completed, and you've started your job as a police officer, you can begin to think about how to become a K9 cop.
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Let your superiors know that it is your ultimate goal to become a K9 cop. In each department, there are many police officers, but only a few who are actually interested in becoming a K9 cop. This will at least put you on the radar among those who will be making decisions about who might make a good K9 cop. Work a normal police beat for several years before you begin to work with canines. You must first learn to become a cop before you can learn to be a K9 cop.
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Volunteer to be a chew toy. This is not exactly literal, but in some sense it is. Canines need to keep sharp on their skills just as humans do. Part of the canines' training includes sniffing people out and attacking them when told to; you can wear protective clothing when you are being attacked. You can start to slowly earn the dogs' trust by being somebody they see often and interact with.
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Apply for the next K9 position within the department that opens up after being a police officer for at least three to five years. If you are offered the position of a K9 cop, that there will be a lot of training with the dog. However, instead of being the chew toy, you now will be working alongside the dog. Before a dog and a human can work together effectively, you need to develop a trusting relationship. The only way this trust can be developed is by taking time. A lot of time will be spent in training exercises before work is done on the streets.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask to go for ride-alongs with K9 officers and their dogs. This can help a person get a better idea of how dogs and officers interact with each other. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Many police officers do not become K9 cops after their first applications. Continue to volunteer with the dogs and be a good police officer and the opportunity will come
Don't make yourself a pest. It is great to show your interest in becoming a K9 cop, but the person who reminds his superiors of this interest every month will find it more difficult to achieve his goal.
