How to Train a Dog to Become a Police Dog

Training a dog to become a police dog is done by experienced police officers. The officers who train these dogs have been in the field for a long time and have worked in the war against illegal drugs and weapons. They often consider their police dog to be a valuable partner and a crucial member of the police force. There are several considerations in choosing a police dog, and many steps to training the dog properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose the right dog. A good police dog will be large, naturally aggressive, strong, and have an excellent sense of smell. Most police dogs are un-neutered males, because they are generally more aggressive than neutered males or females. The dog should have an outgoing and energetic personality.

2. Teach the dog basic obedience. A police dog must unquestionably obey his master. He must know how to sit, stay, lie down, and release an object on command. He must trust his master and obey immediately and without hesitation.

3. Train the dog in agility. This means that he will jump over, crawl under, and go around items or objects on command. He also must learn how to quickly go up and down stairs and, in some cases, ladders.

4. Expose the dog to different experiences. Socialize him with many different people in many different situations. He must be acclimated to loud noises, busy traffic, and crowded conditions.

5. Train the dog to sniff out drugs, bombs, or other illegal substances. This is done by teaching him that the smell of the desired object is affiliated with his favorite toy or treat. Through positive reinforcement, he will learn that when he smells the drug, he gets a treat in some form.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to train your own dog to be a police dog if you are not a qualified police officer. Obedience and agility training are appropriate for any dog, but police work requires an expert handler.

Resources

• Police Dogs