Dogs are more than just pets. They can provide assistance, provide guardianship, and help with daily tasks. Many people take advantage of what a dog can offer to their work, and police and other government organizations are no exception. Dogs are used to assist in making arrests, detect drugs and other substances, find cadavers, and track criminals. Other organizations use dogs for search and rescue purposes.
The term police dog often encompasses all the tasks that a dog working for the police may complete. Police dogs or K9 Units undergo extensive training with their human handler. Since they perform a variety of jobs (although some specialize), they must be well trained in handling people and substances. They also spend a lot of time in public, so they must be well socialized while keeping their guard up.
A police dog is normally trained to work with one or two handlers; however, some can work with multiple handlers. The handlers must be trained just as much as the dogs. They have to be able to lead and interpret the canine. Police dogs often perform normal police duties; they can chase and hold a suspect until the officers arrive at the site. K9 Units are normally well trained in detecting illegal substances. Under a suspicious traffic violation, a police dog may search the vehicle. In addition to drugs, the dogs are able to detect explosives. For this reason, K9 Units are often seen at airports and large public gatherings.
Dogs are also used to track. However, there is a difference in cadaver dogs and tracking dogs. Tracking dogs can smell an item with a person's odor and track based on the odor. They are used to located criminals and missing persons. Because of their heightened sense of smell, Bloodhounds make great tracking dogs. Cadaver dogs can track based on the odor of a decaying body. They are used when the missing person is assumed dead. The same dog is often trained as both a tracking and cadaver dog.
Search and rescue dogs (SAR) are similar to tracking dogs. Like tracking dogs, search and rescue dogs can locate people based on scent; they can detect cadavers and missing persons. SAR dogs are often used in the wilderness, after avalanches, and after disasters. SAR and tracking dogs are even able to detect missing persons who are underwater. SAR dogs have to be able to remain calm in many situations; they are often trained with helicopters and flown into disaster sites. They must also be in great shape because of the different terrain they must search. The dogs are taught different search and rescue techniques. Depending on the situation they can search off-lead. Off-lead searching is used when there is a large area of ground to be covered, such as a field or apartment complex. On-lead searching is when the dog searches out a crime scene for specific items and clues.
SAR dogs train their entire lives. As puppies, obedience training begins. This is made possible with training tools like the dog tracking collars and dog training collars. Specialty training also begins when the dogs are young. It takes anywhere from 6 to 18 months to train the dog in working order; although training continues throughout the dog's service. They must keep perfecting their techniques and senses. The handlers must also train with the dog for long periods of time. In essence, the dog and the handler must be able to communicate. If the dog is not on a leash and searches an area on his own, he must be able to relay to the handler what he has found. In turn, the handler must be able to understand if he is supposed to continue the search or switch directions. Handlers must also train on safety and wilderness techniques. They must be able to navigate areas, demonstrate survival instinct, and remain on task for long periods of time.
Police and similar organizations know the value of canine help. Dogs are used for a variety of police jobs. They help in making arrests, tracking missing people, finding cadavers, and detecting illegal substances. Search and rescue dogs are trained specifically for search and rescue but can take on other police task. No matter what job the dog is doing, you can bet both he and his handler have undergone extensive training.
Odor DetectThis article was provided by discount-pet-mall and written by Shelly Seigler. Visit her site for unique shopping and discounted prices on a daily basis. Quality is not affordable.