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What Can You Learn From Police Dog Training?

22/04/2016 - Blog

Police dogs are highly-trained officers, just like their owners. Do you often look in envy as a police dog obediently does as its owner says, while looking happy about it? Maybe your own dog looks upon the scene with only mild interest but we’re sure it got you thinking. The way police dogs are trained is important; when on active duty they need to perform various tasks, like finding a substance by smell or protecting their handler. But before being promoted to patrol the streets, police dogs have a basic training they need to pass. Even though their training is a bit more rigorous than the one your dog might need, you can still easily apply the basic training methods to get your dog to sit on command.

The Basics Police dogs have handlers who take care of them and are assigned to them; a serving police officer needs to have completed a 2 year probationary period before being able to apply to join the Dog Section. It’s important to have a handler who knows what they’re doing for the well-being of the dogs. As fun as it is to have a dog as a partner, the officers need to learn a lot of skills like legislation and veterinary practices. They also need to know canine psychology! But all of the demanding training pays off, as they have a very strong bond with their dogs at the end.

 How Are they Trained? Every dog’s natural ability is identified so it can be worked on and enhanced. Dogs are encouraged to use their instincts in a controlled way and on command. The exercises in training are designed with this in mind. Police dogs are constantly rewarded for good, hard work. During training they receive good food, care, exercise and protection, and the training has an emphasis on safety, control, and efficiency. They learn obedience, attack, search, and also how to keep focused in distracting situations so that they are prepared for any eventuality while on duty.

 How Can It Help You? Police dogs are trained with positive reinforcement, and it’s something you need to use as well if you want a happy, well-adjusted dog. Remember, your dog has feelings too! And we know you love your pets, so be sure to be kind to them especially if they seem stubborn or slow. Positive reinforcement will improve your relationship with your dog. Police dogs are loyal to their handlers and do what they tell them because they enjoy it, which is why a strong bond is always an advantage. You can have a dog who fetches things for you when you ask for them, and easily impress your friends. You can follow the basics of police dog training to help strengthen your relationship with your dog. Keep in mind that it’s supposed to be fun, so don’t work your dog beyond its capacity! After all, a happy dog is a healthy dog.

 Here at CK9 Training we believe in kind, positive training methods, so get in touch with us on 07739 815 265 and we’ll happily help you! You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for updates on our news.

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