You’ve decided your department is ready for a K-9 unit, what now?

Anyone interested in beginning a K-9 unit should first meet with other K-9 handlers from surrounding agencies to ask questions. What is good for one department might not be good for another. Your research should involve speaking to many agencies, not just the guys next door. For example, someone from a city/county 100 miles away might have already addressed the same issues/needs you are facing in developing their K-9 unit.

Four things you must have:

• ADEQUATE SUPPORT                                
  
• RIGHT HANDLER
• MONEY!!!
• CONTINUED SUCCESS

SUPPORT

Support can easily be found within your fellow officers and probably your chief/sheriff. Other folks to consider getting on board would be the city and school officials, local businesses, and community at large. Be prepared for general questions about K-9 programs. Feel free to contact us for help in this area.

HANDLER

This is the most unique detail in law enforcement. This candidate needs to understand what is involved in becoming a good handler/K-9 team. Obviously it is very important for the would-be handler to have a sincere interest in dogs. This candidate should be highly motivated. That would include, above all else the proper commitment not only to the initial training/certification, but also to daily/weekly maintenance training.

The handler should also be prepared to serve as an ambassador to the community for the K-9 program.

MONEY!!!

Your department may already have the funding set aside for the creation of a K-9 program. If not, we have officers available to advise you on how they created their department’s own K-9 program and offer suggestions for fund-raising efforts. When addressed the right way from the beginning, you will be amazed at the support you will receive from your community. Check our “References” section or contact us for details. 

CONTINUED SUCCESS

There is no better way for a K-9 team to continually sell their program than to remain active and successful in the public’s eye. This could include, but is not limited to school/church demonstrations, Boy Scouts, Rotary Club, Lyons Club, K-9 competition, etc. Handlers should understand that the public is interested in police dogs. Most civilians find our everyday job fascinating, especially K-9.