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Narcotics
Narcotic Detection Dogs
One of the most important factors that must be thoroughly considered is selecting the right dog for narcotic detection training.
The training of dogs to detect narcotics is dictated by objectives to be achieved which dictates certain prerequisites that will limit selection. For example, statistics reveal that only one out of every forty-three supposedly healthy and temperamentally sound animals meet the basic prerequisites for selection. Therefore, the task of selecting and procuring dogs, that will accept and successfully complete detection training, is a major concern. With the exception of special project requirements, selection of dogs is focused toward the larger breeds of working and sporting animals such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and German Short-haired Pointers. Although desirous, it is not a requirement that dogs be pedigreed.
Dogs selected for this training should be between the ages of one and three years. However, regardless of size, sex or breed, dogs considered for narcotic detection training must possess two primary qualities, in addition to good health and stamina. First, the dog's temperament must be sound and he must demonstrate a very bold attitude.
This trait is one of independence and is clearly reflected in the dog that is hyperactive and very alert and inquisitive to all activity in his surroundings. The dog must display a very bold and willing disposition in unfamiliar surroundings such as: walking on slick floors, going up and down stairs, stability in noisy congested areas, willingness to jump onto elevated surfaces or into vehicles, etc
Although the dog should not demonstrate aggressiveness toward people, he should have an outgoing attitude which indicates that he is convinced that the space he occupies belongs to him and he will challenge anyone who attempts to drive him from it. This is the type dog who, in a wild state, would dominate a pack and unhesitatingly defend his position.
Second, the dog must demonstrate a very strong, almost frantic, desire to retrieve a thrown object. This desire is reflected in the dog who literally jumps around and trembles with anticipation and excitement when a person feints at throwing a retrieving dummy. The dog must also display a very possessive attitude toward the retrieving dummy. This degree of possessiveness should be such that the dog will play a "tug of war" game, in an effort to keep the retrieving dummy in his possession. Many dogs will eagerly retrieve objects for their masters while they are in familiar surroundings. However, when taken into a strange environment their attitude may change completely. Therefore, pre-selection evaluations of prospective dogs must be conducted in an environment away from the dog's master. Specific areas which are critical in the evaluation of selecting dogs for detection training are listed as follows:
1. BASIC RETRIEVE IN OPEN AREA
When conducting retrieving evaluations of a prospective dog, a retrieving dummy should be used. This will provide a realistic evaluation of the dog's willingness to retrieve, since this type retrieving dummy is used in detection training. The retrieve evaluation should be conducted with the dog on leash. Since the evaluator possibly does not know the habits of the dog, it affords him direct control over the animal, thereby eliminating the possibility of the dog running away.
As the evaluator prepares to throw the retrieving dummy, he should excitable tease the dog with it to stimulate the dog's eagerness toward the dummy. The dog should display a frantic attitude of excitement toward the retrieving dummy. As this occurs, the evaluator should throw the retrieving dummy a short distance, and quickly run with the dog to recover it. The dog should eagerly run after the retrieving dummy and quickly recover it. At this point, the evaluator should grab one end of the dummy, while the dog holds onto it, and plays a "tug of war" game with the dog. The evaluator must be very careful as he plays the "tug of war" game and not become too aggressive with the dog.
After the dog is permitted to tug on the retrieving dummy for a few seconds, the evaluator should quickly let go and allow the dog to maintain possession of the dummy. Normally two or three exercises similar to this will provide sufficient opportunity to evaluate this particular pre-selection requirement.
2. BASIC RETRIEVE IN VEHICLE
Since a narcotic detector dog must be trained and will normally be employed extensively to examine vehicles, an evaluation of his attitude and retrieving ability should be conducted in and around vehicles. As you realize, many dogs may have never been allowed to get inside a vehicle, or some may have been injured by one. If either is the case, the dog may display fear, or at least some apprehension, around a vehicle. You must also determine the dog's desire to retrieve an object in this area. If a dog likes to ride in a vehicle, then his desire to retrieve an object from within it may not be as great as his desire to ride. If this is the case, then the dog may just want to get into the vehicle, but not retrieve an object from it.
When conducting evaluations in this area, a vehicle that has approximately 18 inches of ground clearance should be used. This will provide the dog adequate space to crawl under the vehicle to retrieve the dummy, thus an opportunity is provided to evaluate the dog's willingness or reluctance to enter areas where space is limited.
Initially, the evaluator should evaluate the dog's willingness to retrieve the dummy from under the vehicle. The same procedures should be used as previously employed in the evaluation of basic retrieve in an open area. During this evaluation the dog should display a very eager attitude in retrieving the dummy and playing the "tug of war" game.
Successful results of this evaluation warrants further evaluation of the dog's willingness to retrieve a dummy from within a vehicle. Basically, this evaluation is conducted the same as the previous one, except the dog must enter the vehicle and retrieve the dummy.
A retrieving dummy being tossed into a vehicle, the dog pursuing the dummy and then retrieving the dummy to the evaluator. Again, the "tug of war" game is played with the dog to determine his possessiveness toward the retrieving dummy.
3. BASIC RETRIEVE FROM WITHIN A BUILDING
The requirement, to train and employ a narcotic detector dog in buildings, warrants an appraisal of his attitude in similar areas during the pre-selection evaluation.
There are many dogs that have never been allowed to enter a house or similar building or may have been punished for going inside. Consequently, this may be a new experience to the dog.
In order to ascertain the dog's attitude in this area, an on leash basic retrieve exercise should be conducted by tossing the retrieving dummy into a building and allowing the dog to retrieve it. During this evaluation the dog should display a willing, unconcerned attitude while entering the building, retrieving the dummy and playing the "tug of war" game.
A dog that fails to demonstrate a strong desire to retrieve the dummy, or is clearly afraid in any of the areas of retrieving evaluation, should not be accepted for detection training.
4. SOURCE OF DOGS
Dogs trained and utilized by World K9 for narcotic detection are procured from domestic sources throughout the United States. As you can determine from the selection criteria, there are a minimal number of dogs that qualify for selection and procurement. Therefore, the process of obtaining dogs that possess the selection prerequisites is a most important ongoing program.