British Columbia

|APPENDIX I:
MUNICIPAL POLICE DOG TRAINING COURSE

|APPENDIX II:
POLICE DOG HANDLER SELECTION CRITERIA

INTRODUCTION

A resolution of the Police Commission passed at a meeting
on February 1988 called on the Director, Justice Institute
of B.C., Police Academy to establish and chair a committee
responsible for developing recommendations on minimum
training standards for the use of police dogs in British
Columbia.

The Committee consisting of operational dog handlers,
supervisors and administrators drawn from municipal police
departments and R.C.M.P. met at intervals throughout the
remainder of the year to undertake this assignment.

These standards reflect the unanimous views of the
committee and, having been approved by the B.C. Police
Commission, are recommended for adoption by municipal
police departments in British Columbia.

In addition to the police dog training standards, the
Committee considered and made recommendations for a
Municipal Police Dog Training Course and for Dog Handler
Selection Criteria. These recommendations have been
included as Appendixes I and II to this report for
information purposes.

|Committee Members:

Phil Crosby-Jones, Chairman
S/Sgt. Chris Bowles, Saanich Police
Sgt. Dennis Simmons, Vancouver Police
Cpl. Wayne Cope, Vancouver Police
Cpl. Tom Haworth, R.C.M.P., Surrey Dept.
Cst. Barry Nickerson, West Vancouver Police
Cst. Bob Eden, Delta Police
Cst. Amar Kingra, Matsqui Police
Cst. John Ducker, Victoria Police
Cst. Kim Collum, New Westminster

TRAINING STANDARDS

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

The dog handler will be able to:

(A) Explain what the training needs are and how they are police oriented.

(B) Explain the "Praise Reward" method of training in a police service dog.

(C) Explain when, why and how much compulsion is used.

(D) Outline the five basic needs of a dog.

(E) Explain "Why dogs do the thing they do" which includes dog behaviour.

(F) Explain the bond between man and dog and its importance.

(G) Explain the "Conditioning Process" and the progression system of levels I, II, and III.

(H) Outline three ways man communicates with the dog and visa versa.

(I) Explain why consistency and anticipation are important.

(J) Explain the importance of patience and understanding.

(K) Explain what positive reinforcement as opposed to negative reinforcement means.

DOG CARE

(i) Nutrition

The dog handler will be able to:

(A) Explain when to feed the dog while in training and under operational conditions.

(B) Explain what a balanced diet is.

(C) Explain the number of calories required by his particular dog and what the formula is to establish the caloric requirement.

(D) Explain the proper care and storage of dog food.

(E) Explain three nutritional supplements that may be required and the reasons for using supplements.

(F) Explain the importance of cleanliness of feeding utensils.

(G) Outline four types of dog food and the advantages/disadvantages of each one.

(ii) Grooming

The dog handler will be able to:

(A) Given a practical situation groom a police dog and explain in general terms the physical examination of eyes, ears, nose, teeth, hair coat and skin, pads and nails.

(B) Outline a minimum of five (5) don'ts while grooming the police service dog.

(C) Given a practical situation trim the nails of the police service dog without causing them to bleed.

(D) Given a practical situation clean the police service dog's ears.

(E) Explain in general terms how to bath a police service dog and how often the police service dog should be bathed.

(iii) Kennel Care

The dog handler will be able to:

(A) Explain verbally or in writing what type of kennel and run he must have at his residence.

(B) Explain verbally or in writing what location of the kennel and run is best.

(C) Given three types of floor for a kennel run explain in general terms the one best suited for the police service dog.

(D) Outline six items of equipment required by the dog master in the maintenance of the kennel and
run.

(E) Outline four duties required to be done in the cleaning of the kennel and run.

(iv) Disease and Illness

The dog handler will be able to:

(A) Outline ten diseases or illnesses and explain the treatment for each disease or illness. Identify two illnesses requiring quarantine.

(B) Explain the treatment for:

(1) Porcupine quills, skunks
(2) Haemorrhaging from head wound, and
(3) How to control the injured dog

(C) Explain the treatment for fleas, ticks, lice and mites.

(D) Outline four types of intestinal parasites and
the treatment for each type.

(E) Outline six symptoms of worm infestations.

(F) Given five situations of a dog displaying symptoms other than "normal" outline what the possible problem is with the dog and state whether or not the dog should receive medical attention (i.e. pannus, a greying or cloudy film
over the dog's eyes).

(G) Outline the materials required in a dog first aid kit.

To meet the above objectives the dog handlers must consider the animal's well being above all when considering medical treatment.

OBEDIENCE

(A) At the end of Level I each dog handler will be able to:

Given a practical exercise in obedience perform the following exercises with the police dog on leash: Individual and in a group:

(1) Heel
(2) Jog at heel
(3) Sit at heel
(4) Down at heel
(5) Stay (2 minutes)
(6) Recall - "Come" from a distance of 10 m
(7) Finish - "Heel"

(B) At the end of Level II each dog handler will be able to:

Given a practical exercise in obedience perform the following exercises with the police dog on and off leash, individual and in a group using hand signals and/or voice:

(1) Heel
(2) Jog at heel
(3) Sit at heel
(4) Down at heel
(5) Stay (master out of sight for five minutes)
(6) Recall "come" from a distance of 15 m
(7) Stay on recall
(8) Sit at a distance (10 meters)
(9) Down at a distance (10 meters)
(10) Finish "heel"

(C) At the end of Level III each dog handler will be able to accomplish all of the objectives noted above for levels I and II, but using hand signals only.

AGILITY

At the end of Level I each police dog working on leash will be able to:

(A) Given a practical situation negotiate an agility course consisting of:

(1) 4 hurdles one meter high spaced three meters apart.

(2) An unobstructed 8 meter culvert laid on the ground. Culvert to be 1 meter in diameter and include a 90 degree corner.

(3) A plank balance board 4 meters long by 20 centimetres wide by one meter high off the ground.

(4) A tower 5 1/2 meters high with a 2 stage vertical scramble ramp set at 45 degrees to a top platform. The descent to consist of three straight vertical drops to three 1 square meter platforms.

(5) A suspension bridge 6 meters by 1 meter by
1 1/2 meters off the ground.

(6) A 2 meter "A" frame scramble ramp.

(7) A 1 1/2 meter vertical wall.

(8) A 2 1/2 meter set of open stairs set at 45
degrees to a 1 square meter platform.

(9) A window jump 1 meter square and 1 1/2
meters off the ground.

(10) The handler will move at a moderate jog
with the dog under the control at his left
side.

At the end of Level II each police dog will be able
to perform all of the above off leash and;

(A) Given a practical situation on an agility course
negotiate;

(1) 4 hurdles 1 1/2 meters high spaced 3 meters
apart.

(2) By walking a 6 meter pole 50 centimetres in
diameter laid horizontally 1 meter above
the ground.

(3) A window jump 1 meter square 2 1/2 meters
above the ground.

(4) A 2 meter vertical wall.

(5) Suspension plank 4 meters long, 20
centimetres wide, 1 1/2 meters off the
ground.

(6) Broad jump 2 1/2 meters in length.

SCENT

The dog handler will be able to explain:

(A) The definition of scent.

(B) The olfactory system in the dog.

(C) The effect that climatic conditions, (sunlight
etc.) has on scent.

(D) The effect that the environment has on scent.

(E) How scent relates to tracking.

(F) How scent relates to searching.

TRACKING

(A) At the end of Level I each handler and dog will
be able to:

Given a practical situation, successfully work a
two Km. unknown and unmarked track approximately
45 minutes old (depending on weather conditions)
laid by one quarry in rural environment over a
variety of terrain. The track will include:

(1) Two road crossings
(2) Four scent related articles
(3) Four right angle turns
(4) One dead end (not over 15 meters)

(B) At the end of Level II each candidate team will
be able to:

Given a practical situation, successfully work
an unknown unmarked track six blocks long and 20
minutes old (depending on weather conditions)
laid by one quarry in a suburban environment.
The track will include:

(1) Cross track
(2) Scent related articles
(3) One street crossing

(C) At the end of Level III each candidate team will
be able to:

Given a practical situation in daylight or
darkness, successfully work a six block
unknown unmarked track 10 to 15 minutes old
(depending on weather conditions) laid by one
quarry in an urban environment. The track will
include:

(1) Cross tracks
(2) Right angle turns
(3) Short grass
(4) Approximately 20 meters on hard surface
(gravel or pavement)
(5) Two street crossings
(6) Animal scent distraction (urine and feces)
(7) With two blocks in back alley if possible
(8) Four (4) scent related articles

RETRIEVING

At the end of Level II each handler and dog will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical situation with the police
service dog on line "sit - stay" while the
handler throws the dumbbell out at least three
meters, chase and pick up the dumbbell, return
to the master, "sit" at the fore position and
"hold" the article for twenty seconds, give up
the article on command "out" and go to the
"heel" position, on command by dog master.

At the end of Level III each handler and dog will be
able to:

(B) Given a practical situation with the police
service dog off line "sit - stay" while the
handler throws the dumbbell out at least ten
meters, chase and pick up the dumbbell on
command "fetch," return to the master, "sit" at
the fore position and "hold" the article for
thirty seconds, give up the article on command
"out" and go to the "heel" position, on command
by dog master.

CRIMINAL APPREHENSION

At the end of Level I each handler and dog will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical situation with the dog on
line:

(1) The dog will take a "jute" arm.
(2) The dog to be taken off the arm on command
"out".
(3) The dog to be tethered three meters away
from quarry
(4) Handler searches suspect.
(5) Handler takes proper route from dog to
suspect and return to dog.
(6) Handler and dog escort suspect away.

At the end of Level II each handler and dog will be
able to:

(B) Give a practical situation the dog will:

(1) Chase a fleeing suspect wearing a jute arm.
(2) The dog will take the "jute" arm.
(3) The dog will release arm on command "out".
(4) The dog will "stay" three meters away from
the quarry.
(5) The handler searches suspect.
(6) Handler takes proper route from dog to
suspect and returns to the dog.
(7) Handler and dog escort suspect away.

At the end of Level III each handler and dog will be
able to:

(C) Given a practical situation the dog will:

(1) Chase a fleeing suspect wearing a concealed
guard arm (normal appearance) at least 15
meters.
(2) The dog to take the suspect by the arm.

(3) The dog to hold the suspect for at least
one (1) minute with the suspect lifting the
dog off the ground to confirm bite with
handler out of sight.
(4) The dog will release his grip on the
command "out" and return to the "heel"
position with handler three meters from dog
and suspect.
(5) The dog will "stay" three (3) meters from
the suspect.
(6) The handler will search the suspect taking
the proper route from dog to suspect and
return.
(7) The handler escorts the suspect away
approximately two meters behind the
suspect.
(8) Call back - where suspect flees and
suddenly gives up, the dog should not make
the bite. There should be no contact
between quarry and dog.
(9) The dog will attack a suspect wearing a
hidden sleave. The suspect will fire 2
shots as the dog approaches and 2 shots
once the dog is in contact. The dog will
continue the attack and maintain a firm
grip on the suspect.

OUTDOOR SEARCHES

At the end of Level II each dog handler will be able
to:

(A) Given a practical situation and working with the
police dog off leash search for and locate a
concealed person in a rural environment.

The search will include:

(1) Quartering - Pattern and proper use of
wind.
(2) Bush and open area.
(3) Approximately 1.6 sq. km.
(4) To be completed in 20 minutes.

(B) Given a practical situation and working with the
police dog off leash search for and locate four
medium sized concealed articles of clothing (not
washed) in a suburban area. The search will
include:

(1) Quartering - pattern and proper use of
wind.
(2) 2 articles concealed approximately 24 hours
prior to commencement of search and 2
articles freshly deposited.
(3) Approximately 100 m. sq.
(4) To be completed in 20 minutes.

(C) Given a practical situation and working with the
police dog on leash in a roadside ditch search
for and locate a freshly fired revolver thrown
from a vehicle into natural concealment. The
search will include:

(1) Pattern and proper use of wind.
(2) Moderately travelled highway.
(3) Distance of 1.6 Km.
(4) Search to be done in one hour.
(5) Area 15 meters in width
(6) Moderate vegetation in ditch
(7) Revolver to be thrown in centre of search
area.

NOTE: Throughout this series of exercises the dog must
show continuous interest after completion of
search.

SMALL OBJECT SEARCHES

At the end of these sessions and Level III the
handler and dog will be able to:

(A) Given a practical situation search for and
locate small objects (buttons, coins,
cartridges) in an urban environment. The search
will include:

(1) Flat grass covered area of approximately 25
square meters.
(2) In an urban environment.
(3) Grass length not more than 8 centimetres.
(4) Four articles.
(5) Search to be completed in 20 minutes, 5
minute intervals minimum continuous search
time.
(6) Dog must show continuous interest after
completion of search.

If the dog is worked on line at the end of Level III
then he must meet the above objective working off line at
six months follow-up to training. Failure to meet the
standard off line at this time will require remedial
training until the standard is met.

URBAN SEARCHES (Alley Search)

At the end of Level III each handler and dog will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical situation search for and
locate evidence articles. The search will
include:

(1) Urban environment.
(2) Four concealed articles.
(3) Known animal scent distractions.
(4) Area approximately 875 square meters.
(5) Search to be completed in 30 minutes, 10
minute intervals minimum continuous search
time.

If the dog was worked on line at the end of Level III
then he will be required to perform the above
objective "off Line" at the six months follow-up to
training.

BUILDING SEARCHES

At the end of II each handler and dog will be able
to:

(A) Given a practical situation search for and
locate a concealed person in a building. The
search will include:

(1) An unoccupied warehouse.
(2) Quarry will be concealed at least 15
minutes prior to the search.
(3) Area approximately 100 meters by 100
meters.
(4) Maximum of 3 meters above floor level.
(5) Police dog off leash.
(6) Search to be completed in 30 minutes.

(B) Given a practical situation search for and
locate a concealed weapon in a building. The
search will include:

(1) Weapon not recently fired.
(2) Weapon concealed at least one half hour
prior to search.
(3) Maximum of 1 1/2 meters above floor level.
(4) Police dog off leash.
(5) Area approximately 25 meters by 25 meters.
(6) Search to be completed in 20 minutes.
- 13 -

NARCOTIC SEARCHES

At the end of Level II each handler and dog will be
able to with the police dog on leash:

(A) Search for and locate soft drugs
(Marihuana/Hashish/Hash Oil). The search will
include:

(1) Inside an occupied building.
(2) Four drug hides of medium difficulty.
(3) The drug hide a maximum of 1 1/2 meters
above floor level.
(4) Area 130 square meters approximately.
(5) Search to be completed in 20 minutes.

At the end of these sessions and Level III each
handler and dog will be able to, with the dog on
leash:

(B) Search for and locate hard drugs (Heroin and
Cocaine). The search will include:

(1) Inside an occupied building.
(2) Four drug hides of medium difficulty.
(3) The drug hide a maximum of 1 1/2 meters
above floor level.
(4) Area 130 square meters approximately.
(5) Search to be completed in 20 minutes.

(C) Administer narcotic antidote for all series of
drugs.

VEHICLE SEARCHES

At the end of Level III each handler and dog will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical situation search for and
locate narcotics and/or weapons in a vehicle.
The search will include:

(1) Standard size passenger vehicle.
(2) Narcotic/weapon concealed inside vehicle.
(3) Proper search pattern.
(4) Proper use of A/C or heater fan.
(5) Dog on leash for exterior search and off
leash for interior search.
(6) Search to be completed in 10 minutes.

EXPLOSIVE DETECTION (If need identified)

At the end of Level III each handler and dog will be
able to with the dog on leash:

(A) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) Cargo area
(2) Medium difficulty
(3) In normal cargo containers.
(4) Area by 100 by 50 meters.
(5) "Sit" conformation
(6) Environment distractions
(7) Search to include a minimum 20 minutes
continuous search time.

(B) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) An ungroomed aircraft.
(2) Concealed in washroom.
(3) Concealed in contaminated baggage.
(4) Concealed in overhead baggage area.
(5) "Sit" confirmation.
(6) Search to include a minimum 15 minutes
continuous search time.
(7) Environmental distractions.

(C) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) Terminal building.
(2) 20 meters of lockers.
(3) Environmental distractions.
(4) "Sit" confirmation.
(5) Search to include a minimum 10 minutes
continuous search time.

(D) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) A row of 25 assorted suitcases.
(2) Indoors/outdoors.
(3) Environment distractions.
(4) "Sit" confirmation.
(5) Search to include a minimum of 10 minutes
continuous search time.

(E) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) A standard size passenger vehicle.
(2) Concealed on vehicle exterior.
(3) Outdoors
(4) Minimum 20 vehicles in search.
(5) Environmental distractions.
(6) "Sit" confirmation.
(7) Search to include a minimum of 20 minutes
continuous search time.

(F) Given a practical situation search for and
locate an explosive device. The search will
include:

(1) Inside the terminal building.
(2) Concealed in package or hand luggage.
(3) Placed randomly seating/waiting
room/washroom area.

(G) Explosive Dog Teams will be required to achieve
a minimum find rate of 18 out of 20 hides under
the following validation guidelines:

(1) The following types of explosives will be
used at least once per dog team:

(a) Commercial Dynamite (nitro & ammonia).
(b) C4
(c) DM12
(d) PETN Base (detasheet detaprime)
(e) TNT Base (nitropel, pentolite, cordet)
(f) Smokeless Powder (single & double
base)
(g) black powder
(h) Slurry (AN/SN Base)
(i) Cords and Fuses
(j) Other

(2) All explosives will be hidden out of plain
sight, contained in luggage, cargo, etc.,
dependent on search scenario, to maximum
eight feet high.

(3) The test will consist of one area without
training aids being hidden (blank).

(4) Explosive training aids will be in place a
minimum of 20 minutes prior to the start of
a search.

(5) Explosive training aids will be placed in
high density areas, ie passenger lounge,
restrooms, etc., during the
terminal/suspicious parcel search.

(6) Searches will be conducted following local
procedures. The validator will not attempt
to change the search pattern of an EDT.

(7) The validator will prevent the handler from
rewarding the detector dog on a false
response.

(8) A missed explosive aid, due to handler
error, will be considered a miss in the
testing.

(9) The search will be conducted using the same
procedures that would be used if the
validator were not present. A critique
including recommendation will be conducted
at the conclusion of the testing.

Failure to meet the desired standard will result
in the withdrawal of the Explosive Dog Team
until the standards have been met.

LEGAL ASPECTS

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Outline the sections of the Criminal Code of
Canada that deal with the authority of a peace
officer to use force to affect an arrest with or
without a warrant without error.

(B) Outline the sections of the Criminal Code of
Canada that deal with "fresh pursuit" to search
a dwelling and arrest with or without a warrant
without error.

(C) Given a practical situation in tracking a
suspect from A, B, and E, outline the authority
to arrest the suspect without a warrant.

(D) Outline authorities in the Narcotic Control Act
without error relative to:

(1) Search and seizure.
(2) Damage to property during search.
(3) Possession of narcotics for legal purpose.

(E) Outline authorities in the Excise Act relative
to search and seizure without error.

(F) Explain in general terms the consequences of the
police service dog's actions criminally and
civilly.

(G) Outline sections in Criminal Code pertaining to
individuals' legal rights.

(H) Outline authorities in the Explosive Act without
error relative to:

(1) Possession of explosives (permit).
(2) Transportation of explosives.
(3) Storage of explosives.
(4) Criminal Code provisions respecting
explosives.

COURT EVIDENCE

At the end of these sessions each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical case prepare a presentation
for court, either written or in the "mock"
court, which will include:

(1) Qualification of the dog master.
(2) Qualification of the police service dog.
(3) Description of the case in question.

(B) Explain verbally or in writing the issues in the
following case law pertaining to police service
dogs from information given:

(1) Rex vs. White 1926-3 D.L.R. 1
(2) Paterson vs. Nixon 1960 - Scots Law Times
(3) Reg vs. Haas - 1962 - B.C. Supreme Court
1964 - B.C. Court of Appeal

(4) Reg vs. Barr I C.C.C. (3d) 47 Provincial
Court of Alberta

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

(i) Transport of Police Service Dogs

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Explain four areas that reflect the safety and
comfort of the police dog when travelling by air
transportation.

(B) Explain safe travel of the police dog in the
police vehicle and include:

(1) Use of screen in vehicle.
(2) Ventilation
(3) Danger of carbon monoxide.
(4) Use of air conditioning.

(C) Explain safe travel of the police dog by:

(1) Helicopter
(2) Snow machine
(3) Boat
(4) Rapid transit

(ii) Crowd Control

At the end of these sessions each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Outline two items of equipment required by the
police dog in crowd control.

(B) Outline four items of equipment required by the
dog master in crowd control.

(C) Explain control and safety of the police dog
under crowd control conditions.

(D) Outline the development program with the
tactical troop giving three critical areas of
concern.

(E) Given a practical situation the police dog team
will disperse a group of unruly people in unison
with the tactical troop in an expeditious
manner.

(iii) Emergency Response Teams

(Supplemental certification of Level III.
Only if dog handler is fully trained and
experienced in E.R.T.)

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Outline the equipment required by the dog
handler to assist E.R.T. from the uniform and
dress manual.

(B) Explain the protective equipment required for
the quarry during E.R.T. training exercises.

(C) Explain the overall control of the police dog.

(D) Outline the continued training program giving
three critical areas of concern.

(E) Given a practical situation complete the Police
Officers' Physical Abilities Test. (P.P.P.A.T.)

(F) Explain department policy regarding the use of
police dogs with E.R.T.

(G) Given a practical situation of a hostage taking,
have the police dog successfully execute a room
assault. The police dog will attack the
perpetrator, render him useless and release his
bite on command.

(H) Given a practical situation conduct an open
field scouting session, locate the quarry
through the indication of the police dog without
being detected. The police dog team will use
the cover available.

(I) Given a practical situation conduct a building
approach without being detected using the cover
available.

(iv) In-Service Training

(A) Explain verbally five ways to educate other
operational police officers with respect to the
use of police dogs in order to enhance the
police service.

NOTE: Administration responsibilities will vary
depending on individual department policy
and will therefore require separate testing
standards.

HISTORY

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Explain the relationship between man and dog and
how man has developed them for specific uses.

(B) Explain man's uses of dogs over the past 200
years.

(C) Explain the use of dogs in police work
including:

(1) Ghent Belgium
(2) Germany
(3) France
(4) England
(5) United States
(6) Canada

(D) Explain the dog handlers role in contemporary
policing and the importance of public relations.

ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF POLICE SERVICE DOGS

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Explain the police service dog including:

(1) Origin of the breed.
(2) Standards of the breed.
(3) Characteristics of the breed.

(B) Explain the police service dog including:

(1) Physical characteristics
(2) Temperament
(3) Age
(4) Sex
(5) Physical condition
(6) Size

(C) Explain verbally or in writing the procedure to
follow when a dog is offered to the force
without error.

(D) Explain the action to be taken when the force
requires dogs.

(E) Explain the procedure for disposition of police
service dog including potential police service
dogs.

HANDLING OF EXHIBITS

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Given a practical situation or a narcotic search
properly handle the exhibit by:

(1) Not letting the dog make contact with the
exhibit.

(2) Utilize trainer as the exhibit man.

(B) Explain the importance of preserving evidence
when exhibits are found while tracking or
searching including explosive exhibits.

GAS & FLASH/STUN GRENADES (Include in E.R.T. training
for police dog handlers)

At the end of this session each dog handler will be
able to:

(A) Outline the equipment required and name the
types of gas used by the Force.

(B) Explain the proper manner to conduct
familiarization.

(C) Given a practical situation proceed through gas
and explain any affects the gas has on his
police service dog.

(D) Explain the dangers associated with gas on the
police service dog.

(E) Describe the impact of Stun/Flash Grenades on
police service dogs and precautions necessary to
avoid ear damage.

Note: During training exercises, dogs become
accustomed to gun fire and therefore
should not be startled or adversely
affected by stun/flash grenades,
providing they are kept at a
reasonable distance to avoid ear
damage.

|APPENDIX I: MUNICIPAL POLICE DOG TRAINING COURSE

A central training facility should be established under the
auspices of the Police Academy, staffed by Master Police Dog
Trainers to provide the following syllabus of basic training.

The course for handlers and dog together consists of 70 working
days and is broken down into three levels of continuous
training. Standards for each level must be met before
proceeding to the next level.

LEVEL I

DAY CLASSROOM PRACTICAL

1 Course Orientation Familiarize Man and dog -

2 Training Philosophy Familiarization Man and
Stress dog - rural and urban
TEMPERAMENT TEST DOGS

3 Dog Care - Grooming Familiarization Man and
Dog Care - Kennelling dog - rural and urban

4 Dog Care - Nutrition
Dog Care - Diseases and
First Aid (presented by
Veterinarian)

5 Obedience Continued on a daily basis
until objectives for Level I
have been met consistently

6 Agility Continued on a daily basis
until objectives for Level I
have been met consistently

7 Criminal Apprehension Continued as required to
meet the Level I objectives
consistently

8 Scent - Tracking Continued on a daily basis
until objectives for Level I
have been met consistently

25 Evaluation

LEVEL II

DAY CLASSROOM PRACTICAL

26 Obedience, Agility and
Tracking to be continued on
a daily basis until
objectives for Level II
are met consistently.
Criminal Apprehension to be
continued as required to
meet objectives of Level II
consistently.

Retrieving To be continued as required
to meet the objectives of
Level II consistently

28 Outdoor Searches To be continued as required
to meet Level II objectives
consistently.

30 Building Searches To be continued as required
to meet Level II objectives
consistently.

32 Narcotics OR Explosives To be continued as required
to meet Level II objectives
consistently.

33 Vehicle Searches

34 Handling of Exhibits

36 History

50 Evaluation Level II

LEVEL III

DAY CLASSROOM PRACTICAL

51 Obedience and Tracking to be
continued on a daily basis
until objectives for Level
III are met consistently.

Criminal Apprehension to be
continued as required to
meet the objectives of Level
III consistently.
Retrieving to be continued
to meet the objectives of
Level III consistently.

52 Small object searches To be completed as required
to meet the Level III
objectives.

53 Urban searches To be continued as required
to meet the Level III
objectives.

54 Public Relations and
Management Administrative
Responsibilities

55 Operational Responsibilities
& E.R.T.

56 Specialized Equipment and
Training Aids

57 Crowd Control Gas Familiarization

58 Acquisition and
Disposition of PS Dogs
Puppy Rearing

60 Continued Training Continue to meet objectives
Scent Discrimination

70 Evaluation Level III

After successful completion of Level III it is necessary that
handlers and their dogs requalify annually (Field Level
Qualification) in order to demonstrate their competence.

The next step involves the development of a Level IV validation
test with emphasis on a higher level of obedience; retrieving;
criminal apprehension; tracking; and searching (small articles,
urban, narcotics).

Experienced handlers will be encouraged to challenge Level IV
and on successfully attaining 90% or more will be entitled to a
Masters Certificate.

This standard is still in the development stage by the R.C.M.P
and when completed will be reviewed by the Police Dog Standards
Committee with a view to adoption.

APPENDIX II: POLICE DOG HANDLER SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible candidates for selection should have completed five
years of general police duty and meet the following criteria:

- Be willing to serve as a dog handler for a
minimum of four years in order that the
department and member may derive the maximum
benefit, as the dog has a seven to nine year
useful working life and should ideally be teamed
with the same handler throughout.

- Be in above average physical condition and have
successfully completed the Police Officers'
Physical Abilities Test (POPAT) in under 4
minutes and 15 seconds within the past six
months.

- Successfully complete a medical examination
which should include a check for allergies such
as asthma etc.

- Through past performance has demonstrated a high
degree of perception, patience, initiative,
self-discipline and ability to make sound
judgments often under stressful conditions.

- Has successfully completed the Advanced Tactical
Driving Course available through the Justice
Institute of B.C.

- Possess a valid first aid certificate.

Other factors to be considered are:

- Performance evaluations for the past five years;

- Previous interest shown in police dogs, i.e. has
the candidate volunteered to quarry?

- Matching dog with handler, i.e. an aggressive
dog requires a dominant, strong-willed handler;

- Family environment - interview spouse/family in order to ascertain that appropriate support is present. Explain bonding process which must be between the handler and the dog, not the dog with the family.

- Living accommodation - Handler must have a house with fully fenced yard and be prepared to accept kennel on concrete pad.

- Where applicable require candidate to possess the ability to map and compass read.

Section Team - To include dog handlers at the Master's level drawn from the candidate's department and outside police dog units to judge both the potential candidate and dog.