Police dog mauls handler and is then shot dead

[CorvusCorax]

The other thing is budget constraints.

Years ago forces all over the world would meet, train together, collaborate, learn from each other. I don't know if this still happens.
Some forces had their own breeding operations, which can be expensive and not necessarily successful/with a high wash rate.

At some establishments on the continent, a force would name their budget and be told 'look at the dogs in block 3'. Then special forces from one country or another would arrive with money to burn and be directed to a different block.

Trainers and instructors would visit kennels and see what they were breeding and take time to assess them.

Now a lot of dogs are donated and trainees on courses are sometimes given failed police dogs, rescue dogs or rehomes to work with.

It is my firm belief that genetics are really important...things like redirection/venting, resource guarding, tail chasing, poop eating, lameness, skin problems, dental issues, environmental sensitivty, all things that can be a problem for service dogs, can all be pinpointed through the lines and looked out for. Without pedigrees or at least knowledge/geekery, it's a lot harder to formulate a training plan or select a horse for the course, IMO.

 

[blackcob]

I will repeat....the dog with a courage to take on an adversary in a stressful situation will also be strong enough to withstand stress from the handler. It will not break them to receive a tough correction. The people who think that some of these dogs can be trained with no correction whatsoever/think it is cruel, and that they can still be safe/reliable service dogs and social with everyone, are often looking for unicorns.

2.5 hours of travelling yesterday and an afternoon spent marching about absolutely piss wet through to finally have this sink in

 

[twiggy2]

The other thing is budget constraints.

Years ago forces all over the world would meet, train together, collaborate, learn from each other. I don't know if this still happens.
Some forces had their own breeding operations, which can be expensive and not necessarily successful/with a high wash rate.

At some establishments on the continent, a force would name their budget and be told 'look at the dogs in block 3'. Then special forces from one country or another would arrive with money to burn and be directed to a different block.

Trainers and instructors would visit kennels and see what they were breeding and take time to assess them.

Now a lot of dogs are donated and trainees on courses are sometimes given failed police dogs, rescue dogs or rehomes to work with.

It is my firm belief that genetics are really important...things like redirection/venting, resource guarding, tail chasing, poop eating, lameness, skin problems, dental issues, environmental sensitivty, all things that can be a problem for service dogs, can all be pinpointed through the lines and looked out for. Without pedigrees or at least knowledge/geekery, it's a lot harder to formulate a training plan or select a horse for the course, IMO.

The last time I had anything to do with police dogs was just over 5 yrs ago but fir at least 5yrs before that the 3 forces I had links to were not taking in dictated and one had established a breeding programme and the other 2 were setting them up.
The biggest issue I found as did other around me was that so many of the dogs lacked confidence and were reactive due to nerves.
I am sure all they all vary in their set up and I don't doubt your experiences (mine were very limited) but it was a worry.

 

[Mynstrel]

Media reporting that it's a Mali x Herder

Lancs police are saying mali

 

[CorvusCorax]

Lancs police are saying mali

Again, a lot of dogs are a bit of a mishmash. Particularly if brought in from the continent. There was a failed police dog at our club (environmental sensitivity) that had about three microchips....

 

[CorvusCorax]

The last time I had anything to do with police dogs was just over 5 yrs ago but fir at least 5yrs before that the 3 forces I had links to were not taking in dictated and one had established a breeding programme and the other 2 were setting them up.
The biggest issue I found as did other around me was that so many of the dogs lacked confidence and were reactive due to nerves.
I am sure all they all vary in their set up and I don't doubt your experiences (mine were very limited) but it was a worry.

Forces have gone in and out of having breeding programmes over the years. For sure environmental sensitivity is a big problem. All that pizazz...speed, flashy heelwork etc...mostly comes from nerve. Which is a problem for a police dog when it leaks out over slippy floors or open stairs or loud noises.