Prince George, B.C. – They came from Manitoba, Alberta and B.C. all members of the RCMP Canine Unit or those who want to become members, and we aren’t just talking about the 2 legged officers.

 

A certification workshop was underway near the Prince George Airport this afternoon. Dogs and their handlers were running exercises to show obedience and control. The exercises   included RCMP officers who are hoping to join the canine unit. They would be the  “quarry” to test the dog’s agility and response. (click on photo above for video of dogs, handlers and “quarry” in action)

 

The workshop not only gives senior experienced officers a chance to examine the dog’s behaviour, it also provides an opportunity for them to watch the “quarry” and see how they interact with the dogs. 

 

Those who are   working to get into the dog unit, will train several pups before they are paired with the one that will be their partner.

 

While all dogs come from the RCMP canine program in Innisfail and all are German Shepherds, the preferred bloodline is the Czechoslovakian  working line. “They typically have all the qualities that are needed for this kind of work” says Corporal Colin Warwick of the Prince George canine unit. “First they are not prone to some of the issues other German Shepherds have, such as the sloping back and , hip problems. It’s also working ethic as well, where they are known for their trainability, their loyalty, their stamina and strength and their desire to please.”

 

Training for the dogs begins when they are just 5 days old, before their eyes open, says Corporal Warwick,   as the pups are stimulated to different touch, sounds and smells.

 

Typically, the dogs are trained to respond to praise and a favourite toy when they have  performed their required duty. Food rewards can be used, but it all depends on what works best for the individual dog. For Faro, a 12 week old pup that is just in the beginning stages of his training, (shown in photo at right)   it was all about his “Kong” tug toy.  There was no shortage of energy and enthusiasm for getting at that toy when it was produced.

 

While most of the working RCMP dogs are male, Corporal Warwick says there are some females that have  made excellent police dogs, however, those females who exhibit all the top qualities may be best used in the breeding program where their offspring will hopefully have many of “mom’s” traits as well.

 

There are  four  trained dogs and handlers  with the Prince George detachment of the RCMP.