‘Taz’ the New Kid …er…New DOG on the Block
This 2 year old Shepherd from the RCMP’s dog breeding program at Innisfail, Alberta just finished his official training on November 17th and he is doing very well says his human partner, Corporal Colin Warwick. “He shows lots of promise, and has already had a couple of successes.”
The name Taz is a short form for the Tasmanian devil, anyone who has seen a Bugs Bunny cartoon knows that character is fast, and has a voracious appetite. The canine ‘Taz’ has loads of energy, is fast, and has an appetite to please, because when he gets it right, he gets his favourite toy, a ball on a tug line.
(at right, Taz shows his pearly whites as he grabs for the ball – photo 250News)
Taz is part of the succession program, and replaces ‘Baron’ meaning there are some very big paws to fill. Another well known member of the Canine Unit, ‘Azar’ is expected to retire in the spring. “Hopefully Taz will have at least a fraction of the success those dogs have had” says Cpl. Warwick.
Taz will undergo special training in order to not only sniff out bad guys, but drugs as well.
“He passed all the tests really quickly, and he had a really quick progression through the training program”. But training exercises are one thing, there will need to be lots of what Cpl. Warwick calls “on the road experience”, meaning actual on the job work where you just never know what to expect . “We encounter a lot of people who get very desperate to avoid apprehension and that reality is something that can only be learned on the road whether you’re a human police officer, or a four legged one. Until you actually encounter people who are really trying hard to resist you, you can’t simulate that in a training session accurately.”
But Taz is already showing promise, having successfully tracked a couple of suspects in two separate incidents in Quesnel. One case in particular showed just how tenacious this young dog can be “He successfully tracked a suspect who had a 2 and a half hour lead on us” says Cpl Warwick, ” It was great work, picking up that scent, it was a high risk event with back up from the Emergency Response team. Taz was able to locate him (the suspect) pretty quickly overall given the time the guy had as a head start on us. That was a real proud moment, and really showed well for his (Taz’s) ability to work on the road.”
Taz also successfully tracked a truck theft suspect in Quesnel. “A couple of quick successes on the road” says Cpl Warwick whose pride in his four legged partner was evident in the broad smile on his face “Hopefully a sign of good things to come.”
For now, it’s training in the snow, and getting that ball toy when he gets it right……. and Taz gets it right …..a lot.
Comments
” Don’t Taz me bro”
I always smile a little on the inside when when one of the dogs have success and send the ‘bad guy’ to the hospital for treatment.
Probably the only justice the perp will see.
Our local canine unit “taking a bite out of crime”…and the occasional criminal too! These four legged officers and their human counterparts have my respect. The amount of training that they do is intense, and the bond between them is admirable. Keep up the good work.
I wonder what the SPCA has to say about an animal being sent into harms way and being taught to be vicious? Oh wait this is not a rodeo or a circus!
“I wonder what the SPCA has to say about an animal being sent into harms way and being taught to be vicious? Oh wait this is not a rodeo or a circus!”
This comment would be a candidate if Darwin awards were being handed out for such things.
Apprehending criminals without loss of life or limb is vicious? Try telling that to the victims of crime or the men and women who serve to protect.
The dogs are well pensioned off after two years of service. They are trained for about a year. So for approximately 35% of their life they are either being trained and or working. They get to live in a good family environment.
When on duty for the three years, I do believe they spend their rest period in a family environment instead of in a kennel.
At the time of retirement, they get retrained to be a pet.
Correct me on my statement, anybody, if I am totally wrong.
I read the other day that a ‘runaway perp’ assaulted the RCMP dog who apprehended him. I’d like to see situations, such as this, where the dog is assaulted or injured by someone, that the person is charged with “Assault on a RCMP Canine Unit”. Every time these dogs go to work, they are putting their lives on the line. They are so brave and loyal. We owe them so much.
Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 @ 11:53 AM by CanWeMakeADifference? with a score of 4
I read the other day that a ‘runaway perp’ assaulted the RCMP dog who apprehended him. I’d like to see situations, such as this, where the dog is assaulted or injured by someone, that the person is charged with “Assault on a RCMP Canine Unit”. Every time these dogs go to work, they are putting their lives on the line. They are so brave and loyal. We owe them so much.
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Reread the previous story. The guy was charged with “assaulting a police officer”. Imagine that, if you try to stop a dog from eating you, you get charged with assault.
prophet I think you are lacking in reading comprehension. I was just pointing out an observation. Settle down dude.
Having had dogs of many breeds, all large dogs, all my years I know for a fact that most dogs are happiest when working. This is true whether they are guard dogs, herders, hunting, guide, or police dogs. A dog that dosn’t work becomes a dog unable to think and make decisions. Those animals are generally very hyper and restless. A well trained dog has a very different attitude towards life and people.
In younger days, I was a practice dummy for some of these dogs, just glad the D8 was close by on one occasion. They and their handlers have got a special place in my heart.
Seamutt, just so yuh know, I got yer joke!
The hilarity is in the courtroom when these guys come in bandaged up, everybody knows this alleged criminal is a bit dumber than the rest, lawyers need to be mindful of that fact, asking questions twice and slowwwly……….
I think the most rewarding part of their duty is when they find a person who’s lost, an incredible feeling.
I’m a little surprised that their working life is only two years. Why is that?
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