This police dog is working on his agility skills.
Police dogs are highly trained, athletic animals that serve the valuable function of keeping men and women in the line of fire safe. Whether searching for drugs, protecting their partners or walking a beat, police dogs all go through the same training basics.
Obedience
Police dogs have an extremely high level of obedience training. Logging hundreds of thousands of hours, these dogs are worked relentlessly until their obedience is unwavering and unthinking, no matter the situation. Police dogs are taught "sit," "down," "stay," "come," "stand," "heel" and "drop." The last command is considered the most important, as it could save the dog's life. When the command to "drop" comes, the dog hits the ground like a rock. He doesn't move until released by his human partner. Heel keeps the dog close to the handler's side, without pulling on the leash. It ensures he stays under control. The rest are standard obedience commands.
Protection
Police dogs are carefully schooled in protection. They must not only be able to bite on command, but also release on command. They are also taught to protect their human partner. If their partner is attacked, the dog will attack the threat. While the dogs appear to be very serious, it's all a game to them. They are carefully controlled and are far from vicious.
Tracking
All police dogs have rudimentary tracking skills. They're trained to run a basic, half-mile-long track in a variety of weather conditions. They're also taught to roam through a building and ensure it's clear of people. If a person is found, the dog will take his handler to the hidden person.
Agility
This police dog is carefully taught to cross a thin board.
Police dogs are taught to follow their handlers anywhere. The dog is taught to jump fences, climb ladders and go through windows. The dog is taught to fear nothing, and will try anything his partner directs him to do.
Specialty
Most police dogs have a specialty. Some dogs sniff for drugs and others are used for explosives detection. These dogs are trained to equate the smell of whatever their supposed to find with the smell of their favorite toy. Gradually, they are weaned away from the toy to only the scent of their target find.
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