K-9 Patrol

I would like to introduce you to my dog Grizzly

Grizzly is a Germen Sheperd that was specially bred for the R.C.M.P. Of all the dogs that are bred for the RCMP, only 5% make it to active duty. I now have Grizzly because he did not track well enough. I am glad he did not make it because he is a wonderful companion. After I got Grizzly I started to wonder about the whole procedure involved in how and where the R.C.M.P. get their dogs. So this page is a snapsot of the K-9 section of the R.C.M.P.

History
  • 1908 to 1935
During the early years, privately-owned dogs were occasionally used by members to assist them in their investigations.
  • 1935 to 1937
The RCMP dog section was formed in 1935 with the acquisition of three German shepherds: Black Lux, Dale of Cawsalta and Sultan. In 1937, Commissioner MacBrien, satisfied with the value of police dogs, ordered an RCMP training school for dogs and handlers to be established at Calgary.
  • 1940 to 1947
In 1940, the RCMP won its first case involving dog search evidence. In 1947 the Superior Court of New Brunswick upheld a conviction in R vs STOKES for arson.
  • 1965
The RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre was established at Innisfail, Alberta in 1965.

The Dogs

The RCMP uses purebred German shepherds as well as Belgian shepherds in perfect physical condition; male dogs are usually chosen. The Force considers these breeds to be the best choice for police work as they are adaptable, versatile, strong, courageous and able to work under extreme climatic conditions.

The dog starts its police training when it is from 12 to 18 months old. Basic training is approximately 17 weeks, but training never really ceases as daily practice is required to maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness. Dogs and handlers are validated to the Doghandler Course Training Standard Field Level capability every year.

The Handlers

Dog handlers are regular members who volunteer for this particular duty. Although expertise is acquired through training and experience, a dog handler should have a tolerance towards animals and be capable of appreciating the known dog instincts.

What They Do
  • Locating lost persons
  • Tracking criminals
  • Searching for narcotics, explosives, illicit alcohol and stills
  • Crime scene evidence and lost property
  • VIP protection
  • Crowd control, in conjunction with tactical troops
  • Avalanche search and rescue
  • Hostage situations
  • Police/community relations

Quick Facts
  • A dog can search a car in approximately three minutes.
  • There were 107 teams across Canada in 1995.
  • The dogs can work up to four hours with rest intervals.
  • The total cost of training for a dog that makes it to active duty is $60,000.
  • My dog cost me $800.00, and he is worth every penny.

For More Information

OIC Police Dog Service Training Centre,
Box 6120,
Innisfail, Alberta,
T4G 1S8

OIC Training and Research Section,
Training Directorate,
Ottawa, K1A 0R2

or

the local RCMP dog handler.

References

RCMP Homepage

Interview with Const. Gerard, RCMP Detachment, Nanaimo, BC.

Derek Beeston
1998