[Selena van Leeuwen]

David, do the new handlers train the dog or do they have to learn how to handle a drugsdog?

 

[Selena van Leeuwen]

I´m asking ´cause here all dog are all trained and the handler have to learn how to deal with a trained dog (PSD´s and all sorts of searchdogs).

In the case the whole combination must learn the job, i think you´ve short classes...sorry.

PSD here (in our region) are pre trained KNPV, and the slight differences in the PSD programmes are easy compensated. The handler to be has an trial period of a few months (learning by seeing/experiencing decoy work/ work alongside with an very experienced handler on the street), than he gets a dog. Both get trained on the PSD programme for about 2 mo, they get certified.

 

[Selena van Leeuwen]

I mean that 10 wks IMO is short to train both the dog and the handler..

If I compare it to the PSD in our region the training time is from 6 mo-1 yr for the combination is good enough to work on the streets.

 

[Selena van Leeuwen]

Understand the handler has already completed police training, that was 26 weeks, this is just dog and handler training.

DFrost

I guess all police education is shorter in the US.

Here police academy is 4 yr, they learn academics 3 months, work for 3 months, academics 3 months etc.
Before a cop can become a handler,they must have at least a few years of street experience and have a certain rank (hoofdagent).

 

[Selena van Leeuwen]

Oh i talked this topic over with my husband.

The dogs who are bought for his department (with another words the ones he thinks are suitable): 90 % is PH1 certified bought(average 436 out of 440 points, 2 went to the nationals). With an experienced handler, it takes 3 mo. to get the combination certified on the street. With a novice handler: see my previous post.