In this episode, Jerry Bradshaw discuss:

• There are a lot of reasons we’re seeing bad deployments/incidents recently
• As professional trainers, we often try to recommend the right dog, but handlers don’t always follow those recommendations.
• Don’t avoid picking a dog that may be “too much dog” for a handler. Encourage the handler to step up to handle the dog.
• 90% of certifications do not do anything to predict whether a dog will engage on the street.

Key Takeaways:

• Having Police K9’s who fail to engage is unsafe, but the context is important.
• Handlers don’t always know how to choose the right dog to train because they’re not trainers.
• Active, involved cops are going to get some “Use of Force” complaints. If you don’t have any, maybe you’re not the most aggressive officer.
• Daily training is critical. 8-16 hrs/month done over a few days each month is not enough.

Relevant articles to reference from today’s episode:

K-9 Cop Magazine article: Simple-Lure Reward System
Balancing Independence with Handler Focus in Sport and Police Dogs
Restraining Canine Drives-Capping And Neutrality Part 1
Restraining Canine Drives- Capping And Neutrality Part 2
Working Dog Magazine – Drive Neutrality for Police Dogs