We have announced our next spring and summer conference locations in California and Lousiana.
West Coast Conference - Alameda County, California - May 30th - June 5th inclusive - Registration form
Southern States Conference - New Orleans, Louisiana - April 19th - April 24th, inclusive - Registration Form
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
CNCA Conference
CNCA
CALIFORNIA NARCOTIC & EXPLOSIVE
CANINE ASSOCIATION
18th Annual Training Seminar
January 12-15, 2009
Burbank, California
HOLIDAY INN MEDIA CENTER, BURBANK CALIFORNIA RESERVE ROOMS EARLY
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (818)841-4770 & MENTION CNCA FOR SPECIAL RATES
NARCOTIC AND EXPLOSIVE
K9 DETECTION TRAINING
-NEW CURRICULM & EXPANDED HOURS- CALIFORNIA POST APPROVED-
Nationally and Internationally recognized as the leader in K9 detection training, CNCA is again bringing you instructors who are experts and leaders in the field of K9 training and handling.
Don Blair: Commercial Vehicle Smuggling Brent Craven : The Aerodynamics of Canine Olfaction
Terry Fleck: K-9 Legal Update for 2009 Dan LaMaster/Chris Bertoli: Basic Handling
Tom Manson: Power Point for Public Safety Rex Stockham/Martin Grime - Forensic Canines
Dan Tagles -Basic K9 EDD/Intro to Terrorism Fred Helfers – Asset Forfeiture
Rich Barrett – Vehicle Interdiction John Pearce – Increasing Proficiency & Performance
Steve Sloan – Parcel Interdiction Scott Blum/Joe Priebe – K9 Supervision
Ken Licklider - Basics of learned behavior! Steve Austin – Foundation of K-9 Detection
Dr. Kirk Yeager – IED update Dr. Ken Furton – Chemistry of Scent
Dr. Pam Reid - Excel-erate Your Dogs Learning Ken Wallentine - Survive and Thrive in Court
Dr. Bill Grant – K-9 First Aid Robert Lukason – Smuggling Trends & Compartments
Robert L. Gillette – K9 Training & Conditioning Randy Hare - K9 BehaviorDavid Kontny - Bombing Prevention & Trends Jim Winder-Administration of Explosive K9 Deployment
Classroom only, No K9’s
-SPACE IS LIMITED-The last two years have
been sold out! Register early!
For complete instructor list, conference fees,
Updated information and pre-registration,
WE WELCOME YOU TO
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
www.cnca.com
CALIFORNIA NARCOTIC & EXPLOSIVE
CANINE ASSOCIATION
18th Annual Training Seminar
January 12-15, 2009
Burbank, California
HOLIDAY INN MEDIA CENTER, BURBANK CALIFORNIA RESERVE ROOMS EARLY
FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (818)841-4770 & MENTION CNCA FOR SPECIAL RATES
NARCOTIC AND EXPLOSIVE
K9 DETECTION TRAINING
-NEW CURRICULM & EXPANDED HOURS- CALIFORNIA POST APPROVED-
Nationally and Internationally recognized as the leader in K9 detection training, CNCA is again bringing you instructors who are experts and leaders in the field of K9 training and handling.
Don Blair: Commercial Vehicle Smuggling Brent Craven : The Aerodynamics of Canine Olfaction
Terry Fleck: K-9 Legal Update for 2009 Dan LaMaster/Chris Bertoli: Basic Handling
Tom Manson: Power Point for Public Safety Rex Stockham/Martin Grime - Forensic Canines
Dan Tagles -Basic K9 EDD/Intro to Terrorism Fred Helfers – Asset Forfeiture
Rich Barrett – Vehicle Interdiction John Pearce – Increasing Proficiency & Performance
Steve Sloan – Parcel Interdiction Scott Blum/Joe Priebe – K9 Supervision
Ken Licklider - Basics of learned behavior! Steve Austin – Foundation of K-9 Detection
Dr. Kirk Yeager – IED update Dr. Ken Furton – Chemistry of Scent
Dr. Pam Reid - Excel-erate Your Dogs Learning Ken Wallentine - Survive and Thrive in Court
Dr. Bill Grant – K-9 First Aid Robert Lukason – Smuggling Trends & Compartments
Robert L. Gillette – K9 Training & Conditioning Randy Hare - K9 BehaviorDavid Kontny - Bombing Prevention & Trends Jim Winder-Administration of Explosive K9 Deployment
Classroom only, No K9’s
-SPACE IS LIMITED-The last two years have
been sold out! Register early!
For complete instructor list, conference fees,
Updated information and pre-registration,
WE WELCOME YOU TO
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
www.cnca.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008
High Risk Tactical Tracking
High Risk Tactical Tracking: Passing the Baton
PC Pam Carter K9 Unit
PC Todd Arsenault Hostage Rescue/Emergency Task Unit
Niagara Regional Police Service
High-risk tracking is one of the most dangerous aspects of being a K9 handler. The backup officer inherently accepts the risk as they keep the K9 team safe. This was very evident as every police officer waited in anticipation during the intense manhunt of Ralph (Bucky) Phillips in New York State in September of 2006.
A wanted felon, he had shot a State Trooper during a traffic stop. He was not taken into custody at that time and had eventually fled deep into the woods of New York. Every available resource was deployed to capture this dangerous man. A high-risk track was possibly the only opportunity to secure this violent criminal. Prior to being captured, he shot two tactical officers as they were in the woods, killing one of them. He was eventually taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot, but not without a tremendous loss to the policing community.
In another tragic incident, a K9 team were shot and killed during a high-risk track in Polk County, Florida on September 28 2006. K9 Deputy Matt Williams and his partner Police Service Dog Diogi were deployed to track a male who had escaped into the woods after fleeing from a traffic stop. The suspect opened fire on Deputy Williams and his escort as they tracked him, shooting Deputy Williams eight times, killing him. K9 Diogi was also shot and killed during this incident. The escorting deputy was shot once in the leg, wounding him.
The odds are against any K9 team when the suspect lies in wait, an ambush situation that we need to be prepared to encounter. A tactical presence during high-risk tracking is often overlooked in police training and deployment. We need to remember lessons learned from these tragedies when we are tracking dangerous offenders.
The relationship between K9 and the TL (team leader) is critical; K9 provides tactical with an incredible locating tool and tactical provides K9 advance protection and an adaptable arrest team. . Depending on the size of your Service, the TL may consist of a member of the tactical unit, a designated K9 escort, or a patrol officer who has been assigned to that role. In each case, it is imperative that there is an understanding between the two officers as the entire team is potentially entering an ambush situation as they look for an armed suspect. Ensuring that every officer is assigned an area of responsibility and understands their assignment prior to each deployment will greatly reduce the element of surprise when the suspect is finally encountered. This operation, if practiced regularly, can become a smooth and deliberate deployment that will allow you to take individuals into custody with a reduced risk factor. The most critical aspect of this relationship is for each party to know when to assume control and when to pass the baton to the other.
K9 Perspective/Preparing your K9 for high risk deployment
The K9 officer and their Police Service Dog (PSD) need to be a fluid team before they are confronted with any high-risk track. This requires experienced teamwork as the ramifications are severe if mistakes are made. The more comfortable you are working as a team, the easier the exercise will be. One of the most important aspects is the relationship that you have with your PSD, and the relationship between your PSD and the escorts.
Preparation is the key. If you are going to be working with a fairly consistent team and the PSD will be expected to perform with them, it is imperative that they have been exposed to each other. This can be done during training exercises or when your tactical team is preparing for warrants or a high risk takedown. Bring your PSD into the building where the meeting is going to be held during preparation for the warrant. Then if the circumstances allow, your PSD is brought into the room where you will be briefed. He is not on lead, no obedience is expected from him, he is free to wander and sniff as he pleases. There should be no stress in this portion of the training, you want your dog to learn to relax around your team mates. Depending on the dog’s temperament, the officers are free to pet him, ignore him, whatever works for them. The point is to desensitize your dog to their presence. Seeing the tactical officers should not automatically signal your PSD that they are immediately headed to work. Once you have your assignments, follow the team as they head to a training area if they proceed with rehearsals. This is in full gear, exiting their respective vehicles, yelling as if giving commands to the suspects and announcing their presence. This is a great time to have your PSD at the sidelines watching. Correct him for barking or whining, and keep him calm. Reward him for his quiet behavior, there is nothing wrong with giving him his tug, toy, whatever will lower his stress. There is a lot of movement and noise that may trigger him to bark. It is important that your PSD learns to be quiet at the onset; you cannot have the dog sabotage the entry of the team to a residence because of their nervous noise. If he gets vocal, you can move a few steps backward. When he has been quiet for a period of time, he can then move forward. Positive behavior allows him to move closer to the action. Small steps with the desensitization will give you a better chance that reliable behavior will be repeated at the actual deployment. Use the training from warrant preparation, it will assist you when you are tracking with tactical officers in full gear that can look very similar to agitation equipment. Having your PSD present at as many tactical training days as possible, is a way to prepare your dog for the elements of high risk tracking. Having the tactical team members play with your PSD, throwing the ball or playing tug of war is a great way to set a base for the desired behaviour.
It is also important to ensure your PSD is used to working with the distraction of a team trailing behind them. They need to be focused at the task at hand, and not concerned about what is behind them or the extra noise of the escort officers. Practice this ahead of time.
K9 Deployment
The TL needs to be the eyes and ears of the K9 team as the handler is occupied watching for the subtle behavior changes of the dog. This TL is directly behind the handler and acts as his bodyguard and his eyes up front. As all K9 handlers already take into account, wind direction can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Although we have no control over this factor, we must be very aware of the possible effects. A handler must communicate the possible effects to the TL prior to the track, and ensure that he/she educates other back-up officers who are part of the tracking team. Due to tracking downwind, or possibly the suspect doubling back, the K9 team may pass through an area without detecting the suspect. It is important, therefore, that other officers understand that, through no fault of the K9 team, they may be the first to spot the armed suspect and he may actually be very close in proximity.
Throughout the track, it is imperative that the K9 handler consistently updates the TL as to changes in the PSD’s behavior. For example, if the handler notices the dog’s head is up, possibly indicating the PSD is air-scenting the suspect, this needs to be communicated immediately to the TL. The TL has the opportunity to warn his backup team with that information. If it proves not to be the suspect, no foul, but a few second lead to the location of the suspect is one of the valuable aspects of using a PSD as a locating tool.
The PSD needs to have repeated this training maneuver many times prior to an operational deployment. The K9 team can practice this exercise without an escort team, then by the time you add the tactical officers it will be much less of a distraction for the dog. It is important to keep the track fun for the dog. The slow pace, downs, and distance have to be introduced separately. The dog needs to know that finding the badger is their priority. Start with a training exercise where you know exactly where the badger is hidden and then reward him for those early indications. If the operational track is old, there might not be a tremendous amount of odour at the beginning of the track. If your PSD is very leash sensitive, he might be confused at the slower pace required for high-risk tracking. This can shut down some dogs if they are not used to this pace or being slowed down by pressure on the harness. They need to realize that the consistent pull on their harness is not a correction. This is where an occasional “down” can be more appropriate. It provides the fully kitted ETU officer a reasonable pace and gives them a chance to work with the terrain. They also may be changing formations as they follow behind you. Consistently training with your PSD where the high-risk tracks are slow-but short in length-is a good idea. Work on one component at a time. Do not turn this into an obedience exercise. Then make the reward at the end of these training tracks be well worth being slowed down throughout the track. It is suggested that at the beginning of this training that you work with a very fresh track, downing your PSD, and then continuing on after a 10 second stop. Your PSD will learn by repetition that they will be rewarded and move forward after a short delay. This is also a time where your PSD has to be completely silent. Some dogs will bark to initiate movement and they have to be corrected. Have some sort of corrective collar on your PSD separate from your harness for this correction if required. If your PSD tends to be vocal, then your initial training tracks can be worked solely to correct that issue. Several of the components can be worked independently from the high-risk tracking. Take your dog to a field and track a decoy with intermittent downs without any escorts. Have your PSD familiar with this concept. This will prepare your PSD prior to the tracking exercise. Once again, only work one issue at a time.
Silence, slow speed, consistent downs, and then finally distance. Overall, the dog needs to know that finding the suspect is his priority.
Tactical (TL) Perspective
From a tactical perspective, the primary role is to protect the K9 officer and the secondary role is to arrest the suspect. The best way to fulfill both of these roles is to understand the most effective techniques for tracking, namely, formations. It is important to note that the type of formation is dependent upon the terrain, number of officers, and experience level of the tracking team. Regardless of formation, the K9 team takes the physical lead, while the TL and back-up officers adjust their movements accordingly.
One of the most common scenarios is a closed terrain or a heavily wooden area with linear features (e.g. ridgeline, railway bridge, etc.) When tracking a closed area, single file formation is typically the most appropriate. This configuration offers the TL easy control of the tactical team and excellent defense from side attacks. A disadvantage to this formation is the lack of officers able to produce adequate fire directly to the front or rear of the team, leaving K9 more vulnerable. For a basic-level procedure, the TL should stay very close to the K9 handler for all movements, with the PSD obviously leading. The TL actually should stay within a step of the handler. With the K9 officer focused on the dog and his/her hands occupied with a leash and flashlight, it is up to the TL to provide immediate protection for the handler when needed. For a more advanced tactical team, the TL can assign a bodyguard to liaison with K9. The TL would then take the third position in line in order to carefully watch the formations of the larger tactical team and take command if the situation dictates. Within this procedure, the TL, designated bodyguard/liaison, and K9 must have clear communication.
The other most common scenario is an open ground high-risk track (e.g. field, lightly wooded, parking lots, etc.). There are two dominant formations to address an open ground situation, namely, arrowhead and diamond. When working with a small team, a TL should organize back-up officers in an arrowhead formation. The TL will usually position himself/herself at the tip of this pattern along with K9. The TL may take a flank position for a better assessment of the situation, if an experienced tactical officer is available to act as bodyguard/liaison at the tip of the arrowhead. This formation offers better protection for K9 and the whole team as it is less vulnerable to frontal and rear fire, provides adequate protection of flanks, and allows better arcs of view to officers. A drawback to this arrowhead formation, when the TL is positioned at the tip, is that control is more difficult. The TL has to constantly make rear checks to ensure officers are accurately configured for balanced protection. A diamond formation will ideally be used when five or more officers are present and the TL has sufficient experience in leading such a maneuver. The TL should take a position in the center of the diamond. This offers the TL maximum control of team movements with better methods of communication. For example, he/she can take advantage of visual contact with team members to maintain structure and can receive or deliver hand signals to minimize sound. Furthermore, a diamond pattern gives members of the tracking team equal protection from all angles of attack.
During high-risk tracking in any of these formations, the TL and back-up officers have to be aware of light and sound discipline. PSDs do not need light for effective tracking, and thus K9 officers often use darkness to gain distance on a fleeing suspect. Officers, therefore, need to consider limiting their use of flashlights, particularly in open areas. If possible, utilize specialty equipment, such as night vision goggles or thermal imaging devices. Tactical officers should repeatedly scan near, middle and far ground throughout the track. Flanking officers in formation should closely scan parallel tree lines, brush lines or side streets to guard against possible ambush. As mentioned earlier in the article, the K9 handler will be closely watching his/her PSD and may track past the suspect if disadvantaged by winds. Sound discipline is also important when striving for the element of surprise to safely apprehend a dangerous offender. Sound discipline can be achieved with the use of hand signals and/or an earpiece for radio communications.
When the suspect is located it is vital to have a ‘contact drill’ in order. The ‘contact drill’ provides a quick and simple indication of the suspect’s location to all officers. Any individual in the track can call out this locator immediately upon detection. The officer should yell “contact,” followed by the direction and approximate distance to the suspect. The direction given should be oriented to the bearing of the track at that time. The distance given should be standardized, prior to an operational track, in ‘yards’ or ‘feet.’ Notifying fellow officers of the distance allows all members to establish the range to the suspect and react appropriately. This prevents the miscalculation of a dangerous offender’s location. For example, if a right flank officer spots the suspect approximately 40 yards to the right of the track then the command yelled should be “contact, right 40.”
The officer who has located the suspect begins the verbal arrest procedure and the team moves into an extended line facing the suspect. Establishing an extended line is obviously simple for single file formation. When using an arrowhead or spearhead formation, and the suspect is located to the right of the track, the right flank officer will hold their position and provide cover, while the left flank officer swings around like a gate to form the extended line. The opposite procedure occurs for a suspect located to the left of the track. During these movements, the team should maintain adequate spacing between members. If they converge, it is easier for the suspect to engage multiple officers in an exchange of gunfire.
As officers make contact with the suspect, the K9 handler should simultaneously ‘pass the baton’ to the TL. K9 needs to immediately withdraw at least ten yards behind the team. At this stage, the tactical team’s role is to engage the threat and protect K9 from harm’s way. K9 is a locating tool and other officers are more equipped to complete the arrest after a high-risk track. If the team needs additional support, K9 should become a rear guard and stay in this position until the arrest is complete or until directed to re-engage by the TL. With K9 repositioning, the TL and his/her team has room to change formation to take the suspect into custody. This is not a time for the arrest team to worry about walking in front of an ‘excited’ PSD or injuring the dog if an armed confrontation ensues with the suspect. Furthermore, the loud barking of the PSD can prevent clear communication between the TL and his/her officers and between the TL and the suspect.
Once K9 is positioned behind the extended line, the TL immediately makes a plan to take the suspect into custody. The established extended line presents the suspect with a serious show of force, thus encouraging him/her to surrender peacefully. It also provides flexibility to the tactical officers to either call a compliant suspect back to them, deploy lethal or non-lethal weapon systems, or establish cover to allow a flanking team to take the suspect into custody. If the suspect chooses to flee, the PSD and the handler will be ‘passed the baton’ once again and the high-risk track continues. If the suspect surrenders, the PSD escorts the arresting officers and the suspect back to the cruisers.
Concluding Remarks: Working Together
High-risk tracks can only be successful when K9 and tactical teams work in concert. K9 provides leadership for locating the suspect and the TL provides leadership for protecting all members of the track and apprehending the suspect. These roles cannot be defined at the time of a critical incident. Rather, the partnership must be cultivated through ongoing joint training. Training should focus on the following elements: effective communication, PSD behaviour, tactical formations, contact drills, and safe arrest procedures. More specifically, the K9 handler needs to inform tactical officers of PSD behaviour indicators and ensure training exercises focus on the unique pace and length of high-risk tracks. Tactical/back-up officers need to rehearse formations and contact drills that are appropriate for various terrain, officer levels and TL expertise. For the safest possible arrest procedure, K9 must pull back and allow tactical to assume control of the situation. It must be remembered that when tracking an armed suspect, and facing potential ambush, the best way for tactical members and K9 to protect themselves is by working together. Throughout a high-risk tactical track, each part of this team must know when to ‘pass the baton’ to the other and when to take it back again.
PC Pam Carter K9 Unit
PC Todd Arsenault Hostage Rescue/Emergency Task Unit
Niagara Regional Police Service
High-risk tracking is one of the most dangerous aspects of being a K9 handler. The backup officer inherently accepts the risk as they keep the K9 team safe. This was very evident as every police officer waited in anticipation during the intense manhunt of Ralph (Bucky) Phillips in New York State in September of 2006.
A wanted felon, he had shot a State Trooper during a traffic stop. He was not taken into custody at that time and had eventually fled deep into the woods of New York. Every available resource was deployed to capture this dangerous man. A high-risk track was possibly the only opportunity to secure this violent criminal. Prior to being captured, he shot two tactical officers as they were in the woods, killing one of them. He was eventually taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot, but not without a tremendous loss to the policing community.
In another tragic incident, a K9 team were shot and killed during a high-risk track in Polk County, Florida on September 28 2006. K9 Deputy Matt Williams and his partner Police Service Dog Diogi were deployed to track a male who had escaped into the woods after fleeing from a traffic stop. The suspect opened fire on Deputy Williams and his escort as they tracked him, shooting Deputy Williams eight times, killing him. K9 Diogi was also shot and killed during this incident. The escorting deputy was shot once in the leg, wounding him.
The odds are against any K9 team when the suspect lies in wait, an ambush situation that we need to be prepared to encounter. A tactical presence during high-risk tracking is often overlooked in police training and deployment. We need to remember lessons learned from these tragedies when we are tracking dangerous offenders.
The relationship between K9 and the TL (team leader) is critical; K9 provides tactical with an incredible locating tool and tactical provides K9 advance protection and an adaptable arrest team. . Depending on the size of your Service, the TL may consist of a member of the tactical unit, a designated K9 escort, or a patrol officer who has been assigned to that role. In each case, it is imperative that there is an understanding between the two officers as the entire team is potentially entering an ambush situation as they look for an armed suspect. Ensuring that every officer is assigned an area of responsibility and understands their assignment prior to each deployment will greatly reduce the element of surprise when the suspect is finally encountered. This operation, if practiced regularly, can become a smooth and deliberate deployment that will allow you to take individuals into custody with a reduced risk factor. The most critical aspect of this relationship is for each party to know when to assume control and when to pass the baton to the other.
K9 Perspective/Preparing your K9 for high risk deployment
The K9 officer and their Police Service Dog (PSD) need to be a fluid team before they are confronted with any high-risk track. This requires experienced teamwork as the ramifications are severe if mistakes are made. The more comfortable you are working as a team, the easier the exercise will be. One of the most important aspects is the relationship that you have with your PSD, and the relationship between your PSD and the escorts.
Preparation is the key. If you are going to be working with a fairly consistent team and the PSD will be expected to perform with them, it is imperative that they have been exposed to each other. This can be done during training exercises or when your tactical team is preparing for warrants or a high risk takedown. Bring your PSD into the building where the meeting is going to be held during preparation for the warrant. Then if the circumstances allow, your PSD is brought into the room where you will be briefed. He is not on lead, no obedience is expected from him, he is free to wander and sniff as he pleases. There should be no stress in this portion of the training, you want your dog to learn to relax around your team mates. Depending on the dog’s temperament, the officers are free to pet him, ignore him, whatever works for them. The point is to desensitize your dog to their presence. Seeing the tactical officers should not automatically signal your PSD that they are immediately headed to work. Once you have your assignments, follow the team as they head to a training area if they proceed with rehearsals. This is in full gear, exiting their respective vehicles, yelling as if giving commands to the suspects and announcing their presence. This is a great time to have your PSD at the sidelines watching. Correct him for barking or whining, and keep him calm. Reward him for his quiet behavior, there is nothing wrong with giving him his tug, toy, whatever will lower his stress. There is a lot of movement and noise that may trigger him to bark. It is important that your PSD learns to be quiet at the onset; you cannot have the dog sabotage the entry of the team to a residence because of their nervous noise. If he gets vocal, you can move a few steps backward. When he has been quiet for a period of time, he can then move forward. Positive behavior allows him to move closer to the action. Small steps with the desensitization will give you a better chance that reliable behavior will be repeated at the actual deployment. Use the training from warrant preparation, it will assist you when you are tracking with tactical officers in full gear that can look very similar to agitation equipment. Having your PSD present at as many tactical training days as possible, is a way to prepare your dog for the elements of high risk tracking. Having the tactical team members play with your PSD, throwing the ball or playing tug of war is a great way to set a base for the desired behaviour.
It is also important to ensure your PSD is used to working with the distraction of a team trailing behind them. They need to be focused at the task at hand, and not concerned about what is behind them or the extra noise of the escort officers. Practice this ahead of time.
K9 Deployment
The TL needs to be the eyes and ears of the K9 team as the handler is occupied watching for the subtle behavior changes of the dog. This TL is directly behind the handler and acts as his bodyguard and his eyes up front. As all K9 handlers already take into account, wind direction can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Although we have no control over this factor, we must be very aware of the possible effects. A handler must communicate the possible effects to the TL prior to the track, and ensure that he/she educates other back-up officers who are part of the tracking team. Due to tracking downwind, or possibly the suspect doubling back, the K9 team may pass through an area without detecting the suspect. It is important, therefore, that other officers understand that, through no fault of the K9 team, they may be the first to spot the armed suspect and he may actually be very close in proximity.
Throughout the track, it is imperative that the K9 handler consistently updates the TL as to changes in the PSD’s behavior. For example, if the handler notices the dog’s head is up, possibly indicating the PSD is air-scenting the suspect, this needs to be communicated immediately to the TL. The TL has the opportunity to warn his backup team with that information. If it proves not to be the suspect, no foul, but a few second lead to the location of the suspect is one of the valuable aspects of using a PSD as a locating tool.
The PSD needs to have repeated this training maneuver many times prior to an operational deployment. The K9 team can practice this exercise without an escort team, then by the time you add the tactical officers it will be much less of a distraction for the dog. It is important to keep the track fun for the dog. The slow pace, downs, and distance have to be introduced separately. The dog needs to know that finding the badger is their priority. Start with a training exercise where you know exactly where the badger is hidden and then reward him for those early indications. If the operational track is old, there might not be a tremendous amount of odour at the beginning of the track. If your PSD is very leash sensitive, he might be confused at the slower pace required for high-risk tracking. This can shut down some dogs if they are not used to this pace or being slowed down by pressure on the harness. They need to realize that the consistent pull on their harness is not a correction. This is where an occasional “down” can be more appropriate. It provides the fully kitted ETU officer a reasonable pace and gives them a chance to work with the terrain. They also may be changing formations as they follow behind you. Consistently training with your PSD where the high-risk tracks are slow-but short in length-is a good idea. Work on one component at a time. Do not turn this into an obedience exercise. Then make the reward at the end of these training tracks be well worth being slowed down throughout the track. It is suggested that at the beginning of this training that you work with a very fresh track, downing your PSD, and then continuing on after a 10 second stop. Your PSD will learn by repetition that they will be rewarded and move forward after a short delay. This is also a time where your PSD has to be completely silent. Some dogs will bark to initiate movement and they have to be corrected. Have some sort of corrective collar on your PSD separate from your harness for this correction if required. If your PSD tends to be vocal, then your initial training tracks can be worked solely to correct that issue. Several of the components can be worked independently from the high-risk tracking. Take your dog to a field and track a decoy with intermittent downs without any escorts. Have your PSD familiar with this concept. This will prepare your PSD prior to the tracking exercise. Once again, only work one issue at a time.
Silence, slow speed, consistent downs, and then finally distance. Overall, the dog needs to know that finding the suspect is his priority.
Tactical (TL) Perspective
From a tactical perspective, the primary role is to protect the K9 officer and the secondary role is to arrest the suspect. The best way to fulfill both of these roles is to understand the most effective techniques for tracking, namely, formations. It is important to note that the type of formation is dependent upon the terrain, number of officers, and experience level of the tracking team. Regardless of formation, the K9 team takes the physical lead, while the TL and back-up officers adjust their movements accordingly.
One of the most common scenarios is a closed terrain or a heavily wooden area with linear features (e.g. ridgeline, railway bridge, etc.) When tracking a closed area, single file formation is typically the most appropriate. This configuration offers the TL easy control of the tactical team and excellent defense from side attacks. A disadvantage to this formation is the lack of officers able to produce adequate fire directly to the front or rear of the team, leaving K9 more vulnerable. For a basic-level procedure, the TL should stay very close to the K9 handler for all movements, with the PSD obviously leading. The TL actually should stay within a step of the handler. With the K9 officer focused on the dog and his/her hands occupied with a leash and flashlight, it is up to the TL to provide immediate protection for the handler when needed. For a more advanced tactical team, the TL can assign a bodyguard to liaison with K9. The TL would then take the third position in line in order to carefully watch the formations of the larger tactical team and take command if the situation dictates. Within this procedure, the TL, designated bodyguard/liaison, and K9 must have clear communication.
The other most common scenario is an open ground high-risk track (e.g. field, lightly wooded, parking lots, etc.). There are two dominant formations to address an open ground situation, namely, arrowhead and diamond. When working with a small team, a TL should organize back-up officers in an arrowhead formation. The TL will usually position himself/herself at the tip of this pattern along with K9. The TL may take a flank position for a better assessment of the situation, if an experienced tactical officer is available to act as bodyguard/liaison at the tip of the arrowhead. This formation offers better protection for K9 and the whole team as it is less vulnerable to frontal and rear fire, provides adequate protection of flanks, and allows better arcs of view to officers. A drawback to this arrowhead formation, when the TL is positioned at the tip, is that control is more difficult. The TL has to constantly make rear checks to ensure officers are accurately configured for balanced protection. A diamond formation will ideally be used when five or more officers are present and the TL has sufficient experience in leading such a maneuver. The TL should take a position in the center of the diamond. This offers the TL maximum control of team movements with better methods of communication. For example, he/she can take advantage of visual contact with team members to maintain structure and can receive or deliver hand signals to minimize sound. Furthermore, a diamond pattern gives members of the tracking team equal protection from all angles of attack.
During high-risk tracking in any of these formations, the TL and back-up officers have to be aware of light and sound discipline. PSDs do not need light for effective tracking, and thus K9 officers often use darkness to gain distance on a fleeing suspect. Officers, therefore, need to consider limiting their use of flashlights, particularly in open areas. If possible, utilize specialty equipment, such as night vision goggles or thermal imaging devices. Tactical officers should repeatedly scan near, middle and far ground throughout the track. Flanking officers in formation should closely scan parallel tree lines, brush lines or side streets to guard against possible ambush. As mentioned earlier in the article, the K9 handler will be closely watching his/her PSD and may track past the suspect if disadvantaged by winds. Sound discipline is also important when striving for the element of surprise to safely apprehend a dangerous offender. Sound discipline can be achieved with the use of hand signals and/or an earpiece for radio communications.
When the suspect is located it is vital to have a ‘contact drill’ in order. The ‘contact drill’ provides a quick and simple indication of the suspect’s location to all officers. Any individual in the track can call out this locator immediately upon detection. The officer should yell “contact,” followed by the direction and approximate distance to the suspect. The direction given should be oriented to the bearing of the track at that time. The distance given should be standardized, prior to an operational track, in ‘yards’ or ‘feet.’ Notifying fellow officers of the distance allows all members to establish the range to the suspect and react appropriately. This prevents the miscalculation of a dangerous offender’s location. For example, if a right flank officer spots the suspect approximately 40 yards to the right of the track then the command yelled should be “contact, right 40.”
The officer who has located the suspect begins the verbal arrest procedure and the team moves into an extended line facing the suspect. Establishing an extended line is obviously simple for single file formation. When using an arrowhead or spearhead formation, and the suspect is located to the right of the track, the right flank officer will hold their position and provide cover, while the left flank officer swings around like a gate to form the extended line. The opposite procedure occurs for a suspect located to the left of the track. During these movements, the team should maintain adequate spacing between members. If they converge, it is easier for the suspect to engage multiple officers in an exchange of gunfire.
As officers make contact with the suspect, the K9 handler should simultaneously ‘pass the baton’ to the TL. K9 needs to immediately withdraw at least ten yards behind the team. At this stage, the tactical team’s role is to engage the threat and protect K9 from harm’s way. K9 is a locating tool and other officers are more equipped to complete the arrest after a high-risk track. If the team needs additional support, K9 should become a rear guard and stay in this position until the arrest is complete or until directed to re-engage by the TL. With K9 repositioning, the TL and his/her team has room to change formation to take the suspect into custody. This is not a time for the arrest team to worry about walking in front of an ‘excited’ PSD or injuring the dog if an armed confrontation ensues with the suspect. Furthermore, the loud barking of the PSD can prevent clear communication between the TL and his/her officers and between the TL and the suspect.
Once K9 is positioned behind the extended line, the TL immediately makes a plan to take the suspect into custody. The established extended line presents the suspect with a serious show of force, thus encouraging him/her to surrender peacefully. It also provides flexibility to the tactical officers to either call a compliant suspect back to them, deploy lethal or non-lethal weapon systems, or establish cover to allow a flanking team to take the suspect into custody. If the suspect chooses to flee, the PSD and the handler will be ‘passed the baton’ once again and the high-risk track continues. If the suspect surrenders, the PSD escorts the arresting officers and the suspect back to the cruisers.
Concluding Remarks: Working Together
High-risk tracks can only be successful when K9 and tactical teams work in concert. K9 provides leadership for locating the suspect and the TL provides leadership for protecting all members of the track and apprehending the suspect. These roles cannot be defined at the time of a critical incident. Rather, the partnership must be cultivated through ongoing joint training. Training should focus on the following elements: effective communication, PSD behaviour, tactical formations, contact drills, and safe arrest procedures. More specifically, the K9 handler needs to inform tactical officers of PSD behaviour indicators and ensure training exercises focus on the unique pace and length of high-risk tracks. Tactical/back-up officers need to rehearse formations and contact drills that are appropriate for various terrain, officer levels and TL expertise. For the safest possible arrest procedure, K9 must pull back and allow tactical to assume control of the situation. It must be remembered that when tracking an armed suspect, and facing potential ambush, the best way for tactical members and K9 to protect themselves is by working together. Throughout a high-risk tactical track, each part of this team must know when to ‘pass the baton’ to the other and when to take it back again.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Learning Concepts
With the vast training styles available in the world, it has become a common saying that the only one concept any two dog trainers can agree on is what the third one is doing wrong.
Even so, regardless of the training techniques used by today’s trainers, most have some degree of success. Even in the last twenty years the concepts of police dog training have seen a vast variety of techniques used. Some have gained popularity while others have lost their luster. In some cases, the techniques seem to cycle like many popular fads.
Training, in its simplest form, is the application of pain or pleasure to a given behavior in order to obtain the desired results. Over the years however, we have had a tendency to lean towards the use of compulsion, pain compliance and negative reinforcement, applying the human thought process to the application of canine training techniques.
One of the greatest failures of law enforcement trainers is our resistance to ideas from someone outside the law enforcement circle who just may have some techniques that are better than ours.
For example, why do so many trainers continue to use compulsive-based methods of training when motivational techniques seem to provide so much more stability and better long-term success in a finished animal? My entire foundation of training, when I started training dogs, was fundamentally compulsive, however over the years I have watched dogs trained in different sports and for different job related applications and have learned that there are always better concepts to training if I am willing to be open minded and learn about them.
One example of a training style that I enjoy watching is that of agility dog competitors. If you have ever had an opportunity to watch these dogs compete, then you know the talent that is
involved in getting these dogs to perform. Much of what they do is similar to the K9 agility courses police dogs work on, with much more added to it. The dogs run up and down ramps, learn to jump at specific locations off the ramps, weave in and out of poles, run through tunnels and jump over various obstacles. Points are assessed based on the best speed, with time added for any mistakes during the run. At what point during this program would compulsive training be applicable?
Another example of motivational or operant conditioning training techniques comes from the methods used by ocean mammal trainers. Virtually everyone at some point in his or her life has seen the performances of trained dolphins or whales at an aquarium attraction. Consider for a moment how those trainers develop an animal such as a killer whale to the point where the animal has a desire to perform specific actions on request. I think I can pretty safely say that none of them use compulsive methods of training, yet their performances are flawless.
The training styles mentioned above are dependent upon motivational training techniques. These techniques have been created as a direct result of the study of the animal behavior of the species on which they are working.
This is not to say that compulsive methods of training do not work, or are inapplicable in dog training. On the contrary, many compulsive techniques are used with varying degrees of success. Frequently a compulsive technique will solve a training issue very definitively and as such it still has its place, even in my own training regimens. However, the degree to which I use these methods, and the confidence I place in them have changed dramatically over the years. Compulsive training techniques are based on pain induced compliance. From a human thought process, this is effective and obtains the desired result. At least, this is what many trainers espouse.
However, if we look at the same animal and try to obtain the same desired result using motivational methods, experience teaches us that the results obtained are longer lasting with much less recidivism. The dog performs the desired actions with a positive attitude, and actually enjoys the process.
Why is there so much difference in success rates between the two methods? There are a number of reasons, but the most prominent explanation is simply that motivational techniques require the trainer to understand and apply concepts of animal behavior. In other words he or she understands how the canine mind functions and understands how to communicate with and shape the animals behavior. A good dog trainer understands fundamental canine behavior and is able to create desired results by communicating with the animal using techniques the animal is able to understand, rather than trying to get the dog to conform to human behavior.
Compulsive Training Techniques
Compulsive techniques can work to a degree in dog training and in fact, most of your training can be completed using compulsive methods. However the entire process is done using pain compliance or pain avoidance and the levels of compliance can be varied depending on each individual animal.
Take for example a simple heeling exercise and three levels of dogs. For this example we are going to assume that each dog we are working with has had no previous training. The first dog we work with is a dog that for the most part we would consider a “soft” dog, or a dog that is handler sensitive. We put a pinch collar or a choke chain on the dog and start to work a heeling exercise. As we proceed to move forward and the dog has its first correction, the likely reaction you will get is probably going to be one of confusion, maybe even of protest. A really weak dog may even go into a panic. Our compulsive method must adjust to a level where we don’t end up ruining the dog or damaging him to a point where it creates a social problem with him. On some very soft dogs, this method of training would never be appropriate.
Now let’s consider using the same technique on a good quality, levelheaded dog that is well suited for police work. He has passed all the basic requirements for testing and is now going into his first obedience session. Applying the same techniques as we applied on the “soft” dog, this dog is likely going to adjust quickly and perform very well, understanding and complying with the corrections given. Having said this, even a well-adjusted dog will have some negative reactions to some of the corrections and will at times show a small amount of “softness” to the handler if the handler is required to perform a strong correction.
The dog will be somewhat handler-sensitive at least for a moment subsequent to the correction, until the exercise continues to a point where the correction is forgotten. At this point the dog starts to come around and enjoy the exercise again, particularly if the appropriate verbal praise is being applied during the exercise. We then work the exercise to the point where the dog is provided an opportunity to repeat the previous mistake so that another correction can be administered. Again, through a pain stimulus, the dog complies and the exercise continues.
It is important here to note one basic fundamental concept regardless of the training style you use; the dog performs to satisfy himself. If a stimulus is strong enough to overcome the present activity the dog is performing, the canine instinct is to yield to the stronger stimulus. An example here would be in order. If during this heeling exercise a rabbit were to suddenly dart out in front of your dog, his instinct to pursue prey would likely be significant enough to cause him to break from the exercise.
A soft dog would likely be so sensitive to being on line that he would not even consider breaking. Our more level-headed dog will likely attempt to break, but with a good sharp correction he will likely comply in order to prevent the correction again. A very strong willed dog with a high pain threshold will very likely ignore your attempts to correct him and may continue to try to break away, even though the level of correction, even in a pinch collar, is very high. Thus stated, the stimulus for what you want your dog to do must place a greater desire in him to do what you want him to do rather than for him to break away to do what comes instinctively.
Now let’s take our heeling exercise and apply it to a dog that is extremely “Alpha”, a dog that would be considered a “hard” dog. These dogs frequently have such intensity that they can tolerate many corrections designed to enforce pain compliance. Many agencies prefer this type of dog as it shows all the strong confidence traits “right out of the box”. Dogs that are at the higher end of this spectrum may have a tendency to challenge the handler if the correction is being administrated physically via a leash and collar. They are also more apt to challenge a handler who corrects them improperly.
It is not unusual for a dog that is resistant or capable of tolerating high pain compliance methods to strike out and attack the handler during a training routine. Such a reaction can create a potentially dangerous precedent if the handler does not immediately overcome and defeat the aggressive assault by the dog. Should the dog win this situation in a decisive manner, there is potential for this undesirable behavior to continue and progressively worsen. This dog soon becomes a dangerous animal to attempt to control or work with.
Well-meaning handlers/trainers can even create this scenario in a dog that would not normally exhibit this type of behavior if they are consistently heavy-handed or if they correct heavily during inappropriate moments when the dog does not understand the reason for the correction. It is important that if the dog begins to exhibit behavior of an aggressive nature towards the handler, or inappropriate, unsocial behavior, whoever is working the dog should seriously consider their training regimen, and even reconsider whether the dog is an appropriate candidate.
Positive Reinforcement
Now take those same three basic types of dogs and put them into a positive training routine using motivation as the main method of training. In all three cases we are going to work these dogs in an enclosed environment, without any collars or other equipment on the dog.
We start each dog the same way, using his or her favorite toy, even food. It doesn’t matter what is used to do the training, as long as whatever is used is their strongest motivator. For my training, I usually prefer a ball such as a Kong. I can hold the Kong in any position I like in order to move the dog into the appropriate position. When the dog sits appropriately I immediately fire him the ball and give him verbal praise as well. The exercise continues as we begin the heeling exercise, and when the dog is in the appropriate position the ball again is thrown directly to the dog as a reward and small playtime is taken.
Regardless of what type of dog we are working, there is no negative involved. From the soft dog to the hard dog, the complete exercises are entirely motivational. Because there is never any negative reinforcement, there is no conflict between handler and dog. All three dogs are enjoying the routines, and even the hard dog is learning that the reward comes if and when the handler desires to give it to him. There is no conflict; therefore any opportunity for a harmful interaction between dog and handler has been removed.
As you can see, in all three personality types, the dogs are going to finish on a positive note, enjoying the interaction with the handler. The soft dog is going to enjoy the exercise with little or no negative reaction. The moderate dog is going to perform just as well without any negative effects of handler softness that may be created by physical corrections, and the hard dog is also going to finish the exercise with a strong positive outcome. In all three cases, the dogs’ attitudes towards the training experience are going to be positive ones.
A major advantage to operant conditioning techniques is that the behaviors can be taught without ever putting a collar on the dog. The handler learns to interact and work with the dog in a manner that the dog understands. The dog has a desire to complete the exercise as directed.
Your dog will never perform any task incorrectly, or do anything wrong if never given the opportunity to make a mistake.
This is where operant conditioning techniques shine. Compulsive techniques are based on correcting the dog for erroneous behavior, utilizing pain compliance only. However, if the dog gets some degree of satisfaction before the correction comes, he has learned that he can succeed through inappropriate behavior. Operant conditioning techniques provide the constant desire for the dog to perform correctly in order to receive a given reward, never allowing him to experience any level of satisfaction from an erroneous behavior.
Dogs trained using motivational techniques are easy to spot when watching them work and interact with their handlers. These are dogs that can be very intense, strong working dogs, however they are quite social and interact well with their handlers. In short, they enjoy the interactive relationship with their handlers. The end result at the end of a full course of training is a team that works well together and a dog that is stress-free and is obviously enjoying the work.
This motivational training style is also known as “operant conditioning”. In short, you are conditioning the animal in a manner where it will respond in a specific way to a stimulus or command provided. Once successfully performed, the dog receives a reward for the correct behavior. Thus you are shaping the behavior of the dog, conditioning him to respond to specific stimuli.
Electrical Stimulation
The use of electrical stimulation via remote collars works using the same concepts. The dog learns that he can turn off the stimulation when he is in the proper position or performing in an appropriate manner. If you apply the principles of learning concepts using a remote collar in the previous scenarios, you will find that you will have results similar to that of using positive motivation, even though you are in fact using negative reinforcement to obtain the desired results.
In fact, you may even find that the responses are quicker, as the dog knows that at certain points if he does not perform an established behavior fast enough, then the electrical stimulation will occur. Many trainers have a tendency to push their dogs to the limit using this concept, making the dog crisper and quicker to react to direction given. The end result is a dog that looks sharp and performs very well. Two major advantages in the use of remote collars are that the dog does not relate the correction to the handler/trainer, as occurs with on lead corrections, and that the stimulation can be done at increasing distances from the trainer.
There are negative sides to the use of electrical stimulation. If you watch carefully you will find that dogs trained using remote collars will have a tendency to anticipate the commands. While there is the benefit of instant correction, dogs trained using this method can have a tendency to break and commit to a particular behavior in an attempt to beat the negative reinforcement. (i.e.) when setting up to do a bite work exercise you may see the dog literally vibrating in anticipation of the command, his stress level will be up and sometimes the dog will break and start the exercise before receiving the command to do so.
Many dogs trained in this manner will constantly be “on the edge” due to the stress and intensity that comes with the use of electrical stimulation. While the dog performs as directed, the relationship with the handler, and the desire to accomplish the task at hand is achieved by an entirely different type of motivation than that of a dog trained using primarily operant conditioning techniques. This is a dog that is working to avoid the stimulation. His entire life is based on pain avoidance. This system is very effective, with the exception of situations where a dog becomes resistant to the stimulation, at which point the trainer must re-evaluate his options and the workability of the dog.
It should also be noted that not every dog is capable of coping with or understanding what is desired of him with the concepts of electrical stimulation. While applicable to dogs properly selected for law enforcement purposes, the use of remote collars would not be applicable to all dogs.
Looking objectively at all three methods of training, it becomes very clear that the best all around method of training is one that shapes the dog’s behavior by using techniques which use the dog’s natural instincts and does so in a positive light.
The training techniques I now endorse are those that use motivational, operant conditioning techniques. Wherever possible in my training regimens, the use of positive reinforcement is applied with minimal compulsion or negative reinforcements applied.
Training Methodology Comparison - Advantages & Disadvantages
Compulsive Techniques
Can be used on any level of dog, including younger candidates without any negative effect
Once learned, recidivism is rare
Minimal upkeep on learned concepts
Learning is a constant positive
Entirely stress-free for the dog
Dog consistently enjoys the working environment
Working relationship with the handler is always positive
Process requires many repetitions and can be time consuming
Electrical Stimulation
Remote capability
Maximum control of the dog at all times
Concept includes operant conditioning ideals based on canine behavior
Use of collar takes the handler out of the picture as to where the corrections originate
Training time is less than using strictly positive reinforcement
This is a concept bsed on pain avoidance, often abused or misused as a corrective device rather than as a training tool. As a result, the following applies:
Increases stress in the animal
Animal has a tendency to be “on edge”
Dependency on the collar to overcome training inadequacies
Requires a mature dog or a dog with confidence, not good for starting younger dogs
Requires basics be taught using other techniques before the collar concepts can be applied.
Genetic and Environmental Development
It is important to understand that there are basically two types of behavior inherent in any species, genetic (animal is born with built-in survival instincts) and environmental (learned behaviors through life experiences).
This is important to us as dog trainers in that we must understand that we cannot control what behaviors are genetically created in the dog. We know that in order to obtain quality dogs capable of meeting basic courage, stress, stability and hunting requirements for law enforcement work, we must have strong genetics to start with. For example, we cannot create courage or hunting instinct in the animal. We can however manipulate and build on these behaviors if they are there. The only way to control the genetic qualities of the stock we work with is through a selective breeding process using animals that exhibit the strongest genetic traits we require for police work.
We do however have control over environmentally created or learned behaviors. Just because we have a genetically sound dog that tests well in the initial selection process doesn’t mean the dog will work out.
We can make or break the dog by how well we develop him through the various stages of his life. Negative experiences can bring on learned behavior that will have long-term effects to the point where the dog will never overcome that experience. While initially he may have had the genetics to deal with most situations, he may have become environmentally unsound through improper upbringing, abuse or accidental incidents that caused him insecurity, pain or injury. These are developmental behaviors that we refer to as environmental. We have control over the animal’s environment and his learned behavior is a direct result of his lifelong experiences within his environment.
Therefore, in order for us to obtain the best possible candidates for law enforcement applications, we must be determined to develop the most genetically sound stock, and raise that stock in a manner that produces a challenging, yet positive learning environment, constantly building on the various basic behavioral building blocks given us by his genetic imprint.
Neural Basis of Learning
The following principles may seem somewhat complicated and irrelevant, however if you understand how the brain functions and how an animal learns, you will have a superior understanding of how to communicate and work with your dog.
For us to obtain maximum results from our training it is important for us to understand how the dog thinks and how he learns from a canine perspective rather than from a human perspective. We must realize that the dog cannot understand higher reasoning concepts. Therefore, in order to be good handlers and/or trainers, it is imperative for us to understand how the dogs mind works, how he thinks and learns. The concepts are similar in all creatures with a developed brain, each species having its own limitations.
In other words, we will first learn the concept of learning, then determine at what level the canine species is capable of learning. We then apply motivational principles that shape the dogs behavior in a way that gives the animal the desire to perform a specific action based on a specific situation and/or command given by the trainer.
Learning concepts hold true for all creatures with a developed brain. Behavior is a response to a given stimulus, producing a subsequent instinctive reaction (inherently genetic in the animal when it is born) or a reaction based on the learned behavior (environmentally-learned behavior) of the animal.
Lesser species rely more on instinct than learned behavior and higher species such as human beings have the ability to rely on both instinct as well as learned behavior involving cognitive reasoning.
The neural basis of learning is a process of cell interaction. Every time we learn something, we activate billions of brain cells that interact with one another. Whenever we complete the same exercise repetitively, generally speaking, the same cells in the brain are used to communicate what action needs to take place. A simple example would be in order here. When you are first learning to drive a car as a young person you were taught the concept of signaling your intentions before turning or making a lane change. In the beginning it was a conscious thought process, however as time progressed and your driving experience continued, you found yourself signaling without thinking.
The same process occurs in firearms training. We train using repetitive actions in order to learn how to do things quickly and without thinking. The purpose behind this is so that we will react instantly to a threat without having to go through a conscious thought process. Virtually anyone reading this book will have heard the term “muscle memory” as it refers to firearms training.
In reality, it is not our muscles that has retained that memory, but a series of brain cells that have been exercised through conscious repetition so many times that the action becomes autonomic.
How does this occur? Simply stated, cells interact with each other using a chemical to close the connection and communicate, referred to as a chemical synapse. Think of each connection as a “bridge” between two cells. This “bridge” is called an axon and is coated with a myelin chemical sheath. Each time those two cells communicate to perform a function a chemical is deposited on that “bridge”, continually building up the amount of chemical between the communicating cells. Thus, the frequency in which those cells are used increases the amount of chemical that is bridging that synapse. The thicker the chemical connection, the less conscious thought is required to accomplish the task, thus creating an automatic response without conscious thought. Each task we learn requires billions of these connections to repeatedly occur before the resulting response becomes automatic and without conscious thought.
In scientific terms, a chemical synapse coats the myelin sheath, which over time builds a coating on the axon so responses are autonomic and without conscious thought.
If we stop training for an extended period of time, our skills become substandard because the chemical synapse on the applicable axons begins to break down. Without constant updated training, we lose our skills, as the chemical coatings are not being renewed. However, skills that are well ingrained where the myelin sheath is extensively coated may take longer to lose and may be easier to recover with limited repetition.
This learning process continues through our lifetime and our skill levels are entirely dependent upon the amount of time and repetitions we are willing to perform in order to achieve those levels.
Applying the Learning Concepts to Training
Understanding how the brain functions for the learning process to develop makes it much easier to understand how the dog learns. Take away the human ability of cognitive reasoning and apply the neural learning concepts as stated to the limitations of the canine species and it helps us to comprehend not only our training limitations but also our training potential.
Rules For Success
Consider the following rules when preparing your individual training goals:
Even so, regardless of the training techniques used by today’s trainers, most have some degree of success. Even in the last twenty years the concepts of police dog training have seen a vast variety of techniques used. Some have gained popularity while others have lost their luster. In some cases, the techniques seem to cycle like many popular fads.
Training, in its simplest form, is the application of pain or pleasure to a given behavior in order to obtain the desired results. Over the years however, we have had a tendency to lean towards the use of compulsion, pain compliance and negative reinforcement, applying the human thought process to the application of canine training techniques.
One of the greatest failures of law enforcement trainers is our resistance to ideas from someone outside the law enforcement circle who just may have some techniques that are better than ours.
For example, why do so many trainers continue to use compulsive-based methods of training when motivational techniques seem to provide so much more stability and better long-term success in a finished animal? My entire foundation of training, when I started training dogs, was fundamentally compulsive, however over the years I have watched dogs trained in different sports and for different job related applications and have learned that there are always better concepts to training if I am willing to be open minded and learn about them.
One example of a training style that I enjoy watching is that of agility dog competitors. If you have ever had an opportunity to watch these dogs compete, then you know the talent that is
involved in getting these dogs to perform. Much of what they do is similar to the K9 agility courses police dogs work on, with much more added to it. The dogs run up and down ramps, learn to jump at specific locations off the ramps, weave in and out of poles, run through tunnels and jump over various obstacles. Points are assessed based on the best speed, with time added for any mistakes during the run. At what point during this program would compulsive training be applicable?
Another example of motivational or operant conditioning training techniques comes from the methods used by ocean mammal trainers. Virtually everyone at some point in his or her life has seen the performances of trained dolphins or whales at an aquarium attraction. Consider for a moment how those trainers develop an animal such as a killer whale to the point where the animal has a desire to perform specific actions on request. I think I can pretty safely say that none of them use compulsive methods of training, yet their performances are flawless.
The training styles mentioned above are dependent upon motivational training techniques. These techniques have been created as a direct result of the study of the animal behavior of the species on which they are working.
This is not to say that compulsive methods of training do not work, or are inapplicable in dog training. On the contrary, many compulsive techniques are used with varying degrees of success. Frequently a compulsive technique will solve a training issue very definitively and as such it still has its place, even in my own training regimens. However, the degree to which I use these methods, and the confidence I place in them have changed dramatically over the years. Compulsive training techniques are based on pain induced compliance. From a human thought process, this is effective and obtains the desired result. At least, this is what many trainers espouse.
However, if we look at the same animal and try to obtain the same desired result using motivational methods, experience teaches us that the results obtained are longer lasting with much less recidivism. The dog performs the desired actions with a positive attitude, and actually enjoys the process.
Why is there so much difference in success rates between the two methods? There are a number of reasons, but the most prominent explanation is simply that motivational techniques require the trainer to understand and apply concepts of animal behavior. In other words he or she understands how the canine mind functions and understands how to communicate with and shape the animals behavior. A good dog trainer understands fundamental canine behavior and is able to create desired results by communicating with the animal using techniques the animal is able to understand, rather than trying to get the dog to conform to human behavior.
Compulsive Training Techniques
Compulsive techniques can work to a degree in dog training and in fact, most of your training can be completed using compulsive methods. However the entire process is done using pain compliance or pain avoidance and the levels of compliance can be varied depending on each individual animal.
Take for example a simple heeling exercise and three levels of dogs. For this example we are going to assume that each dog we are working with has had no previous training. The first dog we work with is a dog that for the most part we would consider a “soft” dog, or a dog that is handler sensitive. We put a pinch collar or a choke chain on the dog and start to work a heeling exercise. As we proceed to move forward and the dog has its first correction, the likely reaction you will get is probably going to be one of confusion, maybe even of protest. A really weak dog may even go into a panic. Our compulsive method must adjust to a level where we don’t end up ruining the dog or damaging him to a point where it creates a social problem with him. On some very soft dogs, this method of training would never be appropriate.
Now let’s consider using the same technique on a good quality, levelheaded dog that is well suited for police work. He has passed all the basic requirements for testing and is now going into his first obedience session. Applying the same techniques as we applied on the “soft” dog, this dog is likely going to adjust quickly and perform very well, understanding and complying with the corrections given. Having said this, even a well-adjusted dog will have some negative reactions to some of the corrections and will at times show a small amount of “softness” to the handler if the handler is required to perform a strong correction.
The dog will be somewhat handler-sensitive at least for a moment subsequent to the correction, until the exercise continues to a point where the correction is forgotten. At this point the dog starts to come around and enjoy the exercise again, particularly if the appropriate verbal praise is being applied during the exercise. We then work the exercise to the point where the dog is provided an opportunity to repeat the previous mistake so that another correction can be administered. Again, through a pain stimulus, the dog complies and the exercise continues.
It is important here to note one basic fundamental concept regardless of the training style you use; the dog performs to satisfy himself. If a stimulus is strong enough to overcome the present activity the dog is performing, the canine instinct is to yield to the stronger stimulus. An example here would be in order. If during this heeling exercise a rabbit were to suddenly dart out in front of your dog, his instinct to pursue prey would likely be significant enough to cause him to break from the exercise.
A soft dog would likely be so sensitive to being on line that he would not even consider breaking. Our more level-headed dog will likely attempt to break, but with a good sharp correction he will likely comply in order to prevent the correction again. A very strong willed dog with a high pain threshold will very likely ignore your attempts to correct him and may continue to try to break away, even though the level of correction, even in a pinch collar, is very high. Thus stated, the stimulus for what you want your dog to do must place a greater desire in him to do what you want him to do rather than for him to break away to do what comes instinctively.
Now let’s take our heeling exercise and apply it to a dog that is extremely “Alpha”, a dog that would be considered a “hard” dog. These dogs frequently have such intensity that they can tolerate many corrections designed to enforce pain compliance. Many agencies prefer this type of dog as it shows all the strong confidence traits “right out of the box”. Dogs that are at the higher end of this spectrum may have a tendency to challenge the handler if the correction is being administrated physically via a leash and collar. They are also more apt to challenge a handler who corrects them improperly.
It is not unusual for a dog that is resistant or capable of tolerating high pain compliance methods to strike out and attack the handler during a training routine. Such a reaction can create a potentially dangerous precedent if the handler does not immediately overcome and defeat the aggressive assault by the dog. Should the dog win this situation in a decisive manner, there is potential for this undesirable behavior to continue and progressively worsen. This dog soon becomes a dangerous animal to attempt to control or work with.
Well-meaning handlers/trainers can even create this scenario in a dog that would not normally exhibit this type of behavior if they are consistently heavy-handed or if they correct heavily during inappropriate moments when the dog does not understand the reason for the correction. It is important that if the dog begins to exhibit behavior of an aggressive nature towards the handler, or inappropriate, unsocial behavior, whoever is working the dog should seriously consider their training regimen, and even reconsider whether the dog is an appropriate candidate.
Positive Reinforcement
Now take those same three basic types of dogs and put them into a positive training routine using motivation as the main method of training. In all three cases we are going to work these dogs in an enclosed environment, without any collars or other equipment on the dog.
We start each dog the same way, using his or her favorite toy, even food. It doesn’t matter what is used to do the training, as long as whatever is used is their strongest motivator. For my training, I usually prefer a ball such as a Kong. I can hold the Kong in any position I like in order to move the dog into the appropriate position. When the dog sits appropriately I immediately fire him the ball and give him verbal praise as well. The exercise continues as we begin the heeling exercise, and when the dog is in the appropriate position the ball again is thrown directly to the dog as a reward and small playtime is taken.
Regardless of what type of dog we are working, there is no negative involved. From the soft dog to the hard dog, the complete exercises are entirely motivational. Because there is never any negative reinforcement, there is no conflict between handler and dog. All three dogs are enjoying the routines, and even the hard dog is learning that the reward comes if and when the handler desires to give it to him. There is no conflict; therefore any opportunity for a harmful interaction between dog and handler has been removed.
As you can see, in all three personality types, the dogs are going to finish on a positive note, enjoying the interaction with the handler. The soft dog is going to enjoy the exercise with little or no negative reaction. The moderate dog is going to perform just as well without any negative effects of handler softness that may be created by physical corrections, and the hard dog is also going to finish the exercise with a strong positive outcome. In all three cases, the dogs’ attitudes towards the training experience are going to be positive ones.
A major advantage to operant conditioning techniques is that the behaviors can be taught without ever putting a collar on the dog. The handler learns to interact and work with the dog in a manner that the dog understands. The dog has a desire to complete the exercise as directed.
Your dog will never perform any task incorrectly, or do anything wrong if never given the opportunity to make a mistake.
This is where operant conditioning techniques shine. Compulsive techniques are based on correcting the dog for erroneous behavior, utilizing pain compliance only. However, if the dog gets some degree of satisfaction before the correction comes, he has learned that he can succeed through inappropriate behavior. Operant conditioning techniques provide the constant desire for the dog to perform correctly in order to receive a given reward, never allowing him to experience any level of satisfaction from an erroneous behavior.
Dogs trained using motivational techniques are easy to spot when watching them work and interact with their handlers. These are dogs that can be very intense, strong working dogs, however they are quite social and interact well with their handlers. In short, they enjoy the interactive relationship with their handlers. The end result at the end of a full course of training is a team that works well together and a dog that is stress-free and is obviously enjoying the work.
This motivational training style is also known as “operant conditioning”. In short, you are conditioning the animal in a manner where it will respond in a specific way to a stimulus or command provided. Once successfully performed, the dog receives a reward for the correct behavior. Thus you are shaping the behavior of the dog, conditioning him to respond to specific stimuli.
Electrical Stimulation
The use of electrical stimulation via remote collars works using the same concepts. The dog learns that he can turn off the stimulation when he is in the proper position or performing in an appropriate manner. If you apply the principles of learning concepts using a remote collar in the previous scenarios, you will find that you will have results similar to that of using positive motivation, even though you are in fact using negative reinforcement to obtain the desired results.
In fact, you may even find that the responses are quicker, as the dog knows that at certain points if he does not perform an established behavior fast enough, then the electrical stimulation will occur. Many trainers have a tendency to push their dogs to the limit using this concept, making the dog crisper and quicker to react to direction given. The end result is a dog that looks sharp and performs very well. Two major advantages in the use of remote collars are that the dog does not relate the correction to the handler/trainer, as occurs with on lead corrections, and that the stimulation can be done at increasing distances from the trainer.
There are negative sides to the use of electrical stimulation. If you watch carefully you will find that dogs trained using remote collars will have a tendency to anticipate the commands. While there is the benefit of instant correction, dogs trained using this method can have a tendency to break and commit to a particular behavior in an attempt to beat the negative reinforcement. (i.e.) when setting up to do a bite work exercise you may see the dog literally vibrating in anticipation of the command, his stress level will be up and sometimes the dog will break and start the exercise before receiving the command to do so.
Many dogs trained in this manner will constantly be “on the edge” due to the stress and intensity that comes with the use of electrical stimulation. While the dog performs as directed, the relationship with the handler, and the desire to accomplish the task at hand is achieved by an entirely different type of motivation than that of a dog trained using primarily operant conditioning techniques. This is a dog that is working to avoid the stimulation. His entire life is based on pain avoidance. This system is very effective, with the exception of situations where a dog becomes resistant to the stimulation, at which point the trainer must re-evaluate his options and the workability of the dog.
It should also be noted that not every dog is capable of coping with or understanding what is desired of him with the concepts of electrical stimulation. While applicable to dogs properly selected for law enforcement purposes, the use of remote collars would not be applicable to all dogs.
Looking objectively at all three methods of training, it becomes very clear that the best all around method of training is one that shapes the dog’s behavior by using techniques which use the dog’s natural instincts and does so in a positive light.
The training techniques I now endorse are those that use motivational, operant conditioning techniques. Wherever possible in my training regimens, the use of positive reinforcement is applied with minimal compulsion or negative reinforcements applied.
Training Methodology Comparison - Advantages & Disadvantages
Compulsive Techniques
Concept is simple
Easy to administer, handler only required to learn to correct inappropriate behavior.
Basic principles can be taught in a short period of time
Concept based on pain compliance
Any administered correction increases stress in the dog
Dog will have a tendency to test the waters at times, recidivism is common (i.e.: constant
bite work correction)
Dog knows the handler is the origin of the correction
Handler sensitivity or conflict with the handler occurs
Requires a mature dog or a dog with confidence, not good for starting younger dogs
Positive Reinforcement
Concept based on canine instincts and behavior (approach is from the dogs point of view)Can be used on any level of dog, including younger candidates without any negative effect
Once learned, recidivism is rare
Minimal upkeep on learned concepts
Learning is a constant positive
Entirely stress-free for the dog
Dog consistently enjoys the working environment
Working relationship with the handler is always positive
Process requires many repetitions and can be time consuming
Electrical Stimulation
Remote capability
Maximum control of the dog at all times
Concept includes operant conditioning ideals based on canine behavior
Use of collar takes the handler out of the picture as to where the corrections originate
Training time is less than using strictly positive reinforcement
This is a concept bsed on pain avoidance, often abused or misused as a corrective device rather than as a training tool. As a result, the following applies:
Increases stress in the animal
Animal has a tendency to be “on edge”
Dependency on the collar to overcome training inadequacies
Requires a mature dog or a dog with confidence, not good for starting younger dogs
Requires basics be taught using other techniques before the collar concepts can be applied.
Genetic and Environmental Development
It is important to understand that there are basically two types of behavior inherent in any species, genetic (animal is born with built-in survival instincts) and environmental (learned behaviors through life experiences).
This is important to us as dog trainers in that we must understand that we cannot control what behaviors are genetically created in the dog. We know that in order to obtain quality dogs capable of meeting basic courage, stress, stability and hunting requirements for law enforcement work, we must have strong genetics to start with. For example, we cannot create courage or hunting instinct in the animal. We can however manipulate and build on these behaviors if they are there. The only way to control the genetic qualities of the stock we work with is through a selective breeding process using animals that exhibit the strongest genetic traits we require for police work.
We do however have control over environmentally created or learned behaviors. Just because we have a genetically sound dog that tests well in the initial selection process doesn’t mean the dog will work out.
We can make or break the dog by how well we develop him through the various stages of his life. Negative experiences can bring on learned behavior that will have long-term effects to the point where the dog will never overcome that experience. While initially he may have had the genetics to deal with most situations, he may have become environmentally unsound through improper upbringing, abuse or accidental incidents that caused him insecurity, pain or injury. These are developmental behaviors that we refer to as environmental. We have control over the animal’s environment and his learned behavior is a direct result of his lifelong experiences within his environment.
Therefore, in order for us to obtain the best possible candidates for law enforcement applications, we must be determined to develop the most genetically sound stock, and raise that stock in a manner that produces a challenging, yet positive learning environment, constantly building on the various basic behavioral building blocks given us by his genetic imprint.
Neural Basis of Learning
The following principles may seem somewhat complicated and irrelevant, however if you understand how the brain functions and how an animal learns, you will have a superior understanding of how to communicate and work with your dog.
For us to obtain maximum results from our training it is important for us to understand how the dog thinks and how he learns from a canine perspective rather than from a human perspective. We must realize that the dog cannot understand higher reasoning concepts. Therefore, in order to be good handlers and/or trainers, it is imperative for us to understand how the dogs mind works, how he thinks and learns. The concepts are similar in all creatures with a developed brain, each species having its own limitations.
In other words, we will first learn the concept of learning, then determine at what level the canine species is capable of learning. We then apply motivational principles that shape the dogs behavior in a way that gives the animal the desire to perform a specific action based on a specific situation and/or command given by the trainer.
Learning concepts hold true for all creatures with a developed brain. Behavior is a response to a given stimulus, producing a subsequent instinctive reaction (inherently genetic in the animal when it is born) or a reaction based on the learned behavior (environmentally-learned behavior) of the animal.
Lesser species rely more on instinct than learned behavior and higher species such as human beings have the ability to rely on both instinct as well as learned behavior involving cognitive reasoning.
The neural basis of learning is a process of cell interaction. Every time we learn something, we activate billions of brain cells that interact with one another. Whenever we complete the same exercise repetitively, generally speaking, the same cells in the brain are used to communicate what action needs to take place. A simple example would be in order here. When you are first learning to drive a car as a young person you were taught the concept of signaling your intentions before turning or making a lane change. In the beginning it was a conscious thought process, however as time progressed and your driving experience continued, you found yourself signaling without thinking.
The same process occurs in firearms training. We train using repetitive actions in order to learn how to do things quickly and without thinking. The purpose behind this is so that we will react instantly to a threat without having to go through a conscious thought process. Virtually anyone reading this book will have heard the term “muscle memory” as it refers to firearms training.
In reality, it is not our muscles that has retained that memory, but a series of brain cells that have been exercised through conscious repetition so many times that the action becomes autonomic.
How does this occur? Simply stated, cells interact with each other using a chemical to close the connection and communicate, referred to as a chemical synapse. Think of each connection as a “bridge” between two cells. This “bridge” is called an axon and is coated with a myelin chemical sheath. Each time those two cells communicate to perform a function a chemical is deposited on that “bridge”, continually building up the amount of chemical between the communicating cells. Thus, the frequency in which those cells are used increases the amount of chemical that is bridging that synapse. The thicker the chemical connection, the less conscious thought is required to accomplish the task, thus creating an automatic response without conscious thought. Each task we learn requires billions of these connections to repeatedly occur before the resulting response becomes automatic and without conscious thought.
In scientific terms, a chemical synapse coats the myelin sheath, which over time builds a coating on the axon so responses are autonomic and without conscious thought.
If we stop training for an extended period of time, our skills become substandard because the chemical synapse on the applicable axons begins to break down. Without constant updated training, we lose our skills, as the chemical coatings are not being renewed. However, skills that are well ingrained where the myelin sheath is extensively coated may take longer to lose and may be easier to recover with limited repetition.
This learning process continues through our lifetime and our skill levels are entirely dependent upon the amount of time and repetitions we are willing to perform in order to achieve those levels.
Applying the Learning Concepts to Training
Understanding how the brain functions for the learning process to develop makes it much easier to understand how the dog learns. Take away the human ability of cognitive reasoning and apply the neural learning concepts as stated to the limitations of the canine species and it helps us to comprehend not only our training limitations but also our training potential.
Rules For Success
Consider the following rules when preparing your individual training goals:
- Patience is paramount above all else.
- Timing is everything. Any corrections given, as well as praise and reward must be perfectly timed, appropriate, and sufficient to deal with the circumstances.
- Consistency is another primary ingredient to success. Do not change style or technique just because your first attempt fails. A dog learns best from consistent technique.
- If compulsion or electrical stimulation is used to teach a concept, it is vitally important that the dog be verbally praised or otherwise immediately rewarded for proper behavior.
- If a correction is given for inappropriate behavior, it must be sufficient to suppress that behavior once and for all. To do only a minimum correction and continue having to correct the dog for the same inappropriate behavior is in and of itself abusive. Better a single definitively unforgiving correction given only once, than a less forgiving correction given numerous times, or on a continual basis.
- You must work on the level of the dogs learning aptitude. The dog must understand what is expected of him. Do not expect him to understand human reasoning.
- Before doing any training exercise, ensure you have defined the outcome you desire, then design the exercise to ensure that outcome is reached. The exercise must be run in a manner that ensures success each and every time.
- Never allow the dog to make a mistake. If a mistake occurs and the dog wins his own objective, he has learned that he can achieve results using his own means.
- Repetition is fundamental to proper learning development.
- Keep exercises brief and upbeat. Exercises of repetition teach the dog proper behavior.
- Exercises that are short and repetitive will teach the skill.
- Extended exercises should only be attempted once repetitions have taught the skills flawlessly. Longer duration exercises are designed to build stamina.
- Use positive motivation whenever and wherever possible.
- Keep the use of compulsion or the use of electrical stimulation to a minimum.
- Use compulsion and/or electrical stimulation very judiciously followed with abundant praise when the task is completed properly.
- Break training profiles down into small stages; teach each stage slowly, gaining fluidity with the routine as the dog becomes familiar with each stage.
- Once each stage is flawless, put them together to complete that profile from start to finish.
- Combine the profiles to complete dynamic training exercises by training at speed. (Live scenario training)
Successful K9 Deployment
The deployment of the K9 unit is a team effort between the K9 team and patrol officers, with a large responsibility for the success resting on the shoulders of the patrol team. Containment and scene preservation by patrol officers can dramatically in- crease the opportunity for a successful K9 application. Various procedures can be implemented to make your teams more effective.
1. Scene Preservation - If you are the first officer at a crime scene, preserve the scene as you found it. If you drive up on a burglary that has just occurred and you are sure the suspects have fled the scene, do not approach the site. Stay in your vehicle and request K9 attendance. This will maintain the scene with only the offenders human scent for the dog to work on. Many times I have gone to a crime scene, directed my dog to track, only to track to an officer who has walked over to the crime scene and then around to the back of the building to check the perimeter. The dog will usually work on the freshest odor laid if both the suspects odor and officers odor are at the same location, therefore you must ensure that you keep the area as free from contamination as possible.
2. Contain The Perimeter - One of the most frustrating aspects of working a dog is going to a crime scene and seeing 3 or 4 patrol units parked around the area. Every one of those cars has increased the potential for odor loss as they have either driven over the track left by the fleeing suspects or the officers have exited their vehicles and walked around the area immediate to the crime scene. The dog has no idea which odor is the good guy, and which is the bad guy and this frustrates the K9 teams attempts to locate a flight path. Instead of these cars attending the crime scene, they are more effectively deployed on perimeter containment Perimeter containment, if set up in quadrants around the crime scene in an effective manner is your best tool for success. The perimeter containment should be set up even before the primary officer attends the crime scene if you have a crime in progress call. This will ensure that you have boxed the suspects in a specific area. Once contained, then the primary and backup unit can attend the scene itself.When doing perimeter containment remember that your purpose is to force the suspects to "go to ground", making them hide to avoid detection. To that end, maintain a high visibility. Take up an intersection location where you can observe in two or three different directions at the same time. Illuminate as much of the area as you can. Turn on all your overhead emergency lights and make it well known that you are there. A suspect that is coming into your area will often see the emergency lights and spotlights and instead of breaking out in the open to cross the street, will choose to hide in the hopes of not being seen. This allows your dog team the best opportunity for a capture.The distance you set up your containment from the crime scene will vary depending on time delay. A general guideline is to establish a perimeter of 2 blocks for every minute of time delay from the time of the occurrence. Suspects can cover an amazing distance in a relatively short period of time. It is better to set up your perimeter larger than required than to set one that is too small.
3. Control Vehicle And Pedestrian Traffic - Not only does vehicular traffic interfere with the dogs ability to track a suspect, but it also is the greatest danger to police dogs. More police dogs are injured and killed each year by cars than by felonious assault. It is your job as a containment officer to keep this risk to a minimum when possible. Prevent unnecessary vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian traffic that may confuse the situation should they come into the proximity of the dog team.
4. Persevere - Don't be in a rush to leave the area if you do not get immediate results from your dog team. The longer the suspect is forced to hide, the more scent that he will emanate in his immediate vincinity. This will enhance the chances of the dog picking up the scent and makes the suspect easier to find. If you are considering breaking off from your containment point, check with your dog handler first to see if it is alright to break off. Most efficient handlers will advise containment units when he feels there is no further need for a perimeter.
The key to successful K9 applications rests on proper containment and scene preservation. Success is frequently much better when patrol teams realize that the application of the dog is not just done by the dog handler, but is a team effort that is only suc- cessful when there is full support from the patrol officers on the shift. The dog team is only half the equation.
Note: More advanced information on this subject during sessions instructed at the International Police K9 Conferences held annually in various locations throughout North Americal. Training information can be found at http://www.policek9.com.
1. Scene Preservation - If you are the first officer at a crime scene, preserve the scene as you found it. If you drive up on a burglary that has just occurred and you are sure the suspects have fled the scene, do not approach the site. Stay in your vehicle and request K9 attendance. This will maintain the scene with only the offenders human scent for the dog to work on. Many times I have gone to a crime scene, directed my dog to track, only to track to an officer who has walked over to the crime scene and then around to the back of the building to check the perimeter. The dog will usually work on the freshest odor laid if both the suspects odor and officers odor are at the same location, therefore you must ensure that you keep the area as free from contamination as possible.
2. Contain The Perimeter - One of the most frustrating aspects of working a dog is going to a crime scene and seeing 3 or 4 patrol units parked around the area. Every one of those cars has increased the potential for odor loss as they have either driven over the track left by the fleeing suspects or the officers have exited their vehicles and walked around the area immediate to the crime scene. The dog has no idea which odor is the good guy, and which is the bad guy and this frustrates the K9 teams attempts to locate a flight path. Instead of these cars attending the crime scene, they are more effectively deployed on perimeter containment Perimeter containment, if set up in quadrants around the crime scene in an effective manner is your best tool for success. The perimeter containment should be set up even before the primary officer attends the crime scene if you have a crime in progress call. This will ensure that you have boxed the suspects in a specific area. Once contained, then the primary and backup unit can attend the scene itself.When doing perimeter containment remember that your purpose is to force the suspects to "go to ground", making them hide to avoid detection. To that end, maintain a high visibility. Take up an intersection location where you can observe in two or three different directions at the same time. Illuminate as much of the area as you can. Turn on all your overhead emergency lights and make it well known that you are there. A suspect that is coming into your area will often see the emergency lights and spotlights and instead of breaking out in the open to cross the street, will choose to hide in the hopes of not being seen. This allows your dog team the best opportunity for a capture.The distance you set up your containment from the crime scene will vary depending on time delay. A general guideline is to establish a perimeter of 2 blocks for every minute of time delay from the time of the occurrence. Suspects can cover an amazing distance in a relatively short period of time. It is better to set up your perimeter larger than required than to set one that is too small.
3. Control Vehicle And Pedestrian Traffic - Not only does vehicular traffic interfere with the dogs ability to track a suspect, but it also is the greatest danger to police dogs. More police dogs are injured and killed each year by cars than by felonious assault. It is your job as a containment officer to keep this risk to a minimum when possible. Prevent unnecessary vehicle traffic as well as pedestrian traffic that may confuse the situation should they come into the proximity of the dog team.
4. Persevere - Don't be in a rush to leave the area if you do not get immediate results from your dog team. The longer the suspect is forced to hide, the more scent that he will emanate in his immediate vincinity. This will enhance the chances of the dog picking up the scent and makes the suspect easier to find. If you are considering breaking off from your containment point, check with your dog handler first to see if it is alright to break off. Most efficient handlers will advise containment units when he feels there is no further need for a perimeter.
The key to successful K9 applications rests on proper containment and scene preservation. Success is frequently much better when patrol teams realize that the application of the dog is not just done by the dog handler, but is a team effort that is only suc- cessful when there is full support from the patrol officers on the shift. The dog team is only half the equation.
Note: More advanced information on this subject during sessions instructed at the International Police K9 Conferences held annually in various locations throughout North Americal. Training information can be found at http://www.policek9.com.
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