While at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) in Dallas I talked with Gerald Goss about the problem's most canine handler's face with training and deployments not only in tactical situations but all areas. Our conversation made me think about the most common training and deployment problems I see on a consistent basis (I had plenty of time to think about it on my 6-hour drive home.

The training was well worth the drive though). I thought I would write this article for agencies that are looking to start a new canine program or improve an existing canine program through in-service training. The following are some of the biggest areas of concern that I see:

Department Support: If the canine program does not have the support of your department you will never be successful. I know that many departments change administrations several times over the course of a dog's career. It is important to establish the dog program early. Implement a well-written policy, establishing in-service training requirements and purchase all of the training equipment needed to maintain the training. I know that generally in law enforcement, training money is usually "feast or famine" so try to set up a budget that will, at a minimum, allow continued in-service training and at least one annual certification per discipline. Place a knowledgeable, supportive supervisor (hopefully the combined words knowledgeable, supportive supervisor did not make you laugh) to oversee the program. I would also recommend attending a canine supervisor's course.