K-9 Training in Indo Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force
K-9 Training in Indo Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force
National Training Centre For Dogs
Indo Tibetan Border Police
Police/Paramilitary Dog
Chapter 1
Police/CPMF Working Dog Program
Section I
Intorduction
1 Purpose
This book explains policies, procedures, and responsibilities for the direction, management, and control of the Police and Paramilitary K9 Squad that includes ITBP,BSF,CRPF,CSF and civil Police organizations.
This treatise provides extensive guidance, standards, and information regarding training and utilization of K9 teams, controlled substances and explosive training aids, veterinary care, kennel facilities, dog equipments and points to be kept in mind while conducting inspection . It provides the commander with the information needed to maintain a proficient and operationally effective Police/CPMF working dog squad.
2. Explanation of abbreviations and terms
Abbreviations and special terms used in this pamphlet are explained in the consolidated glossary.
3. Historical basis
Dogs have been used by people to help protect themselves and their property since ancient times. Trained dogs have been used by most of the world’s military forces since the first military units were organized. The actual utility of a working dog had been for the first time tested on a large scale by the German Forces during the Second World War followed by the utilization of dogs for the war effort by the allied forces. From these ancient beginnings, the dog training has been continuously refined to produce a highly sophisticated and versatile extension of the soldier’s own senses. Even the most complex machines remain unable to duplicate the operational effectiveness of a properly trained dog. The dog’s unique capabilities are used by the police and CPMFs to very broadly encompass the following areas:
a. Secure human life, installation and property.
b. Help enforce laws .
c. Increase the effectiveness of the combat support.
4. The role of Paramilitary/Police Dog
Like other highly specialized items of equipment, dog’s complement and enhance the capabilities of the soldier. When used by organisations, K9 teams enable the men to perform their mission more effectively and, in many cases, with significant savings of manpower, time, and money. K9 teams also provide a strong psychological deterrent to potential offenders and ANEs (anti-national elements). The dog is tolerant of people and can be used in almost any area of an installation including vehicles, parade grounds airfields, housing, shopping, industrial areas, railway stations etc. Patrol dog teams are used with law enforcement and security patrols to enhance the rear area protection capability. Dogs can be effectively used to search, scout, track and observe from listening or observation posts. Detection dog teams are trained to detect controlled substances or explosives used to construct explosive devices that threaten, damage, or destroy personnel or property. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is another upcoming though nascent field in India. The K9 team’s specialized capabilities make it one of the most effective tools available to the commander for combat support, security, and law enforcement. As the only live equipment employed in security endeavours, the dog’s continuing proficiency depends on realistic daily training and care. Skills which are not practiced or used can be lost. The assignment of dogs and handlers together as active teams is critical to their continuing effectiveness.
5. Quality assurance
Every level of command within the organisation has specific responsibilities for making sure that the K9 program is properly established and efficiently managed. This includes ensuring that operational units are provided with trained dogs and handlers to form teams, and the necessary equipment and facilities to maintain effective local K9 programs. The constant honing and maintenance of professional skills of dogs and their handlers is a continuous process, therefore the importance of regular mock drills and dry runs is paramount.
Section II
Understanding Police/Paramilitary Working Dogs
1. Advantages of dogs
A dog can be trained to respond consistently to certain sensory stimuli (odors, scents, and so forth) to alert the handler. If the dog’s reaction to selected stimuli is always rewarded by the handler, the reward reinforces the dog’s behavior, motivating the dog to repeat the actions. A properly trained handler learns to recognize the dog’s reactions and to recognise the source because of the characteristics of the reaction learned