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“K9” is an abbreviation of the English and French word “CANINE” meaning dog. 

Handlers in the police force and highly trained police dogs work in complex and challenging areas, showcasing high operating capabilities and causing minimal risk to human beings. Facts says police dogs are valuable assets to police departments in the country. The K9 Unit is not isolated in the police force. Instead, it is a functioning operation that provides a service to different communities in South Africa.

How To Become An Officer In The K9 Unit

Generally, a K9 Officer loves animals and is passionate about helping keep communities safe. Officers and the dogs undergo frequent rigorous testing and training because you get dispatched to dangerous calls and always need to show a high level of athleticism, police skills and fearless devotion.

K9 Officers start their careers as police officers. After completing police academy training and a maximum of two years on patrol duty. 

Can You Apply To Transfer To A Speciality K9 Unit?

It is essential to keep your eyes open for any positions as a K9 Officer and apply immediately. If you qualify, you receive an interview, get hired and start training immediately.

A dog is assigned to you where you both complete team training until you both work flawlessly as a unit. As a K9 Officer, you are:

• Responsible for caring for your dog.
• Continuously training.
• Doing your best to solve crimes.

Qualify? You can apply to the academy here. 

Dog Handler Training Courses

Any Security Service Provider or Organisation that wants to provide or use dogs and trained handlers must comply with the minimum standards in Government Gazette No. 19067 Board Notice 120 and Government Gazette 19740 Board Notice 15, says Braveheart.

The Minimum Standards Are:

• The security officer that works with a dog must be trained at an accredited dog training and supplier centre. They’re trained to sniff out drugs, explosives, and even the scent of a particular human.
• A Security Service Provider that provides dogs and trained handlers must be an accredited Security Dog Supplier.
• Clients using dogs and handlers must ensure that their Security Service Providers comply with the relevant legislation.
• All dogs used must have the necessary identification documents.
• All dogs must have been trained at an accredited dog training centre.

Police Dog Training in South Africa: Key Skills

The following skills can get you one step close to becoming a K9 Officer:

Mental And Physical Stamina

You and your canine partner are always on high alert and can be on their feet for long periods.

Interpersonal Skills

Officers in the K9 Unit and their trained partners conduct demonstrations to the public, creating awareness about the unit’s contributions to your community. Demonstrations happen at schools, municipal facilities and local events. Being relatable and able to interact with people is a must!

Communication Skills

As a K9 Officer, you must communicate amicably with your unit colleagues and the communities you are in. Your communication with your dog remains immaculate, and you should be able to recognise any changes in their behaviour or subtle signals of danger.

Respect And Love Your Canine Partner

Working with animals in any capacity includes respect, fulfilling their needs and being compassionate towards them. You and your K9 are partners, so you must trust each other to protect each other at any cost.

Core Categories Of K9’s

Canine professionals assess and handpick dogs based on their operational sustainability. As a handler, your canine undergoes a strict qualification process, and only the best and most qualified dogs join the Police K9 Unit. They are put into different categories, including – attack dogs, tracking dogs, explosives detection dogs, drug detection dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Police Dog Training in South Africa: Breeds In The Unit

The South African Police Services is always looking to improve their K9 capacity to help fight crime, whether via crime detection, law enforcement operations or wildlife trafficking. The canines can apprehend dangerous suspects, partake in fire investigations and more. 

Unfortunately, SAPS only accepts certain breeds, such as Border Collies, German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Belgian Shepherds, Bloodhounds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, German Shorthair Pointers and Jack Russells.

The mentioned breeds need to adhere to specific requirements. They must be between nine months and three years old. SAPS accept crossbreeds if they are confident, energetic, fearless of people or loud sounds, and can walk on a leash while maintaining a strong and even temperament.

Animal Behaviour Is Important As A Handler

If you dream of becoming a K9 Unit Police Officer, it is essential to realise that the position is more than just loving and caring for a dog. Knowing how to handle an animal is important too. 

There are places in South Africa that teach animal handling. In return, it can make you a future successful K9 Unit Officer and someone that communities can rely on if danger occurs. If you need to call the police, use the iER app – we will relay your case to your nearest unit ASAP!