2022 WCSO Annual Report - Report - Page 20
WCSO
K9
TRAINING for Success
SETTING the Standard
WCSO began using K9s to enhance and support patrol functions in
1993. A program that started by using working-type dogs donated by
community members has evolved over the past two decades to utilize
dogs specifically bred and trained to support modern policing practices.
Regardless of the changing dogs or handlers, one focus has remained
true to the WCSO K9 Unit, a solid training plan.
Our K9 Unit is proud to be an industry leader in training practices, a
commitment reflected not only by additional monthly training hours
above standard but also by a highly introspective approach to training.
Constant evaluation of training tactics ensures the teams are as
prepared as possible for the expected work. This evaluation comes from
participating in a variety of training environments. The team receives
insights during local interagency training events, statewide conferences,
and national conventions, and from the myriad of connections made
with individual partners during those events.
Message from K9 Sgt. O’Reilly
A diverse unit comprised of dogs and handlers with different specialties
helps enhance and support any patrol function they may encounter
on a shift. The WCSO K9 Unit’s intentional training plan focuses on
preparing for success. Positive reinforcement and confidence-building
activities keep the dog’s natural motivation to work high. Every training
session, whether a track, area, building, vehicle, or article search, ends
in success–reaffirming to the working dog that their job is important,
and they will be effective in completing whatever their handler asks
of them. A rewards-based training program, which rewards dogs for
proper behavior, rather than punishment-based training, which punishes
dogs for improper behavior, creates dogs more willing to work for their
handlers and dogs that are more sociable when they are not working.
Education for our K9 Unit is not limited to specific training hours or
sessions. Earning a place within the K9 Unit also carries the crucial
commitment to care for their K9 partner 24 hours a day. Each time
a handler works with their dog, whether on the road or during time
at home, is an opportunity to train and reinforce an essential bond.
Every handler is responsible for training their partner. Working directly
together creates a genuine connection between the two and reaffirms
the dog’s confidence in their work.
18 | 2022 WCSO Annual Report
