Join Garret Wing, a canine training expert with 17 years in law enforcement, as he discusses selecting, training, and handling police dogs. Explore topics like rigorous training methods, breed behavior, handling aggression, and misconceptions about guard dog breeds.
Canine units are meticulously trained from select overseas championship dog litters for specific police tasks.
Imported police dogs from Europe undergo tailored selection processes to match departmental needs and handler requirements.
Timely corrections crucial in addressing dog behavior issues within a short 3-5 second window for effective learning.
Deep dives
Selection and Training of Police Canine Dogs
Police canine dogs are usually selected from litters of championship dogs overseas that have competed in sports like Schutzen and Mondeo Ring. Potential police dogs are identified at around six to ten months old based on their drives and capabilities. Multiple dogs are trained initially, with the selection process narrowing down to focus on one or two dogs for advanced training and titling. In certain situations, dogs not selected may be offered to police and military vendors through kennels for adoption.
Importing Trained Police Dogs from Overseas
Trained police dogs are often imported from Europe due to the quality and specific characteristics of the dogs bred there. Vendors in Europe work with police and military agencies to provide trained dogs with varying prices depending on factors like genetics and training. These imported dogs undergo testing and selection processes based on the needs and preferences of the departments, ensuring the right match between the dog's abilities and the handlers' requirements.
Canine Training and Certification Process
Police canine dogs in the state of Florida, for example, go through a rigorous 480-hour certification course with their handlers. This training covers various skills such as tracking, area searches, obedience, agility, and control. While the state certification is a baseline, many agencies provide additional training to further ensure the readiness of the dog and handler for real-life situations they may encounter on duty.
Behavioral Correction and Training Techniques
Addressing behavioral issues in dogs, particularly self-rewarding behaviors like counter-jumping and pulling on the leash, involves employing positive and negative punishment methods. Proper timing and consistency are crucial in applying corrections to modify unwanted behaviors effectively. By understanding operant conditioning principles, trainers can guide dogs through the learning process and reinforce desired behaviors while diminishing problematic ones.
Dog Behavior and Training Techniques
When addressing dog behavior issues, a critical concept emphasized in the podcast is the importance of timely corrections. The speaker highlights that dogs have a short window of understanding between their actions and consequences, typically three to five seconds. To address problematic behaviors like jumping on guests or eating from counters, a setup for failure is advocated. This involves using strategic tools like leashes or prong collars to provide immediate correction when undesired behaviors occur. By enforcing consequences within the brief window after the unwanted behavior, dogs can effectively learn and adjust their actions.
Selecting the Right Dog Breed
The podcast delves into the crucial considerations for selecting an appropriate dog breed aligned with one's lifestyle and family dynamics. Whether choosing a family pet or a potential guard dog, the speaker advises against solely focusing on popular breeds associated with protection. Instead, the emphasis is on understanding a dog's natural tendencies and behavioral traits, ensuring compatibility with the owner's lifestyle and environment. The importance of comprehensive training is underscored, highlighting that even breeds traditionally perceived as guard dogs require consistent training and management to prevent potential behavioral issues. Ultimately, the discussion stresses the significance of aligning the selected breed with the owner's long-term living situation and ensuring the necessary training and care for a successful dog-owner relationship.
In this episode of Remarkable People, join host Guy Kawasaki as he sits down with Garret Wing, a highly respected figure in the field of canine training and handling. With over 17 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as a commander of the Tactical Investigations Unit and Senior Police Canine Unit supervisor, Wing brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of canine units, exploring the rigorous selection and training process that dogs must undergo to serve alongside their human partners. Wing shares captivating stories and insights, shedding light on the incredible capabilities of these remarkable animals. Discover the dedication and expertise required to forge an unbreakable bond between handler and canine, and learn valuable lessons about leadership, communication, and trust that extend far beyond the realm of dog training.
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Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.
With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy’s questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.
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