Evaluation Process

When a perspective police service dog candidate arrives at Gold Coast K9 it is given a one-week get-acquainted period. During this time, we will not show a prospect until we are confident of their abilities. We also go to the brokers in Europe, North America and test the dogs to give the brokers a better understanding of what Gold Coast K9 will accept as a police service dog candidate. This evaluation is as follows:

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Retrieve

Handler Aggression

Apprehension

Gun fire

Sociability

Physical ability

Breed

Age

Guarantee

Ø Retrieve:  We are looking for a dog that will retrieve a number of objects in different environments, such as buildings with different types of flooring and lighting, in and under vehicles and open areas with heavy vegetation. The reasons we test in different environments is that it will give a good indication of the dog’s hunting ability. If the dog does not see the object, we want to know if it will have enough desire to continue hunting until satisfaction is attained or will the dog quit. Is the desire of the dog greater than the environmental obstacles or is the obstacle greater than the desire? A dog that will not retrieve generally does not want to interact with the handler.  It is independent and under stress and/or if insecure, it will generally be unreliable in hunting. A dog that lacks desire and/or quits is no longer a consideration.

Ø Handler aggression:  It is imperative that a potential police service dog has no handler aggression. The dog must accept different types of corrections while in different drives as well as being carried from one handler/officer to another without attempting to bite. The dog must comply with all corrections. A dog that demonstrates aggression towards the handler is generally showing signs of avoidance.  For example, the dog might act like “if I show my teeth or bite you, you will put me away.” The dog learns if it shows aggression the work could then be finished. If a dog shows handler aggression during the evaluation period, the dog is no longer a consideration.

Ø Apprehension:  We evaluate the dog with the agitator using only a bite suit and no other bite equipment with the exception of a muzzle. We will send the dog to apprehend in buildings with low light and no light as well as inside, underneath and on top of vehicles. We will send the dog to apprehend up stairs, on tile and wood floors, in a bath tub and any type of small space in an attempt to see if the dog is apprehensive to apprehend. During this time the agitator is attempting to chase the dog away. If the agitator cannot chase away the dog, we will then continue our evaluation. We will rarely ever again apply the same pressure because we now know what the dog has to offer. Courage - it’s either there or not.  You can never train to have courage.  Courage can be disguised but in a real world scenario it can reappear. If a dog lacks courage and desire, the dog will no longer be considered.

Ø Gun fire:  The dog must demonstrate confidence in and around gun fire and other loud noises. If a dog demonstrates extreme nervousness and/or attempts to run away, it will no longer be considered.

Ø Sociability:  The dog must accept people. Strangers should not pet the dog, but the dog must be confident and stable enough to work closely with others. If a dog is not sociable, it is no longer considered.

Ø Physical ability:  The dog must be athletic and be able to jump a six foot wall, walk across a balance beam, go over barrels and other obstacles. If a dog lacks the physical ability to perform the job above average it will no longer be considered.

Ø Breed:  We use Belgium Malinios, Dutch Shepherds and German Shepherds. We are not breed specific and we select the best candidate for the job.

Ø Age:   We generally do not select dogs under the age of twenty-months because the dog must be mature and old enough to handle the stresses and pressure of going through a basic K9 school. The maximum age is forty-two-months.

Ø Guarantee: The dog may be returned for any reason for one year from purchase date.

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