But there ’ s more than just a love for man ’ s best friend when it comes to becoming a member of the Windsor Police Services Dog Unit . If and when a position becomes available , an eligible candidate must meet the qualifications of an extensive skills inventory and be , at very minimum , a first class constable ( five years of service ) in order to be selected to apply .
Wilson describes the long process as a multi-step scenario . The first phase is a “ two-part physical , a standard physical prep test , an obstacle course tailored to a typical day in the life of a dog handler , climbing fences , carrying bags of beans ( instead of dogs 65lbs ) over fences and under obstacles ,” said Wilson . Once you pass the physical phase you begin a handler suitability test . “ You basically interact with a dog to see how you can respond to instructions via a dog trainer ,” said Wilson . “ They gauge how you follow instructions and how you handle the dog .”
Next comes a panel interview with the team leader , trainer and inspector of the unit . If you pass the panel interview , the next phase is a home visit . “ It ’ s an inspection of your property to make sure it ’ s suitable to house the dog ,” said Wilson . “ They look for things like a six-foot privacy fence and a large enough yard for the dog to get daily exercise when it ’ s not working .”
Final candidates are chosen by administration but “ generally the deputy chief makes the final hiring selection .”
Just when you think it ’ s time to celebrate is when the hard work begins . Once hired by the dog unit , a dog is selected for the handler and they go on a 16-week basic police dog course . After the 16-week course is complete , “ weekly and daily training for the first three to four years is mandatory ,” said Wilson . “ We consider the 16-week training an imprinting course where the dogs learn the basic fundamentals .”
“ It ’ s generally around five years when a police dog with this much training evolves into maintenance training , which is done on a weekly basis .” Daily training continues throughout the duration of a police dog ’ s career as well as group or unit training which is maintained weekly .
Wilson and Vegas working together