Dog Community

Donating dogs to the police

Posted : 7/10/2006 9:24:55 PM

We have a 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd unneutered male that we've had since puppyhood. He has turned too aggressive and high energy for us (we have 3 other shepherds, so it's not the breed, just the dog) and we're wondering if the police departments ever accept donated dogs? It definitly fits his personality-- smart, aggressive, and high energy. Any input would be greatly appreaciated.

Sandy Gardner

Posted : 7/10/2006 10:08:34 PM

Some departments will take donated pets but they will test them for confidence, intelligence and play aggression. Most prefer unneutered males but it actually depends on the dogs potential. Most larger departments these days get their dogs from overseas and they already have "basic training." Check with you local P.D. or S.D. K9 unit. U might also check with smaller, local departments who may not have the resources (or donations) to acquire a guaranteed dog. Good Luck

All Dogs Heaven

Posted : 7/10/2006 10:15:00 PM

another option is border patrol.

Xeph

Posted : 7/10/2006 11:29:45 PM

Where did you get the dog from? Won't the breeder take him back.

Very VERY few PD's will take a dog that came from a pet home just because it became "too aggressive". Chances are if your GSD is too aggressive, either his training is poor, his temperament is poor, or all of the above.

Dogs must be worked with extensively in order to be Border Patrol or K9 officers, and many more wash out than make it. They must have the proper drives and temperament, and it sounds like your GSD doesn't.

Why don't you hire a behaviorist and ask them to evaluate your dog, and work with him? If you have three other Shepherds with no issues, and it seems you like the breed, why are you giving up so easily? And why don't you neuter him? It could start the road to better behavior.

Is your dog German showlines, working lines, or American showlines?

Xeph

Posted : 7/10/2006 11:32:33 PM

It cut me off before I could finish typing and won't let me edit.

Aggression does not a good K9 make. Dogs must have extremely stable temperaments, be highly trainable, and work well under pressure.

They are highly unlikely to take your dog just becuase he has become too aggressive for you to handle. It would be more money than it's worth to retrain him and undo all the things that may have been done while he was raised by you. Also, depending on his raising, his drives may be so squashed, he wouldn't make a good K9/patrol dog.

I suggest getting a behaviorist before you just give up on him.

Xebby

Posted : 7/10/2006 11:45:33 PM

Most K9s in police are started as a pup so that they are trained to be exaclty what the police need. Then from that bunch they are tested and only the ones that pass make it into the force. At least thats how I understand it.

What you see on TV or where ever you get your idea of a police dog being agressive only shows part of what the dog is taught to do. An agressive dog would not do good in the force as they would be unpredictible. The dogs are trained to be obiedent and only respond when given the command. An agressive dog would be to much of a risk for the handeler and would cost way to much to train.

I really agree with what Xeph said, go see a behaviorist.

glenmar

Posted : 7/11/2006 5:10:54 AM

If the agression is a new thing, a complete vet check is in order to rule out medical causes.

I personally have six german shepherds, five are males. My little guy with undescended testicles is the only intact male I have and he's going in later in the month for the big snip.....those boy bits can make an enormous difference in agression levels.

I can't imagine that most police departments would be willing to accept an agressive dog of this age....the liability would be enormous. Most departments want to start with very YOUNG dogs.

I'd suggest nuetering and working with a behavoralist as well.

willowchow

Posted : 7/11/2006 6:49:01 AM

I couldn't hurt to contact Mic and ask him about it. He was looking for a dog that he could take and train. And, donations were taken from this board for him to purchase a dog.

glenmar

Posted : 7/11/2006 7:50:29 AM

Guess that I need to pull my foot out of my mouth....

Mic just emailed me and asked that the OP contact him at....

[email=micfoster@lastresortk9academy.com]micfoster@lastresortk9academy.com[/email] Mic is working with a fairly local PD for a new dog.....seems they have NO budget for a new dog and Mic will donate his training....so please email him.