Have you ever wondered what happens to police canines once they retire? We often see them in the news, working alongside their human partners to track down criminals, sniff out drugs, or find missing persons.
What Happens When a Police Dog Reaches the End of Its Career?
Most retired police dogs go on to live with their former handlers or other law enforcement officers. These canines are typically well-trained and still have a lot of energy, making great pets for active families. In addition to being loyal companions, a retired dog can provide security and protection for its new family.
Some retired police dogs are trained to work as therapy canines. They visit hospitals, schools, and other places where people may benefit from their calming presence. Therapy dogs can help people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues.
Other retired police canines are educated to work as service animals. Service animals can assist people with physical disabilities by opening doors, picking up items, or performing other tasks. Not only do they provide people with practical assistance, but emotional support as well to those coping with mental illness or a tough experience.
No matter their new career, most retired police canines enjoy spending time with their new families and helping others in their community.
How Do Police Departments Decide When a Canine Is Ready for Retirement?
There are a few factors that go into the decision.
- Law enforcement agencies take into account the canine’s health and age. A dog starting to experience health problems or is approaching the end of its natural lifespan is likely to retire sooner than a younger, healthier dog.
- They look at the dog’s job performance. A dog that can no longer perform his duties effectively may be retired to make room for a new, more productive member of the team.
- The agency must consider the financial cost of keeping a retired police dog. The cost of food, veterinary care, and housing can be costly, so agencies must carefully weigh this expense when making the decision to retire a police dog.
Retirement for Police Canines Versus Military Canines
Retired police canines usually retire when they reach their senior years—typically at seven or eight years old. Police departments have a working dog unit responsible for training and handling the dogs. The unit is also responsible for finding homes for the retired police canines.
Many Military dogs retire with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Military canines are trained to be loyal and obedient to their handlers. Unfortunately, they are primed to be aggressive and attack on command. As a result, when they retire, they often have trouble adjusting to life outside of the military.
They may suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. As a result, finding them a home where they can receive the care and attention they need is crucial.
What Are Some Challenges Faced by Retired Police Dogs and Their Handlers?
Police dogs are an essential part of many police departments. They help track criminals, search for missing people, and protect their handlers. However, once a police dog reaches the age to retire, they often face some challenges.
- They may have difficulty adjusting to life outside the police department. After years of working alongside their handlers, retired police dogs can become attached to them and may struggle to adjust to a more sedentary lifestyle.
- Retired police canines may suffer from health problems arising from their service years. For example, many may develop arthritis as they get older, making it painful to move around. As a result, retired police canines often require special care and attention from their handlers.
- Financial issues can also be a challenge for retired police dogs and their handlers. Many law enforcement departments do not have a budget for their care, leaving handlers to shoulder the costs on their own.
Thankfully, several organizations provide financial assistance to retired police dogs and their handlers. However, these challenges illustrate the important bond between handler and dog and the need for the dog to receive proper care.
How Are They Trained for Their New Role After Retirement From the Police Force
When a police dog retires from the force, it doesn’t mean their career is over. Many go on to work in other capacities, such as detection or search and rescue. However, before starting their new occupation, they must undergo some preparation.
Many go on to do great work as therapy dogs or service animals. Others become part of search-and-rescue teams or help with drug detection in schools and prisons. Some even go on to work in security jobs!
Retired police dogs going into bomb detection or airport security work will need specialized instruction to be effective at their jobs. For example, they’ll learn to use their keen sense of smell to detect explosives or illegal drugs. And they’ll need to know how to sit calmly while people are moving around them in a busy environment like an airport terminal.
The work they do after they retire is often very different from their work as a police dog. Police work is high-stress and can be dangerous, so the canine must be placed in a position that suits their personality and needs after they retire.
A Retired Police Dog Can Have an Important Job After Retirement
Just like their human counterparts, police dogs need to undergo training before beginning their new careers. After all, they can’t just be unleashed into a hospital or nursing home without knowing how to behave!
Therapy dog training usually takes place at a dog’s regular obedience class. The trainers will work on teaching the dog how to interact calmly and politely with both people and other animals. They’ll also need to learn to follow commands while distracted by things like wheelchairs, crutches, and medical equipment.
Service dog withdrawal training is a bit more intensive. These service dogs need to be able to perform specific tasks that will help their disabled owners live more independently. For instance, a dog might be trained to retrieve dropped items, open doors, or turn light switches off and on.
Do Retired Police Dogs Make Good Pets, and What Kind of Care Do They Need?
When a former police dog retires, they usually go to live with its handler or another officer in the department. This usually means a lot more cuddles and belly rubs, but it’s essential that the dog doesn’t get too lazy.
The working dog unit will often provide retired police dogs with regular exercise and training opportunities to keep them sharp. This way, they’ll be ready and able to enjoy their withdrawal from service to the fullest!
After a police dog retires from the force, they don’t just go home and relax – they often have to prepare for a new role. Many retired police dogs get adopted by their former handlers, and these working dogs often make excellent pets.
However, it’s important to remember that these dogs have been schooled to do a task, and they may need some time to adjust to life as a pet.
The first step in preparing a retired police dog for its new role is to assess its health and temperament. Next, a veterinarian will check the dog for any physical issues that might need to be addressed, and a behaviorist will help to identify any potential behavioral problems.
Once the dog is cleared for adoption, the next step is educating them for life as a pet. This training should be conducted by a professional experienced in working with police dogs, as they will know how to best desensitize the dog to things like loud noises and strangers.
A retired police dog can make a great companion with some time, patience, and coaching.
Can Anyone Adopt Retired Police Dogs?
Many people are familiar with the work that police dogs do, but what happens to these dogs when they retire? Can anyone adopt them? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Most retired police dogs are German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. These breeds make excellent working dogs but also require a lot of exercise and training. As a result, potential adopters should be prepared to provide plenty of stimulation for their new pet.
- Retired police dogs may have some special needs due to their previous work. For example, they may be sensitive to loud noises or unfamiliar environments. Therefore, potential adopters should be prepared to work with their vet to ensure their new dog is comfortable and happy in their home.
- The adoption process for a retired police dog may be slightly different than for a regular pet. Interested parties should contact their local police department or service dog organization for more information.
Conclusion
As a result of their service, police dogs are often retired and adopted by their handler or another law enforcement officer. However, many dogs also need homes due to injury, old age, or their working life is over.
If you’re interested in adopting a former police dog, several organizations can help connect you with one. Animal shelters and police departments have partnered together to place these animals in suitable homes where they will thrive.
So if you’re looking for a loyal furry friend with plenty of experience protecting those he loves, consider adopting a retired police dog.
Related topic: Best emotional support dogs
*photo by Wirestock – depositphotos