What's your advice for a teen who wants to be a dog handler policeman?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:11:32 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2017 8:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:33:18 -0400

Be all means , think that's a great profession. Love your dog and it will love you back, that creates a great bond.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2017 8:58 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 20:58:19 -0400

My advice would be to have fun and love that dog

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 5:27 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 05:27:13 -0400

I'll echo what 1SG John Furr said. K-9 positions are usually limited to officers with at least 2 years or more experience. He'll need to research prospective agencies and see what kind of K-9 programs they have, and make his choice from there. In the mean time, experience and education go a long way. He can look at being an MP, as the 1SG stated, Air Force is probably his best option, and start working toward his bachelors in a law enforcement related field. I also highly recommend he look into doing some ride alongs, as they are the best way for him to actually see what it is we do.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2017 11:33 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:33:20 -0400

Being in LE both military and civilian now for over 10 years, I would concur that the Air Force has the best MWD program. All branches go to the MWD school at Lackland so that's saying something. Stay out of trouble and don't neglect your education. The biggest washout of potential recruits, at least in my state, is the pre employment polygraph.

Response by 1SG Joseph Yorski, MHS made Aug 2 at 2017 1:26 PM

1SG Joseph Yorski, MHS — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:26:41 -0400

No one gets right onto a PD and gets a dog. They have to do their time on the street first. And it has little or nothing to do with previous military experience with dogs, in my experience.

Response by SPC Walter Currier made Aug 2 at 2017 2:41 PM

SPC Walter Currier — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 14:41:33 -0400

police explorers or find an officer to mentor the teen...

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 2 at 2017 6:01 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 18:01:10 -0400

Encourage him every way you can!

Response by Phillip Parham made Aug 13 at 2017 7:51 PM

Phillip Parham — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 19:51:04 -0400

I was a K9 officer in the beginning of my career. It was a small department and I volunteered. It was rewarding and also a lot of work. 24-7. It's also hard to part with your K9 when the time comes.

Response by SPC Alvin Cantrell made Oct 16 at 2017 7:09 PM

SPC Alvin Cantrell — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 19:09:15 -0400

you can email me at [login to see] i dont check in here as often as i should.