Man’s bond with dogs, built on trust and the reliance on each other’s strengths and instincts, goes back eons. Together, they form a superb tactical team, their partnership evolving through the ages, from fighting predators to hunting down criminals.
What canine power can do when unleashed has been on display lately — it has led Gujarat Police to breakthroughs in several key cases. The state canine squad has Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian shepherds and Belgian Malinois — all cut out for different tasks, and all loyal, fearless and driven.
These police dogs are a breed apart, chiselled from an early age to be transformed from rambunctious puppies into tenacious and highly bankable allies in law enforcement and security. Col Chandan Singh Rathore (retd) oversees this task at the State Police Dog Training Centre in Naroda, Ahmedabad.
“Gujarat Police currently have over 250 dogs deployed in different districts,” he says as he supervises an early morning session at the academy grounds. A class in unyielding discipline and skill development for the nine cadets currently here is about to begin.
THE NOSE KNOWS IT ALL
Nine-month-old cadet Creta is being taught to sniff out a narcotic. She is exposed to its scent many times over so that she can single it out from a mix of other smells when a real-life situation demands
1. (Above) A handler pours mutton soup on a winding trail drawn in the mud
2. (Above) At the starting point, Creta is given the scent of the narcotic she must identify
3. (Above) She zigzags along the trail investigating the smells, her nose never leaving the ground
4. (Above) Creta stops erect at the sample placed at the trail’s end, announcing her find with loud barks
Col Chandan Singh Rathore (right) supervises an early morning training drill
COLLEGE LIFE IS TOUGH
Training is a pairing of two contrasts — the seriousness of the task for the police force and the dogs seeing their work as play. Irrespective of which units they later join, all pups undergo a three-month obedience training, which forms the foundation of their career in the force. A test follows at the end. Training is extended by a week or a fortnight in case of shortcomings, but, with such eager students and dedicated handlers, that’s rarely the case and the dogs are ready for their specialisation course. “The headquarters tells us how many from the batch are to be trained for tracking, for explosive, narcotics or alcohol detection, and how many for assault,” Col Singh explains. The training is punctuated with “soongho” (smell) “shabaash” (well done), and titbits, which albeit, are hard won. The cadet must do what is taught. “We reinforce good behaviour with rewards. We don’t scold or punish. But if it doesn’t do what is expected or does it wrong, we withhold the treats and praise. This way, training becomes a game for them and we achieve the desired behaviour.” Assault and alcohol detection are the newest disciplines added. A first batch of five assault dogs has only recently graduated to join Gujarat Police’s two commando units – Chetak and marine.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANINE-DIDATE
Pedigree matters. The force procures three-month-old pups from recognised breeders registered with the Indian Kennel Club. “Under the direction of the director general of police, we also set up our own breeding centre, which recently produced 30 pups,” says Col Singh. Each pup is assigned to a handler who takes it to his district of posting. Over the next three months, the two will build the ability to read each other. At six months old, the pups arrive at the academy for training. But before it starts, they are rated on 10 universally accepted parameters that measure their aptitude, drive and temperament.
HANDLERS: PACK LEADERS, BUDDIES
A handler and his dog share the same goal — save lives, nab culprits and solve crimes — and put themselves in harm’s way first, one knowingly, the other, thinking it’s play. A police dog’s senses work in perfect sync with the handler’s instincts. Beyond voice commands and hand gestures, messages are relayed through the grip on the leash, a slight nod or simply, exchanged glances. And, like the dogs, their handlers too must possess certain qualities. “Handlers are the alphas in this partnership. They should be intelligent, compassionate, agile and tuned in with their dogs. If a handler can’t put the dog’s abilities to use, he risks failing his deployment, whether it is to detect narcotics or bombs,” explains Col Singh.
A FORCE TO RECKON WITH
Sniffers: Use their extraordinary smelling powers on command to detect narcotics, explosives, arms and alcohol
Training time: 6 months. Are exposed to all explosives — used by common people, the military and terrorists, and all chemical and natural narcotics. Also trained to not to bark on finding explosives as some are triggered by sound
(Above) A Labrador retriever sniffs through cargo at a railway station
Assault dogs: Protect people and territories. Inducted into commando units to apprehend enemies, point to enemies or explosives in a site before tactical teams can enter
Training time: 6 months. Learn to attack on command and sight
Trackers: Locate missing people, items, evidence and criminals
Training time: 9 months. Learn scent discrimination, scent identification and searching
(Above) Tracker Silky singles out a suspect in a theft case in Amod, Jambusar
EXPERTISE, CARE AND RECOGNITION
We have established an old age home for our retired service dogs, ensuring they can live a dignified life after completing their service. Additionally, we set up a dog breeding centre about two years ago,” says Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay. “During my tenure as additional DG (training), we introduced a specialised training programme by hiring two experts from the army — one senior and one junior — who brought 25 to 30 years of experience in training army dogs. With their expertise, we received valuable suggestions and revamped the canine training methodology,” he says, adding, “We have also introduced a rewards system to recognise and motivate dog handlers for their dedicated service.”
K-9-5: A DOG CADET’S ROUTINE
6.30am Let out of the kennels, undergo a temperature check
7am Assemble for a 40-minute session that includes exercises, obedience training and reinforcement of previous lessons
9am Short break followed by technical training
10.30am Back to the kennels for 30-minutes of massage and grooming
11am High-quality
dog food for lunch
and rest
3.30pm Technical training resumes
5.30pm Drill ends followed by a highly nutritious dinner
MODERNISING THE FORCE
Crime evolves and so must crime fighters. Gujarat Police is betting big on its canine squad. The DGP has plans to groom more assault and alcohol detection dogs besides modernising infrastructure. “The DGP is taking a personal interest, and we are excited about the kind of canine squad these efforts will create,” says Col Singh, while also acknowledging Neerja Gotru, additional director general of police (training) for the success. “Herself a dog lover, she monitors the training activities and fully supports handlers to make police dogs real force multipliers.”
THE SUNSET YEARS
Age does catch up, even with the bravest. Arthritis creeps up the strong bones, vision weakens and agility slackens. “At eight years old, the dogs undergo a detailed veterinary inspection. Those ticking all fitness parameters get to dedicate another year to service, with the possibility of a six-month extension following another check,” says Col Singh. Retirement is imminent at 10 years. After capping a glorious and selfless service to society, the dogs are sent to their retirement home in Anand which has well-appointed kennels, nutritious food and healthcare.
SNIFFING OUT TROUBLE, FROM CRIMINALS AND DRUGS TO ALCOHOL
Tracker: Rambo with Ravirajsinh Jhala
Sep 10: Led cops to thieves who stole windmill parts worth Rs 1.10 lakh in Porbandar, 2.5km from the scene
Tracker: Penny with Valabhai Singhav
Oct 10: Helped Ahmedabad rural police detect a theft of over Rs 1 crore and identified the thief
Narcotics Dog: Capto with Rajendrasinh Rayjada
Oct 10: Located 12kg of ganja worth Rs 1.20 lakh hidden in the bathroom of a suspect in Dhoraji
Narcotics Dog: Gulab with Alpeshsinh Rana
Oct 21: Sniffed out 5.24kg of ganja worth Rs 53,000 from a bag on the Puri-Gandhidham Express
Prohibition Dog: Andrev with Satyajitsinh Jadeja
Nov 11: Helped Rajkot city police find illegal liquor buried under the floor of a house
Man’s bond with dogs, built on trust and the reliance on each other’s strengths and instincts, goes back eons. Together, they form a superb tactical team, their partnership evolving through the ages, from fighting predators to hunting down criminals.
What canine power can do when unleashed has been on display lately — it has led Gujarat Police to breakthroughs in several key cases. The state canine squad has Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian shepherds and Belgian Malinois — all cut out for different tasks, and all loyal, fearless and driven.
These police dogs are a breed apart, chiselled from an early age to be transformed from rambunctious puppies into tenacious and highly bankable allies in law enforcement and security. Col Chandan Singh Rathore (retd) oversees this task at the State Police Dog Training Centre in Naroda, Ahmedabad.
“Gujarat Police currently have over 250 dogs deployed in different districts,” he says as he supervises an early morning session at the academy grounds. A class in unyielding discipline and skill development for the nine cadets currently here is about to begin.
THE NOSE KNOWS IT ALL
Nine-month-old cadet Creta is being taught to sniff out a narcotic. She is exposed to its scent many times over so that she can single it out from a mix of other smells when a real-life situation demands
1. (Above) A handler pours mutton soup on a winding trail drawn in the mud
2. (Above) At the starting point, Creta is given the scent of the narcotic she must identify
3. (Above) She zigzags along the trail investigating the smells, her nose never leaving the ground
4. (Above) Creta stops erect at the sample placed at the trail’s end, announcing her find with loud barks
Col Chandan Singh Rathore (right) supervises an early morning training drill
COLLEGE LIFE IS TOUGH
Training is a pairing of two contrasts — the seriousness of the task for the police force and the dogs seeing their work as play. Irrespective of which units they later join, all pups undergo a three-month obedience training, which forms the foundation of their career in the force. A test follows at the end. Training is extended by a week or a fortnight in case of shortcomings, but, with such eager students and dedicated handlers, that’s rarely the case and the dogs are ready for their specialisation course. “The headquarters tells us how many from the batch are to be trained for tracking, for explosive, narcotics or alcohol detection, and how many for assault,” Col Singh explains. The training is punctuated with “soongho” (smell) “shabaash” (well done), and titbits, which albeit, are hard won. The cadet must do what is taught. “We reinforce good behaviour with rewards. We don’t scold or punish. But if it doesn’t do what is expected or does it wrong, we withhold the treats and praise. This way, training becomes a game for them and we achieve the desired behaviour.” Assault and alcohol detection are the newest disciplines added. A first batch of five assault dogs has only recently graduated to join Gujarat Police’s two commando units – Chetak and marine.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANINE-DIDATE
Pedigree matters. The force procures three-month-old pups from recognised breeders registered with the Indian Kennel Club. “Under the direction of the director general of police, we also set up our own breeding centre, which recently produced 30 pups,” says Col Singh. Each pup is assigned to a handler who takes it to his district of posting. Over the next three months, the two will build the ability to read each other. At six months old, the pups arrive at the academy for training. But before it starts, they are rated on 10 universally accepted parameters that measure their aptitude, drive and temperament.
HANDLERS: PACK LEADERS, BUDDIES
A handler and his dog share the same goal — save lives, nab culprits and solve crimes — and put themselves in harm’s way first, one knowingly, the other, thinking it’s play. A police dog’s senses work in perfect sync with the handler’s instincts. Beyond voice commands and hand gestures, messages are relayed through the grip on the leash, a slight nod or simply, exchanged glances. And, like the dogs, their handlers too must possess certain qualities. “Handlers are the alphas in this partnership. They should be intelligent, compassionate, agile and tuned in with their dogs. If a handler can’t put the dog’s abilities to use, he risks failing his deployment, whether it is to detect narcotics or bombs,” explains Col Singh.
A FORCE TO RECKON WITH
Sniffers: Use their extraordinary smelling powers on command to detect narcotics, explosives, arms and alcohol
Training time: 6 months. Are exposed to all explosives — used by common people, the military and terrorists, and all chemical and natural narcotics. Also trained to not to bark on finding explosives as some are triggered by sound
(Above) A Labrador retriever sniffs through cargo at a railway station
Assault dogs: Protect people and territories. Inducted into commando units to apprehend enemies, point to enemies or explosives in a site before tactical teams can enter
Training time: 6 months. Learn to attack on command and sight
Trackers: Locate missing people, items, evidence and criminals
Training time: 9 months. Learn scent discrimination, scent identification and searching
(Above) Tracker Silky singles out a suspect in a theft case in Amod, Jambusar
EXPERTISE, CARE AND RECOGNITION
We have established an old age home for our retired service dogs, ensuring they can live a dignified life after completing their service. Additionally, we set up a dog breeding centre about two years ago,” says Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay. “During my tenure as additional DG (training), we introduced a specialised training programme by hiring two experts from the army — one senior and one junior — who brought 25 to 30 years of experience in training army dogs. With their expertise, we received valuable suggestions and revamped the canine training methodology,” he says, adding, “We have also introduced a rewards system to recognise and motivate dog handlers for their dedicated service.”
K-9-5: A DOG CADET’S ROUTINE
6.30am Let out of the kennels, undergo a temperature check
7am Assemble for a 40-minute session that includes exercises, obedience training and reinforcement of previous lessons
9am Short break followed by technical training
10.30am Back to the kennels for 30-minutes of massage and grooming
11am High-quality
dog food for lunch
and rest
3.30pm Technical training resumes
5.30pm Drill ends followed by a highly nutritious dinner
MODERNISING THE FORCE
Crime evolves and so must crime fighters. Gujarat Police is betting big on its canine squad. The DGP has plans to groom more assault and alcohol detection dogs besides modernising infrastructure. “The DGP is taking a personal interest, and we are excited about the kind of canine squad these efforts will create,” says Col Singh, while also acknowledging Neerja Gotru, additional director general of police (training) for the success. “Herself a dog lover, she monitors the training activities and fully supports handlers to make police dogs real force multipliers.”
THE SUNSET YEARS
Age does catch up, even with the bravest. Arthritis creeps up the strong bones, vision weakens and agility slackens. “At eight years old, the dogs undergo a detailed veterinary inspection. Those ticking all fitness parameters get to dedicate another year to service, with the possibility of a six-month extension following another check,” says Col Singh. Retirement is imminent at 10 years. After capping a glorious and selfless service to society, the dogs are sent to their retirement home in Anand which has well-appointed kennels, nutritious food and healthcare.
SNIFFING OUT TROUBLE, FROM CRIMINALS AND DRUGS TO ALCOHOL
Tracker: Rambo with Ravirajsinh Jhala
Sep 10: Led cops to thieves who stole windmill parts worth Rs 1.10 lakh in Porbandar, 2.5km from the scene
Tracker: Penny with Valabhai Singhav
Oct 10: Helped Ahmedabad rural police detect a theft of over Rs 1 crore and identified the thief
Narcotics Dog: Capto with Rajendrasinh Rayjada
Oct 10: Located 12kg of ganja worth Rs 1.20 lakh hidden in the bathroom of a suspect in Dhoraji
Narcotics Dog: Gulab with Alpeshsinh Rana
Oct 21: Sniffed out 5.24kg of ganja worth Rs 53,000 from a bag on the Puri-Gandhidham Express
Prohibition Dog: Andrev with Satyajitsinh Jadeja
Nov 11: Helped Rajkot city police find illegal liquor buried under the floor of a house
What canine power can do when unleashed has been on display lately — it has led Gujarat Police to breakthroughs in several key cases. The state canine squad has Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian shepherds and Belgian Malinois — all cut out for different tasks, and all loyal, fearless and driven.
These police dogs are a breed apart, chiselled from an early age to be transformed from rambunctious puppies into tenacious and highly bankable allies in law enforcement and security. Col Chandan Singh Rathore (retd) oversees this task at the State Police Dog Training Centre in Naroda, Ahmedabad.
“Gujarat Police currently have over 250 dogs deployed in different districts,” he says as he supervises an early morning session at the academy grounds. A class in unyielding discipline and skill development for the nine cadets currently here is about to begin.
THE NOSE KNOWS IT ALL
Nine-month-old cadet Creta is being taught to sniff out a narcotic. She is exposed to its scent many times over so that she can single it out from a mix of other smells when a real-life situation demands
1. (Above) A handler pours mutton soup on a winding trail drawn in the mud
2. (Above) At the starting point, Creta is given the scent of the narcotic she must identify
3. (Above) She zigzags along the trail investigating the smells, her nose never leaving the ground
4. (Above) Creta stops erect at the sample placed at the trail’s end, announcing her find with loud barks
Col Chandan Singh Rathore (right) supervises an early morning training drill
COLLEGE LIFE IS TOUGH
Training is a pairing of two contrasts — the seriousness of the task for the police force and the dogs seeing their work as play. Irrespective of which units they later join, all pups undergo a three-month obedience training, which forms the foundation of their career in the force. A test follows at the end. Training is extended by a week or a fortnight in case of shortcomings, but, with such eager students and dedicated handlers, that’s rarely the case and the dogs are ready for their specialisation course. “The headquarters tells us how many from the batch are to be trained for tracking, for explosive, narcotics or alcohol detection, and how many for assault,” Col Singh explains. The training is punctuated with “soongho” (smell) “shabaash” (well done), and titbits, which albeit, are hard won. The cadet must do what is taught. “We reinforce good behaviour with rewards. We don’t scold or punish. But if it doesn’t do what is expected or does it wrong, we withhold the treats and praise. This way, training becomes a game for them and we achieve the desired behaviour.” Assault and alcohol detection are the newest disciplines added. A first batch of five assault dogs has only recently graduated to join Gujarat Police’s two commando units – Chetak and marine.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANINE-DIDATE
Pedigree matters. The force procures three-month-old pups from recognised breeders registered with the Indian Kennel Club. “Under the direction of the director general of police, we also set up our own breeding centre, which recently produced 30 pups,” says Col Singh. Each pup is assigned to a handler who takes it to his district of posting. Over the next three months, the two will build the ability to read each other. At six months old, the pups arrive at the academy for training. But before it starts, they are rated on 10 universally accepted parameters that measure their aptitude, drive and temperament.
HANDLERS: PACK LEADERS, BUDDIES
A handler and his dog share the same goal — save lives, nab culprits and solve crimes — and put themselves in harm’s way first, one knowingly, the other, thinking it’s play. A police dog’s senses work in perfect sync with the handler’s instincts. Beyond voice commands and hand gestures, messages are relayed through the grip on the leash, a slight nod or simply, exchanged glances. And, like the dogs, their handlers too must possess certain qualities. “Handlers are the alphas in this partnership. They should be intelligent, compassionate, agile and tuned in with their dogs. If a handler can’t put the dog’s abilities to use, he risks failing his deployment, whether it is to detect narcotics or bombs,” explains Col Singh.
A FORCE TO RECKON WITH
Sniffers: Use their extraordinary smelling powers on command to detect narcotics, explosives, arms and alcohol
Training time: 6 months. Are exposed to all explosives — used by common people, the military and terrorists, and all chemical and natural narcotics. Also trained to not to bark on finding explosives as some are triggered by sound
(Above) A Labrador retriever sniffs through cargo at a railway station
Assault dogs: Protect people and territories. Inducted into commando units to apprehend enemies, point to enemies or explosives in a site before tactical teams can enter
Training time: 6 months. Learn to attack on command and sight
Trackers: Locate missing people, items, evidence and criminals
Training time: 9 months. Learn scent discrimination, scent identification and searching
(Above) Tracker Silky singles out a suspect in a theft case in Amod, Jambusar
EXPERTISE, CARE AND RECOGNITION
We have established an old age home for our retired service dogs, ensuring they can live a dignified life after completing their service. Additionally, we set up a dog breeding centre about two years ago,” says Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay. “During my tenure as additional DG (training), we introduced a specialised training programme by hiring two experts from the army — one senior and one junior — who brought 25 to 30 years of experience in training army dogs. With their expertise, we received valuable suggestions and revamped the canine training methodology,” he says, adding, “We have also introduced a rewards system to recognise and motivate dog handlers for their dedicated service.”
K-9-5: A DOG CADET’S ROUTINE
6.30am Let out of the kennels, undergo a temperature check
7am Assemble for a 40-minute session that includes exercises, obedience training and reinforcement of previous lessons
9am Short break followed by technical training
10.30am Back to the kennels for 30-minutes of massage and grooming
11am High-quality
dog food for lunch
and rest
3.30pm Technical training resumes
5.30pm Drill ends followed by a highly nutritious dinner
MODERNISING THE FORCE
Crime evolves and so must crime fighters. Gujarat Police is betting big on its canine squad. The DGP has plans to groom more assault and alcohol detection dogs besides modernising infrastructure. “The DGP is taking a personal interest, and we are excited about the kind of canine squad these efforts will create,” says Col Singh, while also acknowledging Neerja Gotru, additional director general of police (training) for the success. “Herself a dog lover, she monitors the training activities and fully supports handlers to make police dogs real force multipliers.”
THE SUNSET YEARS
Age does catch up, even with the bravest. Arthritis creeps up the strong bones, vision weakens and agility slackens. “At eight years old, the dogs undergo a detailed veterinary inspection. Those ticking all fitness parameters get to dedicate another year to service, with the possibility of a six-month extension following another check,” says Col Singh. Retirement is imminent at 10 years. After capping a glorious and selfless service to society, the dogs are sent to their retirement home in Anand which has well-appointed kennels, nutritious food and healthcare.
SNIFFING OUT TROUBLE, FROM CRIMINALS AND DRUGS TO ALCOHOL
Tracker: Rambo with Ravirajsinh Jhala
Sep 10: Led cops to thieves who stole windmill parts worth Rs 1.10 lakh in Porbandar, 2.5km from the scene
Tracker: Penny with Valabhai Singhav
Oct 10: Helped Ahmedabad rural police detect a theft of over Rs 1 crore and identified the thief
Narcotics Dog: Capto with Rajendrasinh Rayjada
Oct 10: Located 12kg of ganja worth Rs 1.20 lakh hidden in the bathroom of a suspect in Dhoraji
Narcotics Dog: Gulab with Alpeshsinh Rana
Oct 21: Sniffed out 5.24kg of ganja worth Rs 53,000 from a bag on the Puri-Gandhidham Express
Prohibition Dog: Andrev with Satyajitsinh Jadeja
Nov 11: Helped Rajkot city police find illegal liquor buried under the floor of a house
Man’s bond with dogs, built on trust and the reliance on each other’s strengths and instincts, goes back eons. Together, they form a superb tactical team, their partnership evolving through the ages, from fighting predators to hunting down criminals.
What canine power can do when unleashed has been on display lately — it has led Gujarat Police to breakthroughs in several key cases. The state canine squad has Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, Dobermans, Belgian shepherds and Belgian Malinois — all cut out for different tasks, and all loyal, fearless and driven.
These police dogs are a breed apart, chiselled from an early age to be transformed from rambunctious puppies into tenacious and highly bankable allies in law enforcement and security. Col Chandan Singh Rathore (retd) oversees this task at the State Police Dog Training Centre in Naroda, Ahmedabad.
“Gujarat Police currently have over 250 dogs deployed in different districts,” he says as he supervises an early morning session at the academy grounds. A class in unyielding discipline and skill development for the nine cadets currently here is about to begin.
THE NOSE KNOWS IT ALL
Nine-month-old cadet Creta is being taught to sniff out a narcotic. She is exposed to its scent many times over so that she can single it out from a mix of other smells when a real-life situation demands
1. (Above) A handler pours mutton soup on a winding trail drawn in the mud
2. (Above) At the starting point, Creta is given the scent of the narcotic she must identify
3. (Above) She zigzags along the trail investigating the smells, her nose never leaving the ground
4. (Above) Creta stops erect at the sample placed at the trail’s end, announcing her find with loud barks
Col Chandan Singh Rathore (right) supervises an early morning training drill
COLLEGE LIFE IS TOUGH
Training is a pairing of two contrasts — the seriousness of the task for the police force and the dogs seeing their work as play. Irrespective of which units they later join, all pups undergo a three-month obedience training, which forms the foundation of their career in the force. A test follows at the end. Training is extended by a week or a fortnight in case of shortcomings, but, with such eager students and dedicated handlers, that’s rarely the case and the dogs are ready for their specialisation course. “The headquarters tells us how many from the batch are to be trained for tracking, for explosive, narcotics or alcohol detection, and how many for assault,” Col Singh explains. The training is punctuated with “soongho” (smell) “shabaash” (well done), and titbits, which albeit, are hard won. The cadet must do what is taught. “We reinforce good behaviour with rewards. We don’t scold or punish. But if it doesn’t do what is expected or does it wrong, we withhold the treats and praise. This way, training becomes a game for them and we achieve the desired behaviour.” Assault and alcohol detection are the newest disciplines added. A first batch of five assault dogs has only recently graduated to join Gujarat Police’s two commando units – Chetak and marine.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CANINE-DIDATE
Pedigree matters. The force procures three-month-old pups from recognised breeders registered with the Indian Kennel Club. “Under the direction of the director general of police, we also set up our own breeding centre, which recently produced 30 pups,” says Col Singh. Each pup is assigned to a handler who takes it to his district of posting. Over the next three months, the two will build the ability to read each other. At six months old, the pups arrive at the academy for training. But before it starts, they are rated on 10 universally accepted parameters that measure their aptitude, drive and temperament.
HANDLERS: PACK LEADERS, BUDDIES
A handler and his dog share the same goal — save lives, nab culprits and solve crimes — and put themselves in harm’s way first, one knowingly, the other, thinking it’s play. A police dog’s senses work in perfect sync with the handler’s instincts. Beyond voice commands and hand gestures, messages are relayed through the grip on the leash, a slight nod or simply, exchanged glances. And, like the dogs, their handlers too must possess certain qualities. “Handlers are the alphas in this partnership. They should be intelligent, compassionate, agile and tuned in with their dogs. If a handler can’t put the dog’s abilities to use, he risks failing his deployment, whether it is to detect narcotics or bombs,” explains Col Singh.
A FORCE TO RECKON WITH
Sniffers: Use their extraordinary smelling powers on command to detect narcotics, explosives, arms and alcohol
Training time: 6 months. Are exposed to all explosives — used by common people, the military and terrorists, and all chemical and natural narcotics. Also trained to not to bark on finding explosives as some are triggered by sound
(Above) A Labrador retriever sniffs through cargo at a railway station
Assault dogs: Protect people and territories. Inducted into commando units to apprehend enemies, point to enemies or explosives in a site before tactical teams can enter
Training time: 6 months. Learn to attack on command and sight
Trackers: Locate missing people, items, evidence and criminals
Training time: 9 months. Learn scent discrimination, scent identification and searching
(Above) Tracker Silky singles out a suspect in a theft case in Amod, Jambusar
EXPERTISE, CARE AND RECOGNITION
We have established an old age home for our retired service dogs, ensuring they can live a dignified life after completing their service. Additionally, we set up a dog breeding centre about two years ago,” says Gujarat DGP Vikas Sahay. “During my tenure as additional DG (training), we introduced a specialised training programme by hiring two experts from the army — one senior and one junior — who brought 25 to 30 years of experience in training army dogs. With their expertise, we received valuable suggestions and revamped the canine training methodology,” he says, adding, “We have also introduced a rewards system to recognise and motivate dog handlers for their dedicated service.”
K-9-5: A DOG CADET’S ROUTINE
6.30am Let out of the kennels, undergo a temperature check
7am Assemble for a 40-minute session that includes exercises, obedience training and reinforcement of previous lessons
9am Short break followed by technical training
10.30am Back to the kennels for 30-minutes of massage and grooming
11am High-quality
dog food for lunch
and rest
3.30pm Technical training resumes
5.30pm Drill ends followed by a highly nutritious dinner
MODERNISING THE FORCE
Crime evolves and so must crime fighters. Gujarat Police is betting big on its canine squad. The DGP has plans to groom more assault and alcohol detection dogs besides modernising infrastructure. “The DGP is taking a personal interest, and we are excited about the kind of canine squad these efforts will create,” says Col Singh, while also acknowledging Neerja Gotru, additional director general of police (training) for the success. “Herself a dog lover, she monitors the training activities and fully supports handlers to make police dogs real force multipliers.”
THE SUNSET YEARS
Age does catch up, even with the bravest. Arthritis creeps up the strong bones, vision weakens and agility slackens. “At eight years old, the dogs undergo a detailed veterinary inspection. Those ticking all fitness parameters get to dedicate another year to service, with the possibility of a six-month extension following another check,” says Col Singh. Retirement is imminent at 10 years. After capping a glorious and selfless service to society, the dogs are sent to their retirement home in Anand which has well-appointed kennels, nutritious food and healthcare.
SNIFFING OUT TROUBLE, FROM CRIMINALS AND DRUGS TO ALCOHOL
Tracker: Rambo with Ravirajsinh Jhala
Sep 10: Led cops to thieves who stole windmill parts worth Rs 1.10 lakh in Porbandar, 2.5km from the scene
Tracker: Penny with Valabhai Singhav
Oct 10: Helped Ahmedabad rural police detect a theft of over Rs 1 crore and identified the thief
Narcotics Dog: Capto with Rajendrasinh Rayjada
Oct 10: Located 12kg of ganja worth Rs 1.20 lakh hidden in the bathroom of a suspect in Dhoraji
Narcotics Dog: Gulab with Alpeshsinh Rana
Oct 21: Sniffed out 5.24kg of ganja worth Rs 53,000 from a bag on the Puri-Gandhidham Express
Prohibition Dog: Andrev with Satyajitsinh Jadeja
Nov 11: Helped Rajkot city police find illegal liquor buried under the floor of a house
