b. On the other hand, some patrol dogs will become too friendly; they
will fail to perform well when aggression is required.
This is a
particularly acute problem, since it affects the dog's reliability under
stress. Generally, this can be remedied by emphasizing attack drills during
training.
Remedy may also occur by assigning the team patrol duties that
lessen friendly associations with the public.
An alternative is to rotate
the team; move it from routine patrol to physical security duty at an
isolated site.
c. The balance between socialization and aggressiveness is critical,
and its maintenance requires keen observation and sound judgement by field
supervisors. Lack of aggressiveness in a patrol dog is not permissible; it
is enough justification for extensive in-service training.
It may also
justify rejection, if the condition cannot be remedied.
Highly aggressive
but controllable dogs are preferable to under aggressive ones which are not
reliable under stress.
d. Operational safety does not require fawning or playful animals.
These are dogs that prefer home and hearth to the patrol car.
Operational
safety requires controlled aggressiveness.
Its ingredients are sound
temperament and thorough training; another ingredient is absolute compliance
with the commands of the handler.
Upon completion of training, all patrol
dog teams should exhibit these traits. Field supervisors must ensure these
traits are maintained.
e. Controlled aggressiveness of the patrol dog must sometimes be shown
if public acceptance is to be won.
However, the showing of affection or
petting of the dog should be restricted generally to the handler.
15.
In-service Training.
a. Refresher training must be conducted as required. This will assure
maintenance of technical proficiency in all facets of patrol dog skills.
This is accomplished by an effective in-service training program. It should
be one designed to meet the needs of the post concerned. In-service training
can correct operational deficiencies in a particular patrol dog team.
Deficiencies are identified by using evaluation procedures.
For the most
part, these procedures are separate from the in-service program.
b. Patrol dogs are required to demonstrate their skill on a regular
basis.
They are required to display these skills under a variety of
operational situations. They must demonstrate skills under constant scrutiny
from the public and the command structure, Many aspects of patrol dog use can
be evaluated by personnel.
Even those who have little or no knowledge of
canine behavior or training can evaluate some aspects.
c. At this point, we can say that the sentry dog is best suited for
areas that are isolated and relatively free of distractions, while the patrol
dog is best suited for duty around populated areas.
This dog is also more
suited where the military mission requires both physical security and law
enforcement.
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MP1001
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