Comments on: Sensitivity Classes For K9 Handlers: Not What You Think http://dogblog.dogster.com/2008/07/24/sensitivity-classes-for-k9-handlers-not-what-you-think/ The Dogster Community Dog Blog Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:00:33 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Ash Zucker http://dogblog.dogster.com/2008/07/24/sensitivity-classes-for-k9-handlers-not-what-you-think/comment-page-1/#comment-402452 Ash Zucker Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:18:45 +0000 http://dogblog.dogster.com/?p=6365#comment-402452 I think we need to be more concerned about the sensitivity of the handlers towards their own dogs. My father was a K-9 handler for 8 years. I've seen the dogs in action and they bad guys get PLENTY of warning before the dogs are used. The dog is both an officer (if you strike him, you can be charged with assaulting an officer) and a weapon. You wouldn't fire at a suspect without warning them first, obviously, and they don't use the dogs without warning. The dogs, however, work very hard and sometimes in unbearable heat (right along with their human counterparts). There was a K-9 in Florida just a few weeks ago who died in a squad car when the AC failed. I think sensitivity training needs to be focused on helping the handler realize when his dog has been working too hard. These dogs have an incredible drive and do not want to give up until the job is done, which sometimes means that they ignore their own needs. Stop worrying about how the suspects feel and start thinking about the dogs!!! I think we need to be more concerned about the sensitivity of the handlers towards their own dogs. My father was a K-9 handler for 8 years. I’ve seen the dogs in action and they bad guys get PLENTY of warning before the dogs are used. The dog is both an officer (if you strike him, you can be charged with assaulting an officer) and a weapon. You wouldn’t fire at a suspect without warning them first, obviously, and they don’t use the dogs without warning.
The dogs, however, work very hard and sometimes in unbearable heat (right along with their human counterparts). There was a K-9 in Florida just a few weeks ago who died in a squad car when the AC failed. I think sensitivity training needs to be focused on helping the handler realize when his dog has been working too hard. These dogs have an incredible drive and do not want to give up until the job is done, which sometimes means that they ignore their own needs. Stop worrying about how the suspects feel and start thinking about the dogs!!!

]]> By: Coco Chanel http://dogblog.dogster.com/2008/07/24/sensitivity-classes-for-k9-handlers-not-what-you-think/comment-page-1/#comment-402360 Coco Chanel Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:04:26 +0000 http://dogblog.dogster.com/?p=6365#comment-402360 What about classes for the police who handle the dogs. Does anyone remember the picture of a law enforcement officer who chained his dog up to the top of a piece of decking and repeatedly beat and kicked the dog? I am all about sensitivity training... but let’s start with the Pack Leader.... What about classes for the police who handle the dogs. Does anyone remember the picture of a law enforcement officer who chained his dog up to the top of a piece of decking and repeatedly beat and kicked the dog?

I am all about sensitivity training… but let’s start with the Pack Leader….

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