Customs dogs in action: record hunt against smuggling and drugs!

Customs dogs in action: record hunt against smuggling and drugs!

In 2024, customs service dogs in Austria recorded notable successes. According to a report from the Ministry of Finance, almost 2.5 million euros in cash, almost 100,000 cigarettes and over 200 kilograms of tobacco were seized. In addition, there are 1,333 cigars, around 224 kilograms of narcotics and twelve species protection offenses that were uncovered by the dogs' keen instincts. In total, the service dog team was involved in 1,150 missions, completing over 9,420 checks and making 1,120 arrests OTS reported.

There are currently 25 service dogs working for the Austrian customs office, five of which are still in training. The majority of dogs trained are German and Belgian Shepherds, including other breeds such as seven German Shorthaired Pointers and one Labrador. These dogs undergo extensive training to detect various smells: from drugs and tobacco to cash and wildlife conservation. Particular attention is paid to training the species conservation detection dogs, which can identify around 15 to 20 different smells and work closely with Schönbrunn Zoo. These dogs exhibit “passive” display behavior, meaning they will remain at the source when scent is detected, which is crucial for customs officers, such as the 5min highlights.

Training and retention

The training takes place in a playful way using clicker training, whereby the dogs are rewarded for their excellent performance. After about ten years of active search, each service dog goes into a well-deserved retirement, often with their long-term partners. This work is not only of great importance for customs, but also shows how intense the bond between people and animals is in the police service.