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Service dogs in action: Indispensable heroes of security work!
Find out everything about the training and deployment of service dogs in the Federal Police and their important role in the security sector.
Service dogs in action: Indispensable heroes of security work!
In the tireless fight against drug trafficking, the service dogs of the Austrian customs office have once again proven their extraordinary skills. In an impressive 1,150 missions in 2024, they recorded more than 1,120 successful arrests, detecting a total of over 220 kilograms of drugs 5min.at reported. There are currently 25 of these highly qualified dogs in use, five of which are still in training. Mainly German and Belgian Shepherd Dogs as well as various other breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers and Labradors are used. These dogs, which are trained to detect different smells, play a crucial role in detecting drugs, crimes and wildlife conservation violations.
The intensity of the training of these service dogs is remarkable. In collaboration with institutions such as Schönbrunn Zoo, we not only teach how to detect drugs and tobacco products, but also how to recognize protected species. This comprehensive training is playful, often supported by “clicker training,” which helps the dogs successfully master scent-related tasks. The dogs also demonstrate an impressive ability to react passively to smells by approaching the source of the scent and remaining there.
The importance of training and collaboration
The demands on service dogs are high and their role in security work is essential. How doginare.net As explained, every service dog undergoes intensive training that prepares them for various challenges, from explosive detection to escalation management in dangerous situations. These dogs must be able to stay focused and react quickly under extreme conditions. The close bond between dog and handler is of central importance as it ensures effective communication and thus the success of the operations.
The impressive performance of customs service dogs in Austria and the special training methods reflect the great importance of dog breeds in the security service. Their commitment shows how valuable these animal partners are in the fight against drug-related crime and in protecting habitats.