National K9 Veterans Day in Canada
Every year in early March dogs are remembered for their safety service. The Canadian Border Services Agency expresses its gratitude.
March 13 is National Veterans Day for K9 and their units. Today, detector dogs help search for drugs and weapons, as well as money and food.
Canada Customs began using detector dogs in 1978 to help frontline officers with a more effective method of detecting drugs and firearms. Currency detector dogs began working with border services officers in 2003. They helped BSOs enforce the Proceeds of Crime) Money Laundering Financing Act.
Detector dogs make a huge contribution to the safety of Canadians. A variety of units help police officers, border guards, train stations, and airport workers. Their work facilitates passenger screening, prevents emergencies, and assists in catching criminals.
The skill requirements for dogs are truly high: statistically, only one in 10 applicants is accepted into the service training program. Generally, training begins at 11 to 16 months of age. Dogs' average service period is 8 to 10 years. When their service ends they retire and most often they live with their handlers.
The Canada Border Services Agency uses all types of dog breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Beagles, to detect contraband. Previously, all dogs were trained to scratch, dig, bite, and bark at the source of a contraband odour. Today, the primary method of training is for dogs to give a subtle signal to their handler when detecting contraband.
The teams are strategically located at ports of entry across Canada, serving both traveller and commercial operations. Dog teams are involved in thousands of interceptions every year and also provide public demonstrations at schools and in communities
"Today is K9 Veterans Day and we’re recognizing our four-legged heroes, their trainers and handlers for their service to our country," the Canadian Border Services Agency tweeted.
Note: some dogs are also on duty in Ontario schools.
