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Handlers retiring their dogs have many emotional and
logistical
concerns to consider. Above all, you must remember that your
situation is unique. It is reasonable to have a little fear of the
unknown, but down deep you will know what is right.
Your police dog partner deserves a dignified
retirement. Many
bureaucrats believe that a police dog is merely a government asset
to be used until it breaks down. That's why many a dog has worked
too long. It serves no one's interests to push a dog beyond its
natural service life. You wind up trying to ease your feelings of
guilt, making excuses for his decreased performance. Just like his
human counterpart, your canine cop needs relief from the street and
its stresses. Because it is a tough decision, dog people need to
make it, not desk jockeys.
If you are staying in K-9, you'll have a few extra
hurdles to
overcome. Most insidious is the unconscious need to make comparisons
between your old and new dogs. Many handlers often fall into the
"First dog / best dog" trap. The first symptom is when you say to
yourself something such as "Good Ol' King wouldn't have missed that
turn." Stop yourself right there and take a moment to appreciate the
individuality of your new dog. Try to find a way to take advantage
of his unique traits. Some handlers have had success in dealing with
this by consciously picking dogs as different from their old one as
possible. Even to the extent of going to another breed.
Now that you have two dogs, what are you going to do
with them?
First, you need two kennels. If they are of different sexes you'll
need to take that into account. After all, a bitch in season
presents a potent distraction a couple of times a year. Some
handlers have succeeded in masking the oestrus odor by giving the
female chlorophyll tablets at the first sign of the heat cycle. A
better solution may be to get one or both dogs spayed or neutered.
Next comes the Green Eyed Monster --- Jealousy. As your
old dog sees
your new one going off to work in what used to be "his" car he might
not take it too well. As your new dog tries to adapt to his new role
he may try to show the old codger who's boss. After all both dogs
have lots of drive, and are vying for your affection. These are the
seeds of an ongoing conflict.
You are going to have to use your training skills to
modify the
hierarchy in your "pack." Though both dogs could be Alpha leaders in
other circumstances, you are the Alpha. Your new dog's confidence
must be nurtured since he must believe he can dominate any crook
ever spawned. Give the bulk of your attention to the new dog. Your
old dog must be made subordinate to the new one. A little extra
attention from your spouse goes a long way in alleviating your old
dog's affection generated jealousy.
There are many things to consider, whether you stay in
K-9 or not.
Do you know where your dog is going to stay while you're gone for
more than on overnighter? Ideally your K-9 Center will provide
kenneling for both your dogs. If not, you could try a private
kennel. Unfortunately, that's a great way for your dog to pick up
kennel cough, or worse. Leaving your dog with a neighbor, or having
one stop by to care for him is an option, but it is a risky one. You
can count on being sued if your "personal" dog injures anybody while
he's under someone else's control. The shysters love it when they
get to ask you on the stand if your dog was " . . . formally trained
to attack human beings."
All the qualities that make a dog a great K-9, can make
for the "Pet
from Hell." Good police dogs have drive in every fiber of their
being. Hunting drive, protection drive and retrieving drive, among
others. Unfortunately, behavior problems usually occur when such
drives have their customary outlets stifled. Problems like digging,
chewing, barking, over-aggressiveness and self-mutilation are
common. Be prepared. Though your dog never gave you any such
problems before, he might need to go through some serious behavior
modification therapy.
Even if your old partner doesn't get malicious you'll
probably
experience some property damage. Your old police dog took care of
his turf marking needs out on the beat. Now he'll probably consider
your expensive Japanese Maple the vertical of choice. Conversely,
he'll probably only leave fertilizer on the weeds. You can expect
more hair on furniture and carpets as well. These are the things
that come with having any dog around the house all the time.
Your family probably will love having your old dog around the house.
After all, they've grown attached to him too. I know my wife sleeps
better at night knowing that my old dog is patrolling our backyard
instead of the city. One problem here occurs when your family
considers your old dog a pet before he does. He still thinks he's
duty bound to shred anyone that remotely resembles a criminal. Your
family's false sense of control can lead to a bad bite.
Although a few agencies pay food and veterinary
expenses for retired
dogs, most do not. Most handlers who keep their retired dogs feel
that they've been "dumped on" by their agency. Your dog has become
accustomed to food that isn't cheap. Special diets for sickly old
dogs are even more expensive. Veterinary problems are often the
reason a dog retires in the first place. Expensive veterinary
problems that often require expensive on- going medication. For
example, one Washington Police Officer recently shelled out over
$1900.00 for surgery on his retired dog. Infirmity means more time
devoted to caring for your dog. So . . . go into this with your eyes
open. The good news is now that you've removed the stress of work
your dog's downhill slide may abate.
Liability --- That nasty word that forces us to spend
most of our
time writing. Most agencies demand a "Hold Harmless" agreement
before your police dog can be released to you. This waiver shifts
the burden of liability from their deep pockets to your incredibly
shallow ones. You can try to get insurance, but it might be tough to
find. Most insurance companies balk at providing an "attack dog"
rider for your homeowner coverage. Don't try to slide by without
telling your agent about your dog's background. That's a sure way to
have your claim denied if your dog ever does slip. Remember that a
disposition change usually accompanies retirement. Your old partner
might be pretty ornery. He may be old and tired, but the old police
drives may surface at the most inopportune times. Be careful how you
let him interact with others.
All this stuff may sound pretty scary and It should
make you be
careful. Don't let it stop you from doing right by your old partner.
As Kevin Klason, the officer with $1900.00 vet bill said, "All in
all, it's still worth it." I heartily agree. That's why my old girl,
Val will be with me until God decides otherwise.
Copyright 1995 Steve White
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