Dogs play an integral role in RCMP operations

“It’s an opportunity for kids especially, to make connections and to feel like they are a part of a very cool process,” Browne said.

“The breeding program is what it is, but we do need to put names to the dogs at some point, and last year, I think we received almost 20,000 entries, both on social media and through regular mail.”

He said once all the entries are in, a team reviews them and decides which names will fit.

“It’s actually very cool for us, too, to make those connections back and see just how loved and endearing the dog section is to the communities we serve,” he added.

For this year, the contest rules are as follows:

Names must begin with the letter ‘M’ (each year, the letter changes)
Names must have no more than nine letters
Names must be one or two syllables
Contestants must live in Canada and be 14 years of age or younger
Only one entry per child will be eligible

Entry can be done online through the RCMP’s website.

Kids can also enter by sending a letter to the following address:

Attn: “Name the Puppy Contest” Police Dog Service Training Centre,

Box 6120, Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1S8

Be sure to print the child’s name, address, telephone number and the suggested name for a puppy.

Entries must be submitted by March 26, 2019. Contest winners and names will be announced on April 30, 2019 on the RCMP website and social media pages.

HISTORY ON THE FORCE

Browne said before the RCMP started breeding their own dogs, they purchased the service animals from breeders in Europe and across North America but did not have much success.

“We (the RCMP) were able to obtain a small amount of funding to begin a breeding program and it has since flourished and we’ve been self-sufficient for the last seven years,” he said.

“We’ve been able to supply our needs and the needs of the Canadian taxpayer for good working dogs by having our own breeding program.”

Browne said they breed for “health and performance” and follow the dog from day one until they retire from their time on the force. They also have an extensive knowledge of the dog’s family history.

He said the Innisfail centre breeds dogs mainly for RCMP in Alberta, but there are some exceptions.

“Any dogs that end up being surplus because they don’t meet our standards sometimes can meet the standards of other policing agencies and other specialty agencies across the country. Our goal is to find the best fit for each one of our dogs,” Browne noted.

“The primary focus is to fit in our program, and if it isn’t a fit in our program then we desperately try to find good working homes for any dogs that end up being surplus from our program.”

Health and performance serve as the two main criteria for the dogs to be trained in Innisfail. Browne said the dogs must have courage, conviction and an even temper.

“The imprinting portion of their training starts at eight weeks and the dogs are farmed out to regular members across the country who have a willingness and desire to become dog handlers. As part of the apprenticeship, they are required to raise and imprint solid and positive behaviors in our dogs,” he said.

Once the imprinting process is finished, the dogs are returned to Innisfail for pre-training and are funnelled into training courses before reporting for active duty.

by Justin Goulet (@JustinGoulet21)

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Dogs play an integral role in RCMP operations

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