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International MP K-9 Association
The use of police dogs may be traced back as far as the reign of Pyrrhus, King of Epirus (295-272 BC), modern use of such animals dates only to the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The use of canines for Law Enforcement and Security purposes is a relatively new concept. This is especially true of the formulation of consistently valid training and employment techniques.
The city of Ghent, Belgium, is generally credited with establishing the first modern, successful Police Working Dog Program in 1899. The success of the Ghent Program stimulated interest throughout the continent of Europe; and by 1910, over 600 German cities has adopted similiar programs. Australia, Hungary and Italy followed suit shortly thereafter. However, it was the British Police who, having studied the European system, really formalized the large-scale training and use of Police Canine Units. It was their experience, primarily, that fostered the development of dog programs in civilian Police Departments throughout the United States.
The first such program in the USA was developed by New York City in 1907. Unfortunately, it was never fully developed and was abandoned in 1951. Prior to and immediately following WWII, numerous cities of various sizes organized canine units only to disband them several years later in disillusionment. The reasons for this were many, but most resulted from a combination of the following problems: Inadequate funding, Difficulty in procuring suitable animals, Shortage of competent trainers, Requirement for constant in-service training, and a Lack of Public Acceptance.
In spite of these difficulties and the fact that many programs were disbanded, most Police Administrators involved felt that Police Working Dogs were effective in reducing certain types of crime.
Following the Korean War, state-of-the-art developments in canine behavior and training occured rapidly. This, coupled with a spiraling crime rate, rekindled interest in Police Working Dogs, especially in jurisdictions where on-the-street crimes were reaching epidemic proportions. In 1957 Baltimore, MD, organized and trained a highly effective canine unit. Its success in combating certain types of crime prompted numerous cities to follow Baltimore's example. By 1970, over 80 departments were employing dogs as part of their Patrol Force. These included such major cities as St. Louis, Washington, Chicago, Philadelphia and Miami.
These days led us to what we all know as K-9 Units. From the basic patrol dog, to the highly advanced Narcotic, Explosives, evidence, search and rescue, and you name Working Dogs.
This is just a quick overview of the K-9 Program's history. For those of you who may have been Military Police Dog Handlers, this information may seem familiar. This information is contained in the FM 19-35, Military Police Working Dogs, written in 1977.
I really hoped that you've enjoyed reading this section. The History of Working Dogs, Service Dogs is very interesting. I highly encourage every dog handler to read up on the history. It is your line of work.
