Training Programs

The RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre has three core functions:

• Dog acquisition
• Training of dog teams
• Annual validation of dog teams

To meet these core functions, we have a number of interdependent programs.

• Dog Acquisition program
• Potential Police Dog Imprinting program
• Potential Police Dog Pre-Training program
• Dog Handler Training program *
  • Narcotic Detection
  • Explosive Detection **
• Dog Handler Retraining program *
  • Narcotic Detection
  • Explosive Detection **
• Avalanche Search & Rescue program
• Advanced Techniques Training program
• Assistance to outside agencies
• Breeding program
• Specialty Narcotic Detection program *

* These training programs have a mandatory six-month follow-up component.

** All Teams trained in Explosives Detection have a mandatory two-week on-site explosives training.

All teams trained are subject to annual validation(s) of each of their working profiles. Failure to meet the prescribed levels mandate remedial training with follow-up validation.