| CUSTOMS
DETECTOR DOGS - United States Customs Service
Canine Enforcement Program
Q.
Types of jobs the dogs perform?:
A. Dogs are trained to detect a variety of substances.
Some detect a full range of narcotics (marijuana, cocaine,
ecstasy, methamphetamine, etc.). Other dogs are trained
to detect explosives and dangerous ingredients that
can be used by terrorists. Still other dogs are skilled
in finding currency. Detector dogs may be found at airports,
U.S. border crossings, and commercial harbors and sea
ports.
Q.
Breeds; size; type of dogs used?:
A. Most sporting breed dogs are good candidates,
for this Program: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers,
Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, etc. Usually dogs
between 50 and 100 pounds are chosen, but all dogs and
breeds are considered, for the Program, if they meet
the temperament criteria.
Q.
Are the dogs bred for the job or rescued?:
A. Customs has an on-going Labrador Retriever
breeding program. However, rescues and donated dogs
are also used in the Program. For more information on
donating a dog, go to: http://www.customs.gov
or call 1-888-USA-DOG1.
Q.
Are the dogs fostered before being trained (e.g.: puppies)?:
A. Puppies from the Breeding Program are placed
in foster homes for socialization and early training.
Puppies are in the Foster Program from the age of 12
weeks to approximately 16 months old.
Q.
What is the final disposition of the dogs after being
retired?:
A. A Detector dog's career averages four
years. When eligible for retirement, canines are usually
adopted by their handler. If the handler is unable to
take the retired dog, the dog is then eligible for adoption
through the Canine Enforcement Adoption Program. Potential
adopters may fill out an application, on line, and (if
accepted) will be contacted when a dog becomes available.
For more information about adopting a retired Detector
Dog, visit: http://www.customs.gov
or call 1-888-USA-DOG1.
Q.
How long has this Program been in existence?:
The Detector Dog Program was introduced in
1970 as part of a major effort to detect narcotics being
smuggled through major air, sea, & land border ports.
Q.If
puppies are part of Program, are foster homes needed
for pups?:
A.
To ensure that the puppie's graduate into
successful Detector Dogs, foster families must meet
certain eligibility criteria to participate in the Program.
And, once selected, the foster home must agree to maintain
a strictly outlined level of training; medical follow-up;
and Customs monitoring, of the puppy's
progress. Information about the Puppy Foster Program
may be found at: http://www.customs.gov
or call 1-888-USA-DOG1.
Q.
Is there anything the public can do to assist this Program?:
A. - Volunteer to foster a pup. Customs pays
for all puppy food, supplies and medical care.
- Detector Dogs are in demand and candidates are always
welcome. Shelter & rescue personnel are encouraged
to contact the Canine Enforcement Program if a suitable
candidate is placed into their care.
Q. Is there a web site with more info?:
A. http://www.customs.gov
search on dogs and the site will give
you the links to the Detector Dog pages.
Notes:
Pictures and bios of some Detector Dogs may be found
on the Customs web site.
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