A police dog and handler train and work as a team, they have a very strong bond because they must trust each other and understand each other completely when working in stressful, even dangerous, and often rapidly changing situations.  Most K-9s live in their handlers' homes and interact with their family and friends on a regular basis to ensure that they remain social animals.

In the United States, the majority of police dogs trained for pursuit and attack are trained using commands in languages other than English. This has several advantages, in that the dog is less likely to inadvertently hear a command word in everyday conversation. Further, unless the pursued individual speaks the language in which the dog is trained, it prevents the individual from issuing a stop command or understanding the commands the handler is giving to the dog. 

Police K-9 handlers throughout the country can register their dogs with Vest-A-Dog to receive fundraising help. Please email us and put your K-9 on the waiting list of a Vest-A-Dog's Protect a Protector program. Notify your local police department about this opportunity.