Passers-by witnessed a strange sight in the centre of the western city of Kortrijk yesterday morning, when four police officers from the local police dogs’ unit were seen walking through the streets, each with a Belgian Malinois hound on their shoulders. No, the dogs weren’t suffering from exhaustion. This was a training exercise for the dogs and their handlers!
“I understand that it might seem strange, but there is a very good reason why we carry the dogs on our shoulders, albeit just for a while,” explains Thomas Detavernier, local police spokesperson. “It’s part of the training. Dogs have sensitive paws. Imagine we arrive at a site that needs to be searched, but where there is glass or drug syringes lying around.”
"Then they are given the command to climb onto our shoulders until the situation is safe once again for their paws. They have to get used to that. They also need to be comfortable."
"Another reason is that the dogs sometimes have to work on a platform, but to get there, they first have to climb onto the officer’s shoulder. The officers then give them a little push up."
Getting used to the hustle and bustle of busy Kortrijk!
"It’s also important to get the dogs used to walking at a person’s side in a busy environment, with lots of traffic and lots of people. That’s why they sometimes go for a walk in the city centre, like today."
"Some decisions have to be made in the heat of the moment. So, it’s important that the dogs are well trained."
