“Atlas of the First Warrior” – that is the official name of the new employee of the Emsland/County of Bentheim police station. but his nickname is much shorter: Atlas. And this name has been heard quite frequently in recent weeks, because the young Belgian Malinois is currently undergoing training as a protection dog.
The training, which lasts one and a half too two years, is a demanding task for the four-legged friend. “It requires a high level of concentration and physical resilience,” explains police officer and dog handler Michael Deters. Atlas must learn to reliably protect his handler and other people in threatening situations.
At the end of the training, Atlas must pass a licensing test in three areas: obedience, protective service and evidence search. Only than is he officially a protection dog.
And then, the journey isn’t over for Atlas. In Lower saxony, he can receive additional training in specialist areas such as searching for drugs, cash or people. “The dogs are real all-rounders,” says Deters. Currently, Atlas is still focused on the basics – but he is already showing a lot of potential.
Protection Dog in training to Serve Emsland and Bentheim
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He is currently being trained as a protection dog with one of the ten police service dog handler teams in Emsland and the county of Bentheim. There are reasons why training to become a protection dog is necesary first: “this is necessary so that he can protect his handler and all other emergency and rescue workers in an emergency,” say the police.
From Puppy to Protector: Atlas’s Journey to Becoming a Police Dog
After two years of rigorous training, Atlas faces a crucial accreditation test. This assessment determines if he meets the stringent requirements for obedience, protective service, and evidence search – the hallmarks of a triumphant police dog. Only upon passing this test will Atlas be officially deployed to serve alongside law enforcement.
According to the police department, failures are uncommon. “The selection was very careful in advance,” they state,highlighting the meticulous process of identifying dogs with the potential to excel in this demanding role. Atlas has a lot to learn in the coming weeks and months, but his dedication and training have prepared him for this final challenge.
Police Dog Magnus: Too Nice for the Job
“Never say never” is an expression and an experience that the Osnabrück Police Department had to go through five years ago. At that time, police dog candidate Magnus from Osnabrück turned out to be more of a family dog than a police dog after a year and a half of training. The young Rottweiler had failed an significant intermediate test; his protective instinct was not strong enough. His job with the police: finished.
Magnus, who had become a police social media star, was taken in by a breeder and dog athlete. And Atlas? If the young dog is permanently unsuitable for police service, i.e. the worst case scenario occurs,there are various options: Either it stays with its trainer as a family dog,is placed with a suitable family or is used purely as a sniffer dog at other authorities,such as the judiciary.
Atlas: From Working Dog to Potential Police Reinforcement
However, since Atlas comes from a performance breed in the field of working dog sports and was selected according to certain criteria with regard to police requirements, there is a good chance that the four-legged friend will be suitable as police reinforcement.
After nine to eleven years, the dog retires
Once Atlas is a protection dog, it is decided whether the four-legged friend will be trained in another specialist area at the Lower Saxony Central Service Dog System. Possible areas: Search and find narcotics, banknotes, explosives, weapons, incendiary agents, blood or living and dead people. But for this to happen, there must be motivation to play, a willingness to find something and environmental suitability.
Atlas, a Dedicated Police Malinois, Embodies Emsland’s K-9 Unit excellence
Atlas, a highly trained Malinois serving with the Emsland police force in Germany, exemplifies the dedication and skill of the region’s canine unit. his annual performance evaluations, and more frequent checks due to his specialized role, focus on his crucial ability to reliably identify learned scents. This ensures he remains a vital asset in law enforcement operations.
The life of a Police Dog
Like many police dogs, Atlas is expected to enjoy a well-deserved retirement after approximately nine to eleven years of service. the Emsland police emphasize that these dogs typically remain with thier handlers, transitioning to a peaceful life after their working years. This strong bond between handler and canine partner is a hallmark of successful K-9 units.
Malinois dogs, known for their intelligence, drive, and athleticism, are increasingly favored by police forces worldwide. Learn more about the Malinois breed from the American Kennel Club.Their capabilities extend beyond scent detection to include tracking, apprehension, and protection work.
Emsland’s Innovative Approach to Regional Storytelling
The Emsland region is also utilizing innovative methods to connect residents and visitors with its history and culture.An interactive emotional map allows users to explore the area by clicking on pins to uncover hidden stories and “invisible traces” of the region. Explore the Emsland emotional map here. This digital initiative provides a unique and engaging way to discover the rich heritage of Emsland.
Key Takeaways
* Rigorous Training: Police dogs like Atlas undergo continuous training and evaluation to maintain peak performance.
* Strong Bonds: The relationship between a K-9 officer and their dog is crucial for success and often continues into retirement.
* Malinois Breed: The Belgian Malinois is a popular choice for police work due to its intelligence and versatility.
* Innovative Regional Engagement: Emsland is leveraging technology to share its unique stories and cultural heritage.
The dedication of dogs like Atlas, combined with innovative community engagement strategies, highlights the commitment of the Emsland region to both public safety and preserving its unique identity. As technology evolves and new challenges emerge,the Emsland police force will undoubtedly continue to adapt and utilize the skills of its canine officers to serve and protect the community.