Page 23 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

K9

Dogs generally can’t tell who is who, so don’t assume they will not be threatened by you because you
are in a uniform.

If a police dog ever tries to play with you, just ignore it.
Do not pet police dogs.

If the dog bites you, stay calm. If you panic, the dog will fight harder and only cause more damage.
Never joke around with the handler in front of the dog to try to get a reaction because the dog will
react.

Never step between the dog and the suspect and avoid getting between the dog and their handler.
If you have questions about a dog or what to do around the dog, ask their handler. Do not learn the hard
way.

If the K-9 handler lets the suspect know they are about to release the dog, stop in place because the
dogs will generally go after the person moving.

Avoid eye contact with police dogs, they can perceive it as a threat
Do not play with police dogs

If you know a police dog is working an area, stay away because the dog won’t know that you are not a
threat.

Pg. 22 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS