This allows them to be used amongst passengers and their hand luggage. They search for pleasure, knowing that if they detect one of the scents for which they are trained - their reward will be for the handler to play with them. Even after they have passed their training course, the Detector Dogs require constant Continuation Training which is vital to maintain the high standards required. The average cost of preparing a dog team for active service, including the provision of a trained dog, handler training and specially adapted van is 28,000. The Department does not recruit handlers direct into the service, they are selected from established staff.
Handlers are responsible for day to day care, husbandry duties and exercising of their dog.
Two hours of every day must be allocated for this purpose. Some of the dog units employ kennel personnel for basic duties. The dogs are kept in Departmental kennels at their work stations and do not live at home with their handlers. Generally when a dog comes to the end of it's active service they are retired to the handler's care. If that is not possible we will find a suitable home.