The percentage of dogs which are suitable for police work is low, and most departments do not have the time and skill to market the unsuitable puppies. Some puppies suitable for police work can be obtained from some of the foundations which breed German Shepherds for guide dog work. In trying to produce the right combination for guide work, they also produce dogs which have too much drive for guiding but make good working dogs. The personnel at the Foundation have had years of experience breeding these lines and evaluating the puppies and adults they grow into. They dog an excellent job in picking puppies for work and supply them at a reasonable price with an agreement that they will not be used for breeding purposes.
Private individuals participating in the working dog sports can be sources of dogs for police work.
Dogs which don't meet their expectations in performance or for breeding suitability can be obtained by police departments, sometimes at a reasonable price. While these older dogs may not have as long a working life, they are often proven workers who do not require long training periods. They do have to evaluated and trained by experienced trainers, and their handlers should be experienced or receive the same training any other K-9 handler does, even though the dog may not require the full program. The dog and handler also must train together and become a true team before they go to work. Departments must seek out skilled, experienced trainers if they do not have them available in their own department.