Lecture Notes: CRPF's Canine Training Program

Introduction

• Focus on combat dogs, not show dogs.
• Dogs trained to listen and obey only their handlers.

Case Study: Rado

• Rado: A one-year-old Belgian Malinois.
• Training at CRPF's Dog Breeding and Training School in Bengaluru.
• Undergoes intense 40-week training with handler Hitesh.
• On track to become a highly skilled combat dog.

Key Training Elements

• Focus on Temperament: Importance of inner traits, drives, and temperament over breed.
• Physical Capabilities:
  • Attack speed of 48 kmph.
  • Jump over 6 feet obstacles and clear 15 feet in a leap.
  • Bite force of 250 PSI, capable of breaking strong bones like the femur.

CRPF's K9 Unit

• Rado and Hitesh to join the elite CRPF K9 unit after training.
• Approximately 900 working dogs serving in various roles across India.

Historical Context

• School established in response to challenges from left-wing extremist areas.
• Began in 2011, trained approximately a thousand dogs.
• Dogs have been effective in these regions.

Training Facility Details

• Located in Bengaluru for its favorable climate.
• Presence of world-class private dog breeders.
• 200-acre facility accommodating over 200 dogs.
• Training schedule: 3 hours in the morning and evening, rest on Sundays.

Role of Dogs in CRPF

• CRPF: Multi-tasking force handling law and order, elections, disaster response.
• Dogs lead troops in Naxal-affected areas, boosting troop confidence.

Dog Breeding and Puppy Training

• Breeds: Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd.
• Careful selection of sire and dame based on phenotypic and trainability traits.
• Puppy Foundation Training:
  • Begins at 45 days old.
  • Introduction to varied environments for socialization.

Training Techniques and Achievements

• Dogs trained to sniff explosives and engage with armed enemies.
• Over 5,500 kgs of explosives recovered in the last decade.

Handler-Dog Relationship

• Bonding crucial from 45 days old.
• Loyalty trained to one or two handlers, not friendly with strangers.
• Dogs serve 10-13 years, accompanied by handlers throughout.

India's Position in Global Canine Training

• Historically underutilized in police duties.
• Need for research, development, and international collaboration.
• Aims to meet global standards in canine security use.

Recent Developments

• Conducted a two-day canine seminar attended by experts.
• Theme: "Patrol Canine, Vigil and Combat."

Conclusion

• Dogs have been human companions for tens of thousands of years.
• Despite technological advancements, dogs' innate capabilities remain irreplaceable.