Thirty-four police dogs were responsible for more than 1400 arrests in Victoria last year, and the Police Dog Squad needs more of them to help continue their fight against crime.
The arrests included nabbing offenders over drug offences, assault and robbery matters, finding criminals while burglaries were in progress and helping find missing persons.
Dog Squad Sergeant Glenn Barrot said one of their dogs, Salem, was catching criminals again just a month after being beaten with a baseball bat in the line of duty.
"He was injured while apprehending four suspected vandals in June 2009, and a month later Salem helped apprehend two alleged burglars in Melbourne's west," he said.
Sgt Barrot said the Victoria Police Dog Squad still need adult German Shepherds to replace the current dogs approaching the end of their working lives.
They want to train pure bred German Shepherds aged between 12 months and two years.
Sgt Barrot said German shepherd owners who have to give up their dogs because of changing circumstances, such as moving interstate, should consider supplying them to Victoria Police.
"Skilled dogs play a very important part in operational policing, your dog could help save a life and generally help to improve community safety," Sgt Barrot said.
The dogs undergo a stringent testing process to ensure they are suitable for police work. They must be exceptional with a strong retrieve and a sound temperament.
Prerequisites include intelligence, boldness, keenness and the physical ability to cope with strenuous demands of police work.
Successful dogs will then undertake five months of intensive training involving obedience, agility, tracking, searching techniques and criminal work at the Dog Training Centre in Attwood in Melbourne's outer north.
Unsuccessful dogs that do not fit the criteria will be returned to their owners.
If you believe your dog has the attributes required of a K-9 dog, please contact the Dog Squad on 9333 1300.
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