According to Lt. Lynette Shimek K-9 Supervisor with CA Dept of Fish and Game poaching occurs year round. Depending upon where the each team is located determines their busiest season. In Southern California teams are busiest during lobster season, while the Northern California teams are busiest during abalone low tides. Trained to hit on the scent of bear, deer, fish, elk, waterfowl, and the scent of a human.
While all dogs are cross trained for limited search and rescue missions, they only respond to missions within their assigned district on a limited basis. The Fish and Game 8 dog dual purpose team, those trained for detection, tracking, apprehension, and protection are typically German Shepherds, Belgian malinois and mixed breeds. Their detection team used for detection and tracking, are predominately Labrador. Seven of the K-9's in the team were adopted or rescued from shelters.
Canines in training live with the family of the handler from the time they are matched at the beginning of the academy at the age of 1-3 years old. Each dog and handler goes under critical testing, those that make it through the process go through one of the academy's. For detection the academy is 6 weeks, for dual purpose the academy is 8 weeks. Both detection and dual purpose continue their training monthly, having to log a minimum of 16 hours of continued training each month. The units goal for the most beneficial coverage to the residents of California is 24 K-9's, by the end of this Spring the K-9 program will be 21 dogs strong.
Raising funds for this program is an ongoing event. T-shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase. Donations are also gladly accepted through the non profit CalTIP, Inc K-9 Program account. For more information on the program or to donate visit their website at www.dfg.ca.gov. click on enforcement then K-9 unit.
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