A Readers Guide To Secret Service Dogs
The Secret Service operates a special unit for threats and protection that very little is known about and whose accomplishments are seldom told. Its members are force multipliers and specially trained; they travel with the President and can interrupt meetings without permission if they detect a threat. They work as part of the day-to-day security team and rack up frequent flier miles.. They have special training and skills that sets them apart that makes them invaluable. The special unit consists of specially trained secret service dogs.
Imported and Belgian-bred, the Belgian Malinois has demonstrated the
best temperment, response to training, adaptability to conditions (crowds, locations, terrain) that makes it superior to other breeds, including American breeds in identifying and stopping security threats.
Each dog the service buys costs around $8,500. From the beginning of its training, one dog is paired with a single handler. Dogs serve for 10 years (11 years is tops!). When a dog retires, it remains with his handler in civilian life. Belgian Malinois are intelligent, devoted, loyal, and psychic; they create a powerful bond with their handlers.
Every new dog completes 20 weeks of training with its handler. Once accepted for duty, dogs receive an addition 8 hours of training and review every week until they are retired.
The training keeps their instincts sharp. All secret service dogs are expert at finding explosives, mines. They are also trained to rescue wounded officers.