Dog Health Questions: Can I have a small dog, like basset or cocker spaniel, be trained to become a drug sniffer?

I do some searches (with search warrant, of course) and never had K-9 in my department. I am interested if I could have toy dogs trained to do the job because they're easy to take to the crime scene and need not much exercise and low-cost maintenance

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In my experience with dogs you can pretty much train them to do anything with some work (from you and the dog). Check with your department they can put you in contact with trainers and groups that specialize in training. The smallest dog I've ever seen trained in narcotics was a cattledog (45 lbs). The dog needs to have the drive though and most small breeds don't have that bred into them. I have also seen some mix breeds in law enforcement so you don't have to have the typical German Shepherd as commonly seen. On the maintenance a dog is a dog, really all breeds have their issues especially the two you named. Both are known to have ear problems as well as other health issues, just look into what you think you want before you get it. And a Terrier of some sort may be better at the job, they tend to have a higher drive. Good luck!!

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• Yes, military trains beagles all the time for this. They use German Shephards because they look scarier and they are also trained to be an attack dog.


• I don't know much about law enforcement dogs, but I do know hounds! A lot of time when people think of hounds they only think of a bloodhound or a coonhound. There are a lot of smaller varieties that have just as strong of a nose! A beagle for instance is ALL nose. They are sniffing machines, and fairly compact. I have dachshunds and they are also all about sniffing and tracking. If you go to the AKC site and look through the hounds, you might see something that would work!


• If nothing else, you should be able to train a Grade A crotchhound.


• Your best bet would be a beagle or small hound type. Bassets aren't the best motivated.


• I think a beagle would be a good choice too. Good luck!


• a basset isnt really a small dog.. they are about 50 -60 pounds.. like a lab with its lugs cut short.
  
  I have seen small dogs like terriers and dachshunds used for sniffing out contraband and drugs. So yes, you can get a small dog trained for drug detection!


• Almost any dog with a good nose, better work ethic, and best likes play can be used as a detector dog. The problem of size becomes one of application 'practicality.'
  
  Tony Ancheta


• Yes you can, I saw a basset hound on my way back from tiawan in the LA airport. A lady walked buy everyone in line and the basset hound was waddling around with her.
  And she had her own vest and everything.


• yes i`ll be right back


• You are a cop?? I don't think so.. A cop would NOT ask on YA answers about drug dogs and training etc.. A cop would have K9 Resources that they would deal with.. They might not have their own K9 Department but they know who does and they would inquire there as to what they would need to do, etc.. NOT HERE...