Fuzzy ears flopping as he chews on a knitted slipper, Brando doesn’t look much like the fierce crime-fighting machine he may become.

The rambunctious nine-week-old German Shepherd is earmarked for a serious profession as a working police dog. But Brando has a tough time ahead of him as he gears up for doggie depot in Alberta within the next 18 months. Only 17% of dogs pass the program due to its extremely high standards.

The eight-pound ball of fluff was already scrutinized before being whisked to B.C. two weeks ago from the RCMP Police Dog Service Breeding Program in Alberta.
The young dog already had his first big adventure, spurring national headlines when the dog and his crate slipped from the back of an RCMP officer’s pickup truck on the weekend. The dog, which was unharmed, was picked up by a passerby and returned to relieved RCMP officers on Monday.

Every day of his young life is a test, although Brando might not know that. His puppy rearer, or quarry, an officer who hopes to become a dog handler, is exposing Brando to varied situations and environments while assessing his attitude and temperament every step of the way.

If he does not display suitability for police work, Brando may work with search and rescue or sold to the public.

Aspiring police dogs — males are favoured — must develop a diehard willingness to do anything their handlers command. Police want dogs who are outgoing, confident and show extreme curiosity, “prey drive” and controlled aggression.

It costs at least $60,000 to train a dog team but many do not make it that far. It can take as many as 150 dogs to get only 35 to graduate.

“The odds are stacked way against them,” said Nanaimo RCMP dog handler Cpl. Dean Muir. “It is a rare dog that makes it because they have to be good at everything.”

The constant evaluation is ongoing for Brando, who is not considered a pet. He is in the critical imprinting stage, where the animals learn to prefer the company of people over other dogs.

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