Young dog 'Jack' is ready
Saarbrücken (ots). After nine years of loyal and highly professional service, the Saarbrücken main customs office is sending its customs dog 'Siska' into well-deserved retirement. The German Shepherd is not only trained to be a protection dog, but her nose is also trained to detect drugs. With this demanding combination, she significantly influenced the work of the control units for almost a whole decade and left her mark.
'Siska' always showed strong nerves and enthusiasm for work. One of her particular successes was an outstanding discovery of around eleven kilograms of cannabis, which she sniffed out during an inspection and thus made a significant contribution to the fight against drug-related crime. Overall, 'Siska' was involved in numerous successful missions and was considered an absolutely reliable partner by her colleagues.
“Customs dogs like 'Siska' are much more than just operational resources, they are highly qualified colleagues on four paws,” emphasizes Anja Ball, head of the Saarbrücken main customs office. “'Siska' has contributed to the protection of society for many years,” continued Anja Ball.
With the retirement of 'Siska', the baton has been passed on to the next generation. Malinois male 'Jack', almost 18 months old, is currently preparing for training and will take on tasks in the area of narcotics and protection dog work in the future.
Training a customs dog is intensive and demanding: over many months, the dog and handler are trained as a team, from scent differentiation to obedience and protective service to realistic operational exercises under stressful conditions.
The job of a dog handler is much more than just a normal job. “Our dog handlers effectively have a 24-hour job,” explains Anja Ball. “They have responsibility for their dog around the clock, during deployment, in training and in their private lives. This close bond is the basis for success in the service.”
Even after work, the responsibility doesn't end: care, training, health care and daily activities are of course part of it. Customs dog and handler form an inseparable unit that only works through mutual trust and consistent training.
While 'Siska' will enjoy her retirement in the familiar environment of her handler, 'Jack', a motivated and powerful young dog, is already in the starting blocks. The Saarbrücken main customs office is confident about the future of inspections – supported by the experience of deserving emergency dogs and the commitment of their dog handlers.