All our dogs in the Unit are the stole porperty of the State of Vaud. Department owned dogs are not available for breeding purposes. The dogs are to be considered by the handlers as a valuable tool, issued to them by the department. The responsibility is assumed by the officers when they are assigned to the K-9 Unit. The handler shall exercise control over his/her dog at all times.

Our dogs are chosen according sharp criteria. The dog must have proportionate lines harmonious with a straight solid back and shoulders. Actually we have German and Belgian shepherds and one Labrador.

He must be X-rayed for hip dysplasia with a German "A" stamp rating.

German shepherds are very receptives, adaptables and versatiles dogs. It's mainly for these reasons we have chosen to work with them.

We chose animals with good pedigree whose parents have successfully participated to competitions in division "Defense III" or "International III". They must be issued from working dogs breedings, not from beauty lines ones. We go all over Europe to find good breedings.

When recruiting, K-9 Unit's Chief and future K-9 handler visit renowned breedings and make different tests to puppies aged generally two months. They try to see if the dog is timorous or rash and if there is a good feeling between the man and the animal.

Once selected, the future police dog will folow his new daddy and become integrated to his family where he will stay for his all life.

Before any dog is considered for police training it must be tested and evaluated as to its fitness for service. The purpose for pretesting is to determine if the animal has any undesirable temperament characteristics that would adversely affect his serviceability. Testing will be conducted by the K-9 Unit's chief.

Pretesting shall measure the following qualities for all dogs considered for service with the State Police of Vaud:

a) Temperament

b) Alertness

c) Courage and Aggression

d) Drive

e) Gun Sureness

f) Physical Fitness

After being pretested, the young dog will take part to police's life and take place an board the patrol car. So he will fast get used to special working hours, job atmosphere and police environment. The K-9 handler will enjoy quiet moments to train his new partner.

K-9 formation is around 20 months long. First we will socialize the puppy to his environment. As early the dog will discover strange situations, strong noises (train station, downtown, harbour, markets, restaurants...) as best he will be trustful and stable when adult.