Selection and training The dogs that work with the police belong either to the federal or local police, or to the handler himself. The information given here only relates to dogs that belong to the Dog Support Unit.                1. Purchase of a police dog In principle, each dog between 9 months and 2 years qualifies for training at the Dog Support Unit. When the dog is purchased, certain characteristics, like social behaviour and courage, but also certain urges and special talents like searching and retrieving are considered. Before the dog is purchased, it is extensively observed and evaluated. If the dog gets a positive evaluation afterwards, it is finally purchased by the Dog Support Unit after a medical examination by the Veterinary service of the federal police. 2. Selection of a candidate dog handler A number of conditions have to be fulfilled to become a dog handler. For instance, the candidate dog handler must have the grade of police inspector and must be highly available for service. A permanent interest and motivation to raise, train and maintain a police dog and a good team spirit are also important. A dog handler is expected to be very flexible in the work organization and to be honest and collegial. It is also essential to be able to work independently. As the dog teams from the Dog Support Unit are deployed throughout Belgium, knowledge of the second national language is a plus. The selection procedure is split up in 4 steps: a written test, an interview, a medical test and a traineeship of one week. In addition, each part of this procedure is eliminating. When a candidate dog handler is accepted at the end of the selection, he can start his training in the Dog Support Unit. 3. Training of a police dog team After the dog is purchased, it starts training with a trainer, after which the training is completed with a handler. The Training Pillar provides the basic and continued training of all dogs belonging to the federal police. It also gives support at the police schools’ request for the basic training of patrol dogs. If the local police wish to enter a police dog team in their staff, this team always has to be trained in a police school. The basic training takes 5 to 26 weeks, depending on possibly obtained exemptions. Afterwards, the dog team can receive a continued training every year to confirm the level reached and further develop. These trainings mainly emphasize the social behaviour and the possibility to deploy the dog team without stress (during football matches, concerts, ...) at any time. If a federal police directorate or service wishes to enter a dog team in its formation, it has to address its training request directly to the Dog Support Unit. Depending on the discipline of the dog team, the basic training will take 6 months to 2 years. Continued trainings are provided here as well.