Police dogs go global: NT K9 Unit trains with international experts

NT Police handlers have taken part in an exclusive decoy workshop, sharpening their skills and building stronger interagency ties, thanks to expert training from Franco Angelini and the Australian Defence Force.

NT Police Dog Operations Unit handlers and Australian Defence Force participants collaborate during an exclusive decoy training workshop at the Peter McAulay Centre. Picture: NT Police / Sourced.

The Northern Territory Police Dog Operations Unit (DOU) Patrol Dog Team recently had the rare opportunity to level up their training at an exclusive workshop facilitated by the Australian Defence Force.

Hosted at the Peter McAulay Centre, the four-day course offered valuable hands-on experience in contemporary canine training techniques, under the guidance of world-renowned expert Franco Angelini.

Mr Angelini, with over 30 years of experience working with police and military K9 units worldwide, is known for his expertise in canine behaviour and decoy methods.

His international acclaim made him the perfect instructor for this specialized training aimed at improving safety and operational efficiency for both dogs and handlers.

NT Police Dog Operations Unit handlers and Australian Defence Force participants collaborate during an exclusive decoy training workshop at the Peter McAulay Centre. Picture: NT Police / Sourced.

Throughout the workshop, NT Police handlers, along with ADF participants, worked alongside canines with various levels of experience.

The course focused on teaching decoys to wear protective gear properly, ensuring safety during high-intensity training sessions.

This allowed handlers to perfect their technique in controlling and interacting with the dogs, while learning the precise movements, timing, and positioning required for effective decoy work.

While the Territory’s heat and the physical demands of the training tested participants, the results were rewarding.

NT Police Dog Operations Unit handlers and Australian Defence Force participants collaborate during an exclusive decoy training workshop at the Peter McAulay Centre. Picture: NT Police / Sourced.

Senior Constable Ben Stove, a participant in the workshop, said it provided a significant boost to the skills of both handlers and dogs.

“By working with dogs that are not our own it significantly increases the handlers experience and skills as we are not familiar in how their dogs behave and respond,” he said.

“This was a significant training enhancement opportunity for us as we continue to work with our dogs from puppies.

“Picking up the early signs and behaviours as the dogs mature, means that when undertaking the decoy role we can ensure the dog is trained effectively in NT Police methodologies whilst maintaining handler and dog safety.”

The successful collaboration between NT Police and the ADF has set the stage for future training initiatives, with plans to further develop skills and foster interagency cooperation.