Being a K-9 handler requires immense patience, as training a new dog involves progressing one step forward and two steps back until the dog clicks. Secondly, handlers must be prepared to work alone with just their dog partner, as finding suspects can involve dangerous situations in dense woods or swamps where backup may not be available. The job is also extremely rewarding, as the dog will amaze the handler by finding hidden clues and wanting to work tirelessly. Handlers must also be prepared to represent their agency at public events and be the "morale booster" for their shift by letting others interact with their dog partner. Finally, handlers should expect to spend more time with their dog than their own spouse due to the extensive

1. So you want to be a K-9 handler?
After, having lived the dream of being part of a successful K-9 team, I thought I might give some
insight into what to expect for those officers and deputies who are thinking about joining the elite
ranks of working dog teams. First thing you will learn about K-9 is you will need more patience
than you have ever had to use in the past. Working to train a new dog is one-step forward and
two steps back, then suddenly one day it all clicks and your partner will perform in ways that
will leave you amazed.
Secondly, you better be prepared to do the job alone, with just you and your partner. There is a
reason why K-9 is a small group of professionals in the law enforcement industry, not everyone
will cross that fence into dense woods, or chest deep swamp to find the bad guys, some of them
will leave you to go it alone. Through bravado, a sense of pride or just plain desire to get the job
done many of you will do that job alone and a few will pay the ultimate price for that choice.
This better be a choice you are prepared to make, or wait for someone you trust before you go
find the “bad guy”. As the saying goes 2*!
You will find K-9 to be the most rewarding job you have done in your law enforcement career.
Your partner will make the hidden appear, and it will delight and amaze you each time. Your
work will be tireless, not just patrol work, but detector work, daily obedience, K-9 maintenance,
and learning about all kinds of new medical problems dogs can develop. You better be prepared
to be the spokesperson for your agency, to represent your Sheriff or Chief, at schools,
community gatherings, fund raising events, public displays, and just as part of your normal day.
You need to be the morale booster for your shifts; your partner offers incredible security and
stress relief to your shift. Get him out and make sure your team interacts with your partner. This
interaction is not only good for your partner but also for the morale of your team.
Be prepared to give up much of your free time. You will hear a common phrase among K-9
handlers that they spend more time with their partners than they do their spouse; well it is said
because it is true. K-9 trainers spend even more time, working with handlers, problem dogs,
getting advice from and giving it to other trainers; evaluating dogs, working dogs, and training
handlers, which is sometimes the hardest part!
In the end, be prepared to fall in love with a job you will never want to stop doing, but one day
you will, through age, retirement, injury, death of your partner, or promotion.
Do you still want to be a K-9 handler? Then get to work, learn from your unit, what they look
for in a new handler and work to achieve even more, never accept no for an answer and come
back to try again, and again. Know your job, be tactically and technically proficient, physically
fit, mentally strong, and demonstrate leadership among your peers. These are all qualities that
will be used when you make the cut. Go to training days, and absorb all the information you can.
Learn to be a great decoy first, as this will take you a long way in training dogs. Learn tactics for
safely working with your teams and how to help them when it hits the fan. Seek out the advice
of those who held a leash before you, and learn from their history.

2. Tyson Choquette has worked for the Polk County Sheriff's Office (FL) for 18 years as a Master
Deputy Sheriff, K-9 handler, and FDLE General and Specialized (K-9) instructor. Tyson has
worked in patrol, COPS, Street Crimes, K-9, and Narcotic Investigations, during his career.
Tyson currently employed as a Telecommunications Manager in the agency’s Emergency
Communications Center.