The Winnipeg Police Service is aiming to train a new batch of recruits for its K9 unit with the introduction of several puppies.
A member of the agency’s K9 unit gave birth to nine puppies on Oct. 12. The police service dog, named Arrow, is a first-time mother, according to police. She underwent an emergency C-section at the Pembina Veterinary Hospital.
The litter of puppies was additionally cared for by a WPS constable. With the help of another dog who provided the batch of recruits with feed and nurturement, the agency said Arrow was strong enough to return to her puppies.
![The Winnipeg Police Service welcomed the birth of new puppies to their family of police service dogs on Oct. 12.](https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/WPS-Puppies.png?w=320)
A media event was held on Dec. 8 for a meet and greet with the puppies, who the police note could be future service dogs.
Training for such designation takes 16 weeks, according to the WPS, and can begin for a puppy as young as eight months. A police quarry member will raise the puppies, bringing them to work every day.
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While in crates, the batch will travel in a cruiser car. The agency said the approach is to allow the puppies to get a feel for the sights and sounds of police at a young age.
![Click to play video: 'Dante, retired Winnipeg Police dog, serving at Bell MTS Place'](https://i1.wp.com/media.globalnews.ca/videostatic/935/547/Dante.jpg?w=1040&quality=70&strip=all)
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