The newest recruit to the Nova Scotia RCMP, Elvis, is all set to start looking for trouble “under the blue moon,” and he ain’t no hound dog.
His handler, Cpl. Al Hamilton, has been training with three-year-old Elvis since February, and he’s now all set to take care of business searching for drugs, sweeping buildings and providing back-up to the Emergency Response Team.
While they’re not responding to calls, Elvis and Cpl. Hamilton work to keep developing their technical skills and improve their communication skills to further improve their relationship.
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They pair will do daily drills, like having officers lay out materials for Elvis to find as fast as he can, to improve his tracking skills.
Cpl. Hamilton is also working to get to know Elvis’ body language and vocalizations so he can learn to read his partner better when they’re in the field. Over time, the communication will become second nature between the crime-fighting duo.
Cpl. Hamilton says the trusting bond between dog and handler is essential and built on love.
“Ask any RCMP dog handler if they love their dog and they’ll answer ‘yes’ without hesitation,” Hamilton said.
“You have to show your dog that you love them if you want a successful partnership.”
Elvis is Cpl. Hamilton’s sixth canine partner he’s been paired with in his 20 years with the Police Dog Service. His former partner, Arik, retired in January.
Criminals beware, Elvis and his partner Cpl. Hamilton could have you doing the jail house rock before you know it.
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