Established in 1988 with a single Police Service Dog (PSD), the Niagara Regional Police Canine Unit has since grown into a vital component of the Niagara Regional Police Service. Today, the unit includes seven patrol dogs, each specifically trained to support frontline policing and public safety. Among them, three dogs are cross-trained in narcotics detection, two in explosive detection, and two in firearm detection.

Canine police dog

The unit is comprised of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, breeds selected for their intelligence, physical capability, and strong temperament—qualities that are essential in high-pressure situations. Each Police Service Dog is trained in a range of core functions including tracking, agility, article searches, building and open area searches, chase and apprehension, and handler protection.

Two of our PSDs are specially trained to support the Emergency Task Unit, attending all tactical operations to provide containment and support. Our handlers are on call 24/7, and each undergoes an initial intensive 15-week training program to develop a strong and effective partnership with their canine partner, along with on-going training.

Canine officer and dog

Many of our dogs are imported from Belgium, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, sourced from breeders specializing in police and military working dogs.

The Canine Unit conducts numerous public demonstrations annually, providing an opportunity to showcase the unique skills of our canine teams and to educate the public about the vital role they play in ensuring community safety.

 

 

 

For more information, contact the Canine Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111 ext. 5540.  

instagram logo Consider following the NRPS Canine Unit on Instagram  @NRPSK9

The Dogs

PSD Cain (K9-42)

 Belgain Malinois dog sitting outside

 

PSD Cain is a Belgian Malinois trained for patrol and cross-trained in firearms detection. PSD Cain was born in January 2023. Cain completed his course with Sgt. Vanderspek.

PSD Duke (K9-41)

German Shepherd on a leash outside.

PSD Duke is a German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in firearms detection. PSD Duke was born in April 2023. Duke completed his course with P.C. Vizza

PSD Maverick (K9-42)

German Shephard laying in a snowy field

PSD Maverick is a 2 year old German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in explosive detection. PSD Maverick was born in October of 2017. PSD Maverick completed his course with his handler P.C. Wegelin in June of 2019. 

 PSD Atlas (K9-43)

German Shephard sitting on a large rock in a forested area

PSD Atlas is a German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in narcotics detection. PSD Atlas was born in October of 2018. PSD Atlas completed his course with his handler P.C. Campbell in July of 2020. 

PSD Rudy (K9-44)

German Shephard laying on the beach

PSD Rudy is a German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in narcotics detection. PSD Rudy was born in August of 2019. PSD Rudy completed his course with his handler P.C. Wiley in December of 2020.  

PSD Jax (K9-45)

German Shephard sitting in grass front of a lake

PSD Jax is a German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in explosive detection. PSD Jax was born in September of 2016. PSD Jax completed his course with his handler P.C. Van Riel in June of 2019.  

PSD Ranger (K9-46)

German Shephard Laying in grass looking at camera.

PSD Ranger is a German Shepherd trained for patrol and cross-trained in narcotics detection. PSD Ranger was born in April of 2019. PSD Ranger completed his course with his handler P.C. Viger in July of 2020. 

 

Canine Articles and Links

 Articles
 

The following articles have been published by members and former members of the Niagara Regional Police Service's Canine Unit.  To view any of these articles, click on any of the following links:

 

Cop's Best Friend: The Use of Police Service Dogs in Crime Scene Location and Related Evidence Gathering by Superintendent Robert James Wright

The Importance of Exposure Training for Police Service Dog Teams in Relation to Sustained or Unusual Confrontations by Superintendent Robert James Wright

Introduction of "Oleoresin Capsicum" Spray to the Police Service Dog by Superintendent Robert James Wright

Leptospirosis: A Serious Threat to Working Dogs? by Superintendent Robert James Wright

The Niagara Shield Drill: A S.W.A.T / K9 Tiered Response of "Less-than-Lethal Options" by Superintendent Robert James Wright & Sergeant Matthew John Richardson

 In the News
 

K9 cop leaves legacy (2012-12-14)

Police dog sniffs out Gov. Simcoe school (2012-11-06)

Constable mourns the death of his crimefighting canine partner (2011-12-22)

Interesting Cases – Niagara Regional Police Service dog “Scout” (2011-12-02)

Police dog played key role in finding distraught man (2011-11-13)

The bite is worse than the bark, trust me. (2011-11-06)

More paws on the beat (2011-06-28)

A cop's best friend is a suspect's nightmare (2010-01-07)

Man charged after police dog kicked (2009-06-19)

Rookie police dog gets his man (2008-07-05)

Police dog helps apprehend suspects (2007-12-28)