RCMP bring canine training to Fredericton-area backyards

The RCMP'sspecialized dog handling unitis set to begin training caninesin residential neighbourhoods to give officers and their four-legged partners a scent of real-life scenarios.

The training is slated to start in the neighbourhoods of New Maryland, Oromocto and Fredericton on May 16.

Sgt. MichelLitalien, the co-ordinator of theRCMP's Police Dog Services unit, said the training is something the Mountiesfeel adamant about.

"Police dog handlers train with their canine partners on a daily basis, but it's also important for us to occasionally expand our exercises to include real-life situations in real neighbourhoods," said Litalien.

Litalien said teams of eight to 10 police dog teams will begin training outside of local businesses and homes but the police say children and pets are free to go about their business while the dogs and officers are in the area.

Exercises will be conducted mostly during the day but some night time work is required.

Litalien said he feels in order for proper training they should be in scenarios they may face on a daily basisand citizens shouldn't be concerned.

"You might see a police officer in a green uniform laying out a track in your backyard or on the property around your house or business, and then working through the tracking process with our dogs," says Litalien.

If residents are concerned about training on their property they can just say so to police.

"It's their house, their property and if they don't want us there, and they tell us, we move," said Litalien.

He feels the teams have to work in residential areas because "break and enters don't happen in the middle of the woods."

"It allows the dogs and their handlers to train where we work, and only takes about 45 minutes for each scenario, then we move on to another location."