In addition, two more of our rescues, a young Belgian Mallanois "Kito" and a 3 yr old German Shepherd Dog "Kruz", were off to Texas early in the fall of 2006 to attend a police dog training academy. Both of which saw success in the spring of 2007 achieving certifications, as dual purpose patrol k-9 and Narcotics detection dogs. K-9 officers "Kruz" and "Kito" and and their handler, K-9 officer "Kyla Mykytiw ", Canadian Director of the "K-9 Strike Unit" and GAP (Gifted Animal Placement) Diagnostician, all certified for patrol and narcotics detection with "Detection K-9 of America", The DFW Parker County K-9 " Strike Unit". They went on to achieve their national certification threw the NNDDA , "National Narcotics Dog Association" , as required of all K-9 law enforcement officers serving the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex K-9 Alliance. The dogs have now joined the, anti-terrorism effort, as well are working to keep our schools both drug and weapons free. The dogs were successfully re-certified w/ the National Narcotics Detection Association for 2008. Further, they have provided much inspiration towards a launch of a Canada wide "Gifted Animal Placement Program"
( GAP) in conjunction with the "GAP U.S.A. and "Law Dog International".
GAP INFORMATION The Gifted Animal Placement program or "GAP", teaches animal shelter personnel and others who work with dogs, how to identify special service uses. Currently, the United States Customs Service and other trainers must visit numerous shelters to test dogs for the unique qualities needed for their programs. However, since most pet owners do NOT admire these qualities, these very special dogs are not usually placed in adoption programs but are routinely put to death. They are usually labeled as “problem” animals because they are very, driven, energetic, drive focused, individuals. Due to high turnover of sheltere dogs at, "GAP" Diagnostians are not able to visit all shelters on a regular enough basis. This is just not feasible. When GAP certified diagnosticians work in a shelter or visit every few days, they can identify many of these special dogs and notify the appropriate trainers.
A few of the thing "GAP" service dogs are doing:
Bomb detection, drug detection, search and rescue, handicap assistance, seizure alert, hearing ear, vegetable sniffing, cancer sniffing, accelerant detection, and many, many more!
Plus, many trainers are looking for dogs that excel at sports like flyball and agility
To book a Class or for more information on the GAP Program Contact GAP CANADA today, Lives depend on it!
