National: Garda Dog Unit welcomes three adorable four-legged recruits

CUDDLY now, but "not for long," the Garda Dog Unit has welcomed three new four-legged recruits.

Thor, a male German Shepherd; Ógie, a female German Shepherd; and RIP, a Dutch Shepherd and the first of his breed to join the Garda Dog Unit; are the latest additions to the long-standing tradition of canine policing in Ireland.

"Say hello to our newest furry recruits in training," announced the Garda Dog Unit via Garda Info online.

Say hello to our newest furry recruits in training - Thor, a male German Shepherd. Ógie, a female German Shepherd and RIP who is a Dutch Shepherd and the first of his breed to join our Garda Dog Unit.#KeepingPeopleSafe pic.twitter.com/36mYCBcANa

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) October 19, 2023

The three new recruits have been in the capable hands of their garda handlers since they were a mere 8 weeks old. As they continue to grow, their training program is thoughtfully tailored to ensure they become expert members of the Garda Dog Unit.

They are said to be currently learning the fundamentals of obedience, all the while familiarising themselves with the various sights and experiences they are likely to encounter in the line of duty.

"With dedicated handlers by their side, these young trainees are not only honing their obedience skills but also undergoing a comprehensive program designed to prepare them for the challenges and responsibilities they will face as official members of the Garda Dog Unit," the gardaí wrote.

It is expected that their rigorous training regimen will last approximately a year and a half. During this time, they will learn the vital skills needed to search for missing individuals, identify suspects, locate concealed evidence, conduct crime prevention patrols, and, most importantly, assist gardaí in apprehending criminals.

"We first established our Garda Dog Unit over 63 years ago, and in that time it has become an integral part of policing in Ireland," said the gardaí.

"Dogs can do what no human or technology can, by virtue of their powerful sense of smell. Keep up the good training!"