Police dogs play an essential role in law enforcement, particularly in narcotics detection, where olfactory precision and behavioral stability are crucial. In this study, Azhar F. Abdel Fattah and Shereen El Abdel-Hamid from the Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research investigated how gender, sexual status, and training approach influence performance and welfare in 120 German Shepherds aged between one and three years.
The researchers conducted two experiments. The first examined sex differences in narcotics detection and behavioral tendencies, while the second assessed the effects of neutering on trainability and olfactory accuracy. Dogs were evaluated under two main training paradigms: reward-based (positive reinforcement) and punishment-based (aversive) methods.
Results revealed that male dogs were generally more trainable than females, and that neutering reduced trainability in both sexes. Crucially, reward-based methods yielded markedly superior outcomes—dogs trained through positive reinforcement demonstrated higher motivation, consistent focus, and stronger handler attachment. These dogs also exhibited fewer stress-related and problematic behaviors such as barking, growling, or disobedience.
Conversely, punishment-based training resulted in emotional instability, aggression, and reduced welfare. Dogs exposed to aversive techniques showed signs of depression, pain-related responses, and diminished control under working conditions. The findings support a growing body of evidence that reward-based training enhances both performance and psychological wellbeing in working dogs.
This study underscores the ethical and practical benefits of positive reinforcement in police and detection dog programs, reinforcing the importance of humane, science-based training approaches that optimize both operational success and canine welfare.
Source: Fattah, A. F. A., & Abdel-Hamid, S. E. (2020). Influence of gender, neuter status, and training method on police dog narcotics olfaction performance, behavior and welfare. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research, 7, 655–662. Published October 7, 2020.
