Canine/handler relationships: a descriptive mixed-methods analysis of handlers' well-being and stress

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationships between handlers and (canine) K9. Understanding the influence of well-being and stress (general, occupational and home) is a first step in understanding the performance of K9 units in law enforcement.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach employing semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys. This approach assessed the relationship between handlers and K9s, while capturing context and the nuanced nature of these partnerships.FindingsHandlers agree that K9 can detect handlers' general stress, which potentially impacts K9 performance. Occupational stress influences handler/K9 abilities, however, handlers did not agree on all individual behaviors contributing to this stress. Finally, handlers stressed the importance of K9 units training together and suggested supervisors do not always appreciate the importance of joint training sessions.Originality/valueAs specialized units, K9s are often overlooked in policing scholarship, but serve a substantial large role in the missions of safety and security. Little is known about the dynamics of handler/K9 relationships.