Methods of selecting dogs for the needs of canine units of the sector of security and defense of Ukraine

In the article the main criteria and indicators in terms of selecting dogs for the service needs of canine units of the security and defense sector of Ukraine are being examined. Based on the results of the analysis of domestic and foreign experience in the application of various methods of selection of service dogs, the problem issues of dogs selection for service needs are being identified. An analysis of the international experience of canine units (on the example of canine units of the USA, Spain, and Germany) in organizing the selection of dogs for the performance of service tasks is being carried out, and the main ways of its implementation in the conditions of the existing system of canine support of the units of the security and defense sector of Ukraine are worked out. On the basis of a detailed analysis of the requirements of the governing documents, which determine the order of organization of the activities of canine units, special and professional literature, the main methodical recommendations for the organization of the dogs selection  for the purpose of their further use in breeding work and training according to the relevant specialization (special, search, guard, search-assault, mine-searching) are discovered. A generalized approach and a variant of the improved methodology for determining the suitability of a dog for service use are proposed, the main components of which are the assessment of the physiological state of the dog's main body systems, exterior and constitution, nervous system, physical endurance and working qualities of dogs. The methods of dogs testing to determine their suitability for official use involve two stages: primary – testing of dogs according to the relevant sections, which is carried out on the day of arrival at the Kennel Training Center or on the day of the arrival of the dog selection commission to the owner of the dog (section A “Evaluation of the physiological state”, section B “Evaluation of the nervous system of dogs and the degree of socialization”, section B “Evaluation of working qualities of dogs” – the direction of further use (specialization) is taken into consideration, section D “Evaluation of dogs by exterior and constitution” – if necessary); repeated stage – repeated testing according to the algorithm of the first stage (section A – if necessary), which is carried out on 2–4 days. It is recommended to check a compliance with the breed standard by evaluating the main parameters of the dog according to the exterior and constitution. During the selection according to the defined criteria, it is mandatory to take into consideration the future purpose of the dog, in particular, use in a breeding business or for a service training. In case of selection of dogs with the aim of their further use in units of reproduction of service dogs as pedigrees, their suitability indicators will be higher and must satisfy the basic requirements set forth by canine units (breeding value, strong type of constitution and nervous system, exterior evaluations not lower “good” and “very good”).