Care of the Canine and Equipment
Taking care of your canine partner is easy right? What could be so hard about feeding, bathing, brushing, clipping nails, etc., etc., etc.? It really isn’t that hard if you keep on top of it. Let’s take a look at what is and should be involved.
Clipping the nails is fairly simple, but some people don’t feel comfortable doing it or don’t know how much to clip off. Consult with a competent groomer or your veterinarian on how to do it properly. It will save the agency a lot of money if you do it. Some canines won’t need their nails trimmed very often, while others will. With some dogs, the nails will get worn down just with normal activity on hard surfaces. Whatever the circumstance, keep an eye on them and trim as needed. If they grow too long they can cause discomfort and possibly require a trip to the groomer or veterinarian to be trimmed.
Let’s discuss leads and harnesses for a moment. All of your leads (nylon, leather or some other material) should be in good operational condition. If they have any cuts in them that could diminish the strength, they should be discarded and replaced. They should also be clean, not just for appearance but to extend the life of the material. The same goes for harnesses: whether they are tracking, patrol or a ballistic vest/harness, they should be kept clean and checked for cuts, tears and abrasions. As you would with your uniform, if any of the leads or harnesses are faded or aged, consider replacing them.
