ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department brought in a one-year-old Dutch Shepherd in late May 2022, in hopes of becoming APD’s newest K9 team member. K9 Dozer began training with his new partner upon his arrival. After several weeks of training, Dozer failed to meet the expected level of learning required by the Department. Therefore, he will be sent back to the facility that the Department had purchased him from at no cost to APD.
The search for his replacement will begin immediately. Once a suitable replacement has been identified, the Department will bring the K9 in to begin training with his handler.
Due to the nature of the work and the training that police K9 teams have to undergo, and the young age of canines, some dogs do not progress in a manner that allows departments to certify a working dog before being assigned to their regular duties. The Department will announce its newest K9 once it is fully trained and put onto patrol.