Detector dogs help the Australian Border Force protect Australia's border.
We train detector dogs to find prohibited and restricted goods. They can check people, products and large areas quickly, without discrimination or intrusion.
Detector dog teams are trained and tasked to search:
- luggage
- parcels
- cargo
- containers
- vessels
- vehicles
- aircraft
- buildings
- people.
ABF breed dogs are procured by a number of state and federal government law enforcement agencies along with some International partners for their detection capabilities.
ABF’s Detector Dog Program operate out of a purpose-built facility in Melbourne, Victoria. The facility manages operations,
breeding and
training.
History
The early years
The Detector Dog Program began with 2 black Labradors in Sydney in 1968. This was followed by 2 German Shepherds. This breed was so successful we decided to train only German Shepherd puppies. We trained them to detect heroin, opium, hashish and cannabis.
In 1978, we conducted a review. It found that using only pedigree German Shepherd puppies was too expensive and slow. Instead, we decided to train abandoned dogs. We found them at dog pounds, animal shelters and private homes. If they were bold, playful, clever, and fit, they could be a detector dog.
In 1979, we formed our first training unit. Our first training centre was an empty wool shed in Barton, Canberra. In 1984 we built a special training centre in Fyshwick, Canberra.
The 1990s
Until now, we had only trained dogs to search goods, vessels, aircraft, vehicles and buildings. In 1992, we began training some dogs to search people at airports and seaports. We only used dogs that were great detectors, and non-threatening, such as Labradors.
It became hard to find enough dogs to meet our requirements, so we started a breeding program in Melbourne in 1993.
The new millennium
We adapted our training methods to deal with changes in our environment. We began teaching all dogs to search goods, areas, and people. If they detect something, they are taught to sit and stay.
As a result of the increased National Security risk at our Borders, we began training dogs to detect explosives and firearms.
Recent years
Our facility in Melbourne, Victoria is set on a semi-rural 8 hectare site. The facility has the capacity to run several training courses concurrently, kennel 200 dogs, and manage multiple litters.
The breeding program provides all of ABF’s detector dog capabilities.
Detector dogs can now detect money, drugs, firearms, tobacco and explosives.
