North Prefecture's finest service dogs: Belgian Shepherd Dogs Sharky and Butcher

At recent service dog competitions, two Belgian Shepherd Dogs from the North Prefecture – Sharky and Butcher – stood out from the rest. Handler Julia Eesalu discusses their special qualities and the everyday life of a service dog.

At a recent service dog competition, the North Prefecture's two Belgian Shepherd Dogs – Sharky and Butcher – achieved the best results. Both animals stand out for their exceptional work capacity and high standard of training.

Julia Eesalu, handler at the North Prefecture, explains that Belgian Shepherd Dogs are exceptionally well-suited for police work due to their intelligence, energy, and natural work drive. These qualities make them highly receptive to training and enable them to master complex tasks faster than many other breeds.

A service dog's daily routine is demanding and rigorous. Training takes place every day and includes both physical exertion and mental stimulation – tracking, search work, bite training, and following commands in various scenarios. The dog and handler form a tightly coordinated team where mutual trust is paramount.

Eesalu emphasizes that you should never approach a police dog without the handler's permission. Service dogs are trained to respond quickly and decisively to potential threats, and even when off-duty they maintain their alertness. When a stranger approaches, the dog may perceive a threat and act accordingly.

The competition results are evidence of the high standard of preparation achieved by Estonia's police service dogs. Sharky and Butcher's success demonstrates that consistent training and professional dog handling pay dividends and help ensure safety for both police officers and the wider public.