BURSTA young German shepherd with a promising future as a police dog has begun its training in Nanaimo.
Basko was born almost four months ago at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta, and his handlers have recognized that he has a lot of potential.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise as Basko comes from an impressive police-dog lineage.
His father, Neon, is currently serving alongside his handler, RCMP Const. Jordan Braid, in Nanaimo, and his grandfather, Jago, is remembered as a courageous police dog who was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty in 2021 while protecting his handler and fellow officers during a manhunt near High Prairie, Alberta.
Flags in High Prairie were lowered to half-mast to honour Jago after his death.
While Basko may still be young, his journey toward becoming a police-service dog is already underway.
Basko will be raised and trained by a specially selected imprinter, which is a police officer trained to develop future police dogs from puppyhood.
Under the guidance of experienced Police Dog Services members, Basko will spend the next one to two years learning the skills required of an RCMP police-service dog.
Throughout his development, Basko will undergo evaluations every three to four months to ensure he is progressing toward the program’s standards.
His training will include exposure to a wide variety of environments, people, sounds, animals, and experiences, helping build the confidence and abilities needed for future operational work.
Although Basko will live as part of his imprinter’s family, his daily life will be focused on training, socialization, and development as he prepares for a career in policing.
For now, Nanaimo residents may spot Basko around the community as he explores the world, learns new skills, and takes his first steps toward following in the paw prints of those who came before him.
“Basko has some big paws to fill, but his family history and early development are already setting the stage for what we hope will be a successful future in Police Dog Services.” said Braid, who will supervise Basko’s training with his imprinter while he’s in Nanaimo.
Braid said there’s no guarantee that Basko will stay in Nanaimo during his full training program, nor is it known at this stage whether he’ll join his father Neon working with Nanaimo RCMP.
“It depends on whether Basko is successful in completing his training, and then on the situation at the time,” he said.
“Basko would go wherever he’s needed.”
Braid said that while other police agencies may use different breeds, the RCMP only use German shepherds as police dogs.
He said the RCMP has its own breeding program and using just one type of dog allows the program to breed out undesirable traits and health issues, as well as keeping the costs down.
“As well, German shepherds are super loyal, hard working, intelligent and can signal you when they are hurt or need a break,” Braid said.
“In addition, the types of coat they have make them adaptable in different climates, and they are used by the RCMP across the country.”
robert.barron@nanaimobulletin.com