Prospective Study of the Effects of Prehabilitation on Performance, Injury and Retirement Rates of Police Dogs

Introduction: Previously we reported that the handlers of New Zealand Police dogs (NZPD) survey found 20% of dogs had impaired functional assessment scores and Canine Orthopaedic Index scores for gait and stiffness were increasingly abnormal in dogs with 2 years of age. The object was to determine the effect of a daily exercise program compared with controls randomly assigned to each group on the dogs’ performance, injury, and rate of retirement over a 6-month-period.

Materials and Methods: Active duty NZPD were randomly prospectively assigned to either exercise program or no program for 6 months (n = 23/group). Physical exam, exercise fitness testing, and handler questionnaires were administered pre- and q2-months.

Results: One control and two treatments were excluded (removed from duty <2 weeks). Up to 67% of dogs have mild physical injury that does not affect duties. Injury resulting in retirement/euthanasia occurred in three controls, twice as many dogs in treatment had resolved injuries compared with controls, 2-controls and 1-treatment developed injury during study. Handler compliance with treatment group was low with only six dogs performing exercises >3x/week.

Discussion/Conclusion: Many dogs have mild injuries such as sprains/strains. Performing a task-specific-exercise-program >3x/week may resolve minor injuries in 50% of dogs and reduce risk of retirement/euthanasia within 6 months. Handler compliance over 6 months was 29% indicating importance of prioritizing fitness in working dogs.

Acknowledgements: This study was funded by a grant from the Massey University Working Dog Centre, Palmerston North New Zealand.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022