A project conceptualised, implemented and managed by Saving Tiger Society. Started in 2016 with 4 dogs, it is one of the most successful and result oriented projects, it had shown to be extremely useful to the Forest Departments of various states where there have been a high levels of illegal activities and poaching.
The project involves procuring puppies of the Belgian Malinois breed. This breed has shown the best discipline, ability to learn, very alert, adaptable and excellent performance capabilities. They are strong and courageous dogs and very well suited to a high risk, stressful work environment.
This Dog Squad was introduced as it has been established that dogs have a far better capability in detecting foreign objects and are excellent trackers. Their sense of smell is very strong and can detect things from quite a distance. Dogs, specially this breed, the Belgian Malnois, have very good stamina and can be on the field for long hours as well as go very long distances. They have also shown to have the best discipline, ability to learn, adaptable,alert and excellent performance capabilities.
After procurement, they are in training for nine months along with their individual handlers. An extensive training module is designed which includes combined and individual training with the handler, combative situations and an extensive identification training to detect illegal substances, strange smells, unfriendly people and anything suspicious.
Once training is completed, the handler and the dog are assigned to various Forest Departments and are put on active duty.
At present there are 14 dogs on duty in different parts of the country.