Detector dog FAQs

What are Customs detector dogs trained to look for?
How long does it take to train a detector dog?
Where do Customs detector dogs live?
How many years does a detector dog work for?
Where do the dogs go when they retire?
Are drug detector dogs addicted to drugs?
Why does the detector dog want to search for drugs or explosives?
What areas do Customs detector dog teams work in?
How does someone apply to become a Customs detector dog handler?
Where does Customs find detector dogs?

What are Customs detector dogs trained to look for?

Customs detector dogs are trained to detect drugs and explosives.

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How long does it take to train a detector dog?

The handlers and their detector dogs attend an intensive three-month training course in either drugs or explosives detection.

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Where do Customs detector dogs live?

Detector dogs are kennelled at the home of their handler.

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How many years does a detector dog work for?

This can vary, but normally detector dogs retire around eight years of age.

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Where do the dogs go when they retire?

In some cases the handler may keep the dog as a pet when it retires. If it is not practical for the handler to keep the dog as a pet, a suitable family home is found for the dog.

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Are drug detector dogs addicted to drugs?

The dogs are not addicted to drugs and never actually come into direct contact with any drug substances.

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Why does the detector dog want to search for drugs or explosives?

The dog sees searching for drugs and explosives as a game. When the dog locates the drugs or explosives it is rewarded with its favourite toy. The dog only receives this toy when it locates the target odours it has been trained to detect.

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What areas do Customs detector dog teams work in?

Drug detector dog teams work at international airports throughout the country. They also work at the International Mail Centre, search ships, small craft and  cargo, and assist on Customs and Police search warrants.

Detector dog teams also assist other government departments.

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How does someone apply to become a Customs detector dog handler?

To become a Customs detector dog handler, you will first need to join the New Zealand Customs Service and gain experience as a Customs officer.

Customs officers can then apply to become detector dog handlers after gaining several years' experience within the various operational areas of Customs.

Information on becoming a Customs officer is available by clicking here.

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Where does Customs find detector dogs?

Purebred Labrador dogs are bred at the Australian Customs Service Breeding and Development Centre in Melbourne and sent to New Zealand when they are aged between 12-24 months for training as detector dogs.

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