Female police officers are now training dogs to become sniffers that can detect drugs or explosives at airports, events and parties.
Badriya Saleh Ali, 27, is one of the two female police dog trainers handpicked by the Canine Unit three months ago.
The unit, established in 1976 with six dogs and six handlers, now has more than 60 handlers, mostly men.
Badriya said she finds her job as full-time canine trainer exciting.
“It is one of the most fascinating tasks I've ever experienced during my three years in the police,'' she said.
Each day, their routine includes visits to the airport terminal and events. A part of their task is to secure all-women events.
“Our job is an important part of security,'' said Badriya, a mother of two.
“Not everyone is fond of dogs. And you don't expect a female police officer to handle one.''
So what did she do when she first came face to face with an untrained dog?
“The challenge is to use some techniques to allow you to control them and make them obey you within a short period of time. I have a well-mannered dog, Jack, a Labrador.''
When training sniffing dogs, the trainer sets the rules - and the dog obeys, she explained.
“Jack's duty is to trace and find out all kinds of drugs and I am training him every day using different techniques,'' she said.
She also said Jack is safe if people come around him.
Tough training
Training comes with a bit of toughness, she said.
“Don't let them get away with something one day, then change it the next. I use a firm voice and must be authoritative with Jack,'' she said.
“They have to know the rules. They must learn that they are a member of your family and you are in charge. They learn better and you will have a well-behaved dog.''
Fatima Abdullah, who worked for 12 years as a jail guard, is the only other female police officer who joined the K-9 Unit with Badriya.
She now takes Razan, a trained Labrador, anywhere she goes and trains it to sniff out different types of bombs.
Dogs learn faster when they are treated with consistency.
Fatima said the first part of the training involves building familiarity between the trainer and the canine. The second involves daily routine, such as meal times. The last part is sniffing training, which is a continuous process.
“I used to have a dog at home. Once, I brought my children to watch me with a special show of Razan at one of the schools in Dubai. There are very few women training dogs for security. I am happy with my new job. My children are very proud of their mom.''
