Ankara Municipality's K9 Units Enhance City Security

The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) is bolstering security throughout the capital city with its dedicated K9 units, operated by ANFA Security. These highly trained dogs are an integral part of the municipality's ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in various urban spaces.

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Dogs' training starts from birth. After the nursing and care period, they receive basic obedience training. Then, they undergo specialized training according to their roles. When they turn one, they can get their ID after successfully passing the Service Dog and Handler Exam organized by the General Directorate of Security and serve for 8 years. The ID renewal for our dogs continues every two years.

From birth, the K9 service dogs undergo specialized training programs at the ANFA Security Training Center. After obtaining their official identification, they are deployed to patrol parks, recreational areas, and historical and tourist sites across Ankara, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Currently, ANFA Security has a total of 14 K9 dogs of various ages actively serving the city.

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We have a total of 14 dogs receiving training in various age groups and actively serving within ANFA Security. Currently, we have 2 small puppies, a 3-month-old dog, 4 dogs that are 6 months old, and 7 service dogs. We also have dogs continuing their specialized training with official IDs, making a total of 14 dogs.

The training process for these canine officers is comprehensive, beginning shortly after birth. Following a period of care and nursing, they receive basic obedience training. Subsequently, they specialize in specific roles based on their aptitudes. By the age of one, after successfully passing the Service Dog and Handler Exam administered by the General Directorate of Security, they receive their official credentials and begin their active duty, which typically lasts for eight years.

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Our slogan is 'Trust to friends, fear to enemies.' The dogs working with official IDs have daily patrol programs. Besides completing their patrols, we provide training at half-hour intervals, depending on weather conditions and the dogs' fatigue levels. They work on a 7/24 basis in parks, gardens, recreational areas, and facilities belonging to the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. They have daily patrols in all our major prestige parks. Our daily patrols continue in the Ulus, Hacı Bayram, and Kale regions.

ANFA Security K9 Team Leader Ahmet Emin Boybek explained the detailed training schedule, noting that puppies begin obedience training around four months old. Specialized training commences after six months, once the dogs have completed their teething phase. He also highlighted that the dogs' credentials require renewal every two years. The K9 team's slogan, "Trust to friends, fear to enemies," reflects their role in providing security. The dogs conduct daily patrols, with training sessions interspersed based on weather and the dogs' condition. Even after completing their service, typically around 8-9 years of age, the retired K9 dogs continue to live under the care of ANFA Security, ensuring they are well looked after for the remainder of their lives.

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When our dogs reach 8-9 years of age, they retire. In return for the service they provide us, we continue to care for them for as long as they live.