Skip to content

Kelowna Mounties get a new puppy

A five month old German shepherd puppy, born in Innisfail Alberta now in Kelowna, is well on her way to training to be a police dog.
19351kelownaHOPE
Meet Hope

A 5 month old German shepherd puppy, born in Innisfail Alberta now in Kelowna, is well on her way to training to be a police dog.

Hope has been partnered up with, Const. Sean Craven of the Kelowna RCMP Downtown Enforcement Unit, who has been assigned to train Hope.

Hope is just in the beginning of her training to track suspects, says Cst. Sean Craven. For now, she is focusing on becoming comfortable in all environments. She is also enjoying meeting new people and being exposed to different conditions, adds Craven.

A dog officially starts police training when it is from 12 to 18 months old and although males are often favoured some females like Hope, are chosen, said Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey. It’s important to know that a dog entering the RCMP training program has a 17 per cent chance of succeeding due to the high standards required.

The Kelowna RCMP Twitter account will follow Hope’s Journey as she progresses with her training, with updated posts and pictures.

Hope has shown very good progression in all aspects of her training so far. If you spot Cst. Craven on patrol downtown with Hope, don’t be afraid to stop and say hello, said O’Donaghey.

Some interesting facts:

  • Hope is the niece of two other local K9’s PSD Ice and PSD Talon;
  • The dog’s heavy coat allows them to work under extreme climatic conditions;
  • A dog can search a car in approximately three minutes;
  • A healthy police dog costs less than $1,000 annually to maintain;
  • A police dog usually retires at the age of seven;

Follow #HopesJourney on Twitter @KelownaRCMP