I need more info on what you mean by "working K9." I think some of the answers are also breed dependent. Is it currently working but being retired? Is it washing from a program for bad behavior or failing training? Will it still be working and living with a LEO handler?
Any good working K9 could well have fewer behavior issues than a random pet dog because they're so stinking well trained. In fact, bite-trained dogs with good training are surprisingly LESS dangerous in their own homes than random fear-aggressive pet dogs because of the stable genetics and the training: they're clear-headed and only bite on command when ordered to do so. They generally aren't even allowed into that level of training unless they have bomb-proof stable temperaments.
However, your homeowners insurance may prohibit them and require you to get a separate policy covering them.
If you're talking about a police K9, is it patrol trained (e.g., trained to take down suspects), or is it a detection dog (trained to sniff particular substances)? Or maybe cross-trained? All of that makes a difference!
Patrol trained K9s are usually "retired" into homes with current or ex-handlers because they're a lot of responsibility (and a lot of dog). They're used to frequent training, going to work every day in high-intensity environments, and getting more exercise than the average dog, so they may be bored by slower "pet life" without a plan to continue to work their brains and get them a lot of exercise (e.g., maybe join an IGP club to figure out how to put them on a field and a sleeve with a good helper occasionally to get their ya-ya's out).
A breed rescue friend had the distinct displeasure of finding a retired New Orleans Police Department K9 in a high-kill public shelter, after it had been auctioned off as a senior dog deemed to be "surplus property," and the new owner didn't want it any more due to severe orthopedic issues (likely acquired on the job, protecting the city). The NOPD had no interest in helping one of their former "officers." It was a great older dog who had once been worth many thousands of dollars who was being treated like trash. That dog didn't deserve that. One of the NOLA-area rescue organizations put several thousand dollars into a specialty orthopedic surgery to get the dog mobile again, and then it was adopted to a retired ex-cop who was a former K9 handler. That dog could not be placed with a civilian because it was "patrol trained" (i.e., it could take down suspects on command), so he needed to grow old with a pal who understood what he was, and how to keep him safely "off duty." It was what that dog deserved for his many years of service to the people of New Orleans.
Tell me more about the dog and the situation. You're welcome to do it by DM.
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Maggie Thomas
President
Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-23-2023 07:45 PM
From: Tammy Passmore
Subject: How do you incorporate a working k9 into your pet pack
Need some discussion about incorporating a working K9 into your already pet pack. Jealousy issues, behavioral issues, aggression.
#EducationandTraining
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Tammy Passmore
Board Chaor
Hawaii Island K9 Association
HI
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