Cooperation, tactics and precision: Service dog handlers trained at the Lešť Training Center

From June 28 to July 3, 2026, an intensive training of service dogs focused on patrol and intervention cynology, organized by the Military Police, took place at the Lešť Training Center. The Prison and Judicial Guard Corps was represented at the training by two officers – a member of the Service Cynology Section of the Security Department of the General Directorate of the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps and an officer from the Želiezovce Prison and Correctional Facility.

The training was international in nature, and in addition to members of the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps, it was also attended by dog handlers and instructors from other armed and security forces from the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Germany. The joint training created a space for the mutual exchange of professional knowledge, practical experience, and best practices used in the preparation and deployment of service dogs in individual units.

During the training, participants focused mainly on improving the practical skills of handlers and service dogs, practicing tactical procedures, and solving model situations that tested their readiness, control, and ability to react in demanding and dynamically changing conditions. Emphasis was placed on the synergy between the handler and the service dog, correct situation assessment, selection of appropriate tactical procedures, and effective use of the service dog's capabilities in fulfilling official tasks.

The training took place under the expert guidance of experienced Military Police instructors, who shared their professional knowledge and practical experience with the participants. At the same time, the joint performance of training tasks allowed for the comparison of different training methods, tactical procedures, and ways of utilizing service dogs across individual armed and security forces.

The participation of Prison and Judicial Guard Corps members in this international training contributed significantly to increasing their professional readiness, developing practical skills, and gaining new knowledge applicable to further training and the fulfillment of service tasks. The event also strengthened mutual cooperation, the exchange of experience, and professional relationships between the participating armed and security forces in the field of service cynology.