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Not every dog that enters police training is destined to chase suspects, detect explosives or patrol the streets. Sometimes, a promising canine recruit discovers that police work simply does not match its personality.

And in some cases, the reason is surprisingly heartwarming: the dog is just too friendly.

Police and other working dogs are selected for traits that go far beyond intelligence. They typically need strong focus, confidence, persistence and a powerful drive to search, chase or perform a specific task, even when surrounded by distractions.

But dogs, like people, have individual personalities.

Some trainees would rather play than concentrate on an assignment. Others become distracted easily. And some are so eager to meet new people that they happily approach strangers looking for attention instead of responding the way their intended police role requires.

For a working-dog program, that temperament can mean the animal is not suited to the job.

But it certainly does not mean there is anything wrong with the dog.

When Police Training Doesn’t Work Out

Dogs that do not meet the requirements of a particular program may be withdrawn from training. Depending on the organization and the dog’s abilities, some may be reassigned to another type of working role, returned to their breeder or eventually considered for rehoming.

For certain dogs, that can open the door to a completely different future: life as a family companion.

A former police-dog trainee can be an appealing prospect for experienced adopters. These dogs are often young, intelligent and familiar with basic obedience and structured training.

However, adopting one should not be mistaken for bringing home an effortless pet.

Breeds commonly used for police and working roles can have very high energy levels, strong instincts and significant needs for physical exercise and mental stimulation. Even a dog considered too sociable for one kind of police work may require an owner who understands working breeds and is prepared to continue providing structure and training.

Not Every “Failed” Police Dog Can Be Adopted

There is also an important distinction often missed in feel-good stories about these animals: not every dog that leaves police training is made available to the general public.

Policies differ among agencies and training organizations. Some dogs return to breeders, while others may be placed with handlers or transferred into different specialist programs where their individual strengths are more useful.

Still, some police organizations and working-dog programs do rehome suitable animals, giving approved adopters the opportunity to provide them with permanent homes.

For the right dog and the right family, what initially looked like a career setback can become the beginning of something much better.

A dog might enter training with expectations of becoming a crime-fighting K-9, only to reveal a personality that says otherwise.

Perhaps it loves strangers too much.

Perhaps playtime is more exciting than patrol duty.

Perhaps protecting the neighborhood simply cannot compete with the possibility of making another friend.

Whatever the reason, failing police school does not make these dogs failures.

Some simply discover that their greatest talent is not catching criminals at all.

It is becoming someone’s loyal, energetic and remarkably well-trained best friend.

They may not have passed the police academy — but when it comes to being a very good dog, they graduated with honors.