It's a popular misconception that dogs of exotic breeds are more useful for army and police training than desi dogs can ever be. That's why you'll see maximum labradors, German shepherds and dobermans recruited in the army or police services. But let's not forget, Indie dogs are known for their endurance and strength too, since they live on the streets. Slowly and steadily, both the army and the police are beginning to realise this and are being more inclusive where street dogs are concerned. 

These desi stray dogs have an incredible protective instinct, good sight and smell abilities and they adapt well in any given environment, since they've been doing so for years on the streets.

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That is why the Bengaluru Police has decided to 'recruit' street dogs and train them to be watchdogs, thatâll protect the people and society, by accompanying the police during night patrols! The South division of Bengaluru Police has taken over this initiative since they have 17 police stations under them. The street dogs outside the police stations are taken care of and fed, so that they're in good shape for their training sessions, which will start soon.

âThere are at least about 50-60 dogs in total who are mostly outside the police stations wandering around. Many residents come and feed them and take care of them. Now, we want to do our bit by doing the same,â said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in an interview with New Indian Express.

The training will be given by professionals who'll first teach the dogs to obey simple commands like 'sit', 'stay' and 'jump'. They will be given further intensive training on how to recognise and be around people at police stations or in general and also to recognise criminals or miscreants.

âThe police go on night patrols. They can take these dogs with them, which will drive in a sense of fear among miscreants,â the DC further added.

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The dogs are doing well so far. There are two veterinarians who're vaccinating the dogs, while people from local animal welfare groups are coming and taking care of them. There are also kennels that are being made for these street dogs. While most of them will be trained for night patrols, some will also be recruited into dog squads later.

âWhen the public sees that police are taking care of stray dogs, they too will come forward to adopt strays,â said Priya Chetty Rajagopal, a local animal lover, in an interview with a  popular publication.

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Apart from giving them a better life and recognising their impeccable skills, this process will also curb the population of street dogs, which is constantly at stake. While some localities poison street dogs, others neuter or spay them so they don't breed further. But they're often referred to as 'nuisance', as they're always territorial in groups, especially if the group is big. If police starts recruiting these dogs, the population will be controlled and they won't be terrorised out of their spaces.

We think this is a brilliant initiative by the Bengaluru police and while âchowkidarsâ in other cities use street dogs to keep them company at night, we need them to be more active, used to their best potential, in every other city as well!

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