Australian Border Force trains dogs to find prohibited and restricted goods. Other law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, state and territory police, Correction Services, the Defence Force and international agencies use dogs which Border Force have trained. Border Force have a purpose-built facility in Victoria on eight semi-rural acres which manages operations, breeding and training. The agency seeks out families and individuals in Melbourne to foster the puppies from nine weeks to one year old, as do assistance dogs, however Border Force like their dogs to be raised outside and foster carers are required to not spoil them with too much attention, yet provide a safe and caring home, with exercise and some socialising with people and other dogs. All food, equipment and veterinary costs are covered.

The mature dogs and their handlers need at least seven months of training together before graduating, they are trained to search goods, people and areas. Searching for tobacco, illicit drugs, firearms, explosives and currency. The program began in Sydney, 1968, with two black Labradors. Then, German Shepherd dogs were used; they were so successful that soon, only German Shepherds were used. But ten years later, a review found that German Shepherds were too expensive to source and they matured slower. Then, abandoned dogs from pounds and shelters were used with some success, and only if those dogs showed the desired characteristics. In 1992, searching people for contraband was introduced, and Labradors were found the most suitable, being non-intimidating, with a good sense of smell, and Labradors are fast learners.
Still, it became difficult to find enough suitable dogs – that is when the breeding program began in Melbourne in 1993. The facility now houses 200 dogs, and manages regular litters. Only Labradors are bred and used currently by Border Force; the breeding pairs are chosen carefully to reduce the risk of hereditary and medical conditions, and to promote desirable character traits. Some of these traits include a bold, outgoing personality with a strong drive to hunt. Between 60-70% of dogs that commence training go on to work successfully. The remaining dogs are sold to the general public. The dogs that are used for breeding are highly driven, with a steadfast temperament. They need to be adaptable to changing environments and be totally non-threatening in character and appearance.
Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.