Training begins...
Today we had several hours of training on dangerous dog handling. It was interesting and very educational. The two guys who did the training were wonderful and brought along leads and stuffed dogs of assorted sizes so we could practice roping/muzzling techniques. I need to make one to practice with! These guys can rope a dog that's over 15 feet away. Urban cowboys!
There were some scary mauling stories, tips on what to do if a dog begins acting aggressivly on a call or goes after you (the local SPCA handles a *lot* of pit bull calls and unfortunatly in this county there are a lot that are trained to be aggressive toward other animals/humans), and most importantly, things to think about to prevent getting hurt in the first place (always a plus). Also techniques to use ~during~ an attack that I hope I'll never need.
I'm now thinking up new uses for chainmail and greaves. :-p
More training will happen Saturday, so I won't be at faire that day.
I spoke with P. at the SPCA and it sounds like I misunderstood her. (I'm still a bit confused.) Originally the plan was to train people for HLE (Humane Law Enforcement) and then about a year down the road fully train them as peace officers.
I ~thought~ she said had gotten authorization to accelerate the process and train some of the folks *now* as peace officers. Today it sounded like that was not the case (did I mention I'm still confused?). The training "now" is for HLE.
But she said she got approval for spaces (note: she did not say *budgeting approval*, but rather that the local police academy agreed that they will take them into classes) for up to 6 people to go through peace officer training at the beginning of next year. The way I see it, that's still pretty good; it's only about 4 months off. So I'm hoping that'll be down the road for me.
There were some scary mauling stories, tips on what to do if a dog begins acting aggressivly on a call or goes after you (the local SPCA handles a *lot* of pit bull calls and unfortunatly in this county there are a lot that are trained to be aggressive toward other animals/humans), and most importantly, things to think about to prevent getting hurt in the first place (always a plus). Also techniques to use ~during~ an attack that I hope I'll never need.
I'm now thinking up new uses for chainmail and greaves. :-p
More training will happen Saturday, so I won't be at faire that day.
I spoke with P. at the SPCA and it sounds like I misunderstood her. (I'm still a bit confused.) Originally the plan was to train people for HLE (Humane Law Enforcement) and then about a year down the road fully train them as peace officers.
I ~thought~ she said had gotten authorization to accelerate the process and train some of the folks *now* as peace officers. Today it sounded like that was not the case (did I mention I'm still confused?). The training "now" is for HLE.
But she said she got approval for spaces (note: she did not say *budgeting approval*, but rather that the local police academy agreed that they will take them into classes) for up to 6 people to go through peace officer training at the beginning of next year. The way I see it, that's still pretty good; it's only about 4 months off. So I'm hoping that'll be down the road for me.