Leading article

#RAJAKOIRA100 - 100 YEARS OF DOG ACTIVITIES

During its 100 years of operation, the Finnish Border Guard has seen great changes and huge developments in terms of its fleet and equipment, including, for example, vehicles, patrol boats, coast guard vessels and technical surveillance devices. However, one important component of the Border Guard has remained fundamentally the same: the border guard dogs. Despite some remarks claiming that the dogs were healthier and better in the past.

Border guard dogs themselves have not changed over the past century, but the tasks they perform have become increasingly versatile. Traditionally, the tasks include tracking, search of persons or objects, or service as a guide, drug detection or guard dog. Today, these are supplemented with many special tasks. Dogs are trained to sniff cash, passports, firearms, explosives, foods or mold, or to serve as epilepsy or other assistance dogs, and they are all skilfully performing their assigned duties. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have even been used to detect those infected with coronavirus.

The service dogs of the Finnish Border Guard have received praise not only in Finland but also in international operations. Our dogs are excellent, and so are the dog handlers. The training of border guard dogs is based on positive reinforcement and other ‘soft’ methods The functioning and high-level capabilities of our dogs are proof of the successful training.

It has been shown repeatedly that a dog cannot be replaced by technical devices. And on top of all, a dog is always a great partner to work with.

Best 100th anniversary wishes to all Finnish Border Guard dogs and their handlers!

Päivi Kaasinen Editor-in Chief, Communications Manager of the Finnish Border Guard