Education

There are many ways to get a degree in law enforcement. In fact, there are even police schools dedicated to K-9 training. You must have proper training before going into any field, and especially law enforcement.

Experience

Experience is very important for a law enforcement position. It is recommended that an officer have at least three years of active patrol experience before becoming a K-9 officer.

Compatibility

A K-9 officer must communicate well with animals and dogs in particular. A good relationship between dog and officer is what drives the K-9 unit and makes it successful.

Good Character

To be a good K-9 officer, you must be friendly but firm, confident but not egotistical. It is necessary for a police officer to be kind to people he comes across, yet capable of fighting crime and he must be ready to receive input from other officers and the police dog.

Physical Fitness

As for any law enforcement position, it is important to be physically fit. K-9 units have more Code 3 responses, or emergency calls, than any other part of a police department and a good K-9 officer must be able to stand up to rigorous action.

Source:

PoliceOne.com: So You Want to Be a K9 Handler?

Police K-9 Homepage

More Information:

Police K9 Home Page