Police across Sweden have begun modifying patrol cars so dogs no longer ride alone in a rear cage. Three-year-old Drago in Uppsala shows clear signs of reduced stress under the new setup.
In March the Swedish Police Authority began rebuilding its vehicles. The goal is to let dogs travel with direct contact to their handlers.
A survey of all police dog handlers found roughly half the animals suffered to some degree from the old rear cage. Uppsala handler Gustav Klahr says Drago now becomes focused much faster after a drive.
A dog’s well-being also affects work performance, Klahr notes. He calls the change a major relief for Drago.
