At Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, we believe in the potential of every dog that walks through our building, regardless of where their journey takes them. While the majority of our dogs graduate as assistance dogs, some may not have the right personality or temperament for life as a Dog Guide. In certain cases, these “Career Change” dogs may be the perfect fit for a job working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to protect Canadian borders.

The Career Change Journey:

Not every dog that steps into training will be matched with a client and graduate, but that doesn’t mean that they cannot make an impact in some other way. Our first priority is the success and happiness of our dogs. Dogs that enjoy having a job to do, are confident, and playful and are generally great candidates for working with CBSA. Through our fostering program, dogs are exposed to a wide range of experiences, from meeting new people to navigating busy urban environments, traveling in cars, and adapting to different sights and sounds. This broad exposure helps the dogs become confident and well-rounded, traits that are invaluable when it comes to transitioning into a role with CBSA. 

Determining Suitability for Canada Border Services:

Determining whether a dog is suitable for the CBSA requires a thorough evaluation of their skills, temperament, and overall potential. This process typically begins with a play-based session, as CBSA trains their detection dogs using play as a reward system. When a dog successfully sniffs out contraband, their reward isn’t food or praise—it’s the opportunity to play with their handler. During the initial assessment, the focus is on identifying key traits that contribute to success in this role: confidence, drive, and focus. However, many dogs transitioning through a career change face a significant mental block. They’re being asked to do things they were previously trained not to do, like hunting for balls, jumping onto various surfaces, or actively exploring unfamiliar spaces. The first session is all about helping the dog overcome this mental hurdle and rediscover their natural instincts.

These sessions are usually held in parks or forested areas—places rich with novel scents and opportunities to hide toys or balls. In this open environment, the dog is given free rein to explore, play, and use their nose. Observing their behavior during this time provides crucial insights: are they driven and focused on finding the toy, or do they become easily distracted? This freedom to act naturally helps reveal their innate work ethic and curiosity. This initial session is critical in determining where the dog currently stands in their training journey and gauging whether the dog is ready for CBSA assessment or if they might need additional preparation to meet the agency's requirements.

A New Chapter for Career-Changed Dogs

The partnership between Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and CBSA is just one example of how career-changed dogs can continue to serve their communities in meaningful ways. These dogs are given a second chance to shine in a new role, where their unique skills and experiences are put to work ensuring safety and security. We are proud to see our dogs contribute to the safety of Canada’s borders, providing invaluable support to law enforcement and helping to maintain the integrity of our security systems. While it’s not the typical path for our dogs, we are proud to see them excel in new and unexpected roles, including their vital work alongside CBSA. As we continue to train and rehome these remarkable dogs, we look forward to watching them thrive in all kinds of meaningful careers.

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Avery McConkey has been a dedicated member of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides since December 2023. Passionate about supporting families post-adoption, she strives to set both dogs and their owners up for lifelong success. With a deep understanding of canine behavior, Avery specializes in helping dogs overcome challenges and grow into well-adjusted family pets. She believes every dog has a meaningful purpose and is committed to helping them and their families discover it together.

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