Key Facts
• June 2025: Police dog ‘Ryu’ found a missing elderly man in a river.
• Ryu, a 4-year-old male German Shepherd, belongs to Kochi Prefectural Police.
• The man was stranded on rocks and unable to move when Ryu located him.
• Ryu’s handler, Jinshi Tsutsui, confirmed the dog’s behavior indicated a discovery.
• Ryu was awarded a certificate and a treat during the ceremony.
• Kochi Police has nine dogs, including direct and civilian-contracted ones.
• Police dogs undergo 1-2 years of training before field deployment.
• Ryu demonstrated exceptional scent detection, 3,000-6,000 times stronger than humans.
• Training includes scent selection and adapting to diverse scenarios.
• Handlers emphasize trust-building through play and reassurance.
• Ryu and his team continue to serve on the frontlines of rescue and investigation.
Summary
Police dog Ryu, a 4-year-old German Shepherd from Kochi Prefectural Police, was honored for locating a missing elderly man in June 2025. The man, stranded on river rocks, was found thanks to Ryu’s advanced scent detection and rigorous training. Ryu’s handler, Jinshi Tsutsui, highlighted the importance of daily training and trust between dogs and handlers. Kochi Police operates with nine dogs, trained for 1-2 years in scent selection and adaptability. Ryu’s exceptional skills, including a sense of smell thousands of times stronger than humans, were demonstrated in a live experiment. Despite receiving a treat during the award ceremony, Ryu seemed indifferent to it. The bond between handlers and dogs, built through play and reassurance, is crucial for their success. Ryu and his team remain committed to saving lives and solving cases.
