In 1948, Guardia Civil was authorized to use dogs for the first time. One year later, with the intent to pursue criminals in a more organized manner and to improve the control over border areas and the coastline, Stations and Units start including the use of service dogs.
The first Dog Training Centre in Spain was established in 1951, at El Pardo (Madrid). In 1982, Guardia Civil establishes the Dog Handling Service, through General Order No 51, of 13th September, in order to support the GC Operational Units and to contribute with specialized and technical aspects in situations such as: searches for missing persons; intervention in disasters; drug and explosive detection; mountain rescues; as well as any other activity that, due to the nature of the mission and the specific training requirements of the animals to be used, are deemed necessary to achieve the goals established, while always aiming at protecting the free exercise of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and ensuring public safety.
