A participant dog waits for a human interaction test during a field assessment for the Seoul Dog Patrol Program at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul on Sunday. (Yonhap)
A participant dog waits for a human interaction test during a field assessment for the Seoul Dog Patrol Program at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul on Sunday. (Yonhap)

A field assessment for the Seoul Dog Patrol Program was held Sunday at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul.

Dogs that passed the initial document screening gathered for on-site evaluations as part of the 2025 recruitment process, which began April 24. This second-round assessment evaluated behavior when walking alongside their handler, following basic commands such as “sit” and “stay,” and reacting to external stimuli, including interactions with strangers and large dogs.

The final selection will be announced later in May, with successful candidates expected to begin patrol duties by the end of the month after completing training.

Launched in 2022 with 64 pilot teams, the Seoul Dog Patrol Program has expanded amid strong public interest. By last year, 1,704 teams conducted 87,411 patrols across neighborhoods throughout Seoul.

A participant dog undergoes an evaluation. (Yonhap)
A participant dog undergoes an evaluation. (Yonhap)

A participant dog performs the “stay” command test (Yonhap)
A participant dog performs the “stay” command test (Yonhap)

A participant dog is held by its handler after completing the field test for the Seoul Dog Patrol Program (Yonhap)
A participant dog is held by its handler after completing the field test for the Seoul Dog Patrol Program (Yonhap)

ssh@heraldcorp.com