Judge, a jet black German shepherd, came to the city about six weeks ago fresh from the breeding programme at the police dog training centre in Trentham.
"There's a few scratches on my hand that show he knows what he's doing already, so hopefully that continues."
But there was a long way to go for the energetic young dog, including at least three courses, before he hit the beat, Const Wilson said.
"Probably about 17 or 18 months before he's good to go.'
He said it was hoped Judge would also eventually be deployed with the armed offenders squad, which required police dogs to operate at a very high level.
For now, Judge was settling into life in Dunedin and lived at home with him and his operational police dog South, Const Wilson said.
"When Judge gets operational he'll probably take over."
He and South have been partners since graduating from the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in August last year.
They have already racked up an impressive list of achievements as part of the Dunedin dog section, led by Sergeant Mike Calvert.
A highlight was one weekend in January when Const Wilson and South tracked and arrested two thieves and a flasher in St Clair.
The 26-year-old has been in the police for four years, starting in Oamaru before moving to Dunedin.
He also plays ice hockey at a high level with the Dunedin Thunder.
Working as a dog handler was his dream job, he said.
"It's been going great ... Can't complain!"
