A yearly Canadian tradition is back and it involves puppies.
The RCMP is once again inviting kids across the country to help name its newest police dog recruits, with this year’s litter coming from the training centre in Innisfail just north of Calgary.
The twist for 2026 is simple. Every name must start with the letter B.
Children ages four to 14 can submit one name idea for the German Shepherd puppies, who will eventually train for roles like search and rescue, narcotics detection and other police work.
The naming rules are simple
• Names must start with B
• One or two syllables
• Nine letters or fewer
• Suitable for a working dog
• Open to children living in Canada ages 4 to 14
• One entry per child
If multiple kids submit the same winning name, a draw determines the final winner.
Selected kids receive a photo of the puppy they named plus a small RCMP prize pack.
Details
Entries close March 26
Contest hosted by the RCMP Police Dog Training Centre in Innisfail
Winners announced later this spring
Kids can submit their ideas through the RCMP Name the Puppy page online.