Canine Courier December 2017

Canine
Courier
the united states police
canine association, inc.
OCT • NOV • DEC 2017

vol. 30, no.3
22
USPCA National PDI Field Trials and Certification

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Washington DC
August 14-17, 2018
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CONTENTS
IBE
SUBSCR !
TODAY
Editor
Canine
Courier
Robert (Doc) Dougherty, Flourtown, PA
2017-2018 National Officers
President: Jason Brodt, St. Paul, MN
Secretary: Melinda Ruopp, Marshaltown, IA
Treasurer: James Matarese, Falmouth, VA Columns
Trustees 5 Letters to the Editor
Brady Harrison, Woodbury, MN 5 President’s Message
John Freeman, Bryans Road, MD 6 National Secretary’s Report
Harry Barraclough, Cantonment, FL 6 National Treasurer’s Report
Alternate - Ron Bowling, Lakeland, FL 7 Director’s Report
Vice Presidents 9 Region Reports
Northeast – Carlos Rolon, Alexandria, VA 64 End of Watch
Southeast – Brandon Gilmore, Waynesville, NC
Southwest – Noel Salamoni, Greenwell Features
Springs, LA
Central – Ryan Machin, Springfiled, IL 25 USPCA National Field Trials
West – Tom Healy, Colorado Springs, CO
26 The Danger of Snake Bites in Your Canine
Northwest – Joshua Stenseth, Star Prairie, WI
USPCA Executive Director 38 Protecting K-9s Against Ticks
Dr. David “Lou” Ferland
40 National Training Seminar
Assistant Professor Mount
Washington College
3 Sundial Avenue
Trainer’s Corner
Manchester, NH 03103 46 Mealtime for Working Dogs
Published Quarterly Deborah Palman
by the U.S.P.C.A., Inc. 52 Your Dog May Be Lying
Business & Editorial Offices
Don Sterling
Robert Dougherty Jr. On the cover:
410 Norfolk Rd. Clockwise from top center: K-9 Enzo • Robinson, IL Police Department
Flourtown, PA 19031 K-9 Goro • Mattoon, IL Police Department
K-9 Jax • Springfield, IL Police Department
Phone: 610.316.3942 K-9 Ares • O’Fallon, Mo Police Department
K-9 Drago •Cook County Illinois Forrest
Preserve
Fax: 215.948.3594 K-9 Am • Granite City, IL Police Department
Email: uspcacourier@gmail.com
This publication assumes no tresponsibility for Do you have a cover photo??
statements made by contributors. Please submit high resolution (300 dpi)
photos for cover consideration to
Website: www.uspcak9.com Canine Courier: uspcacourier@gmail.com
THE UNITED STATES POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

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2 | Canine Courier October | November | December 2017

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FROM THE EDITOR
By the time this reaches everyone the holidays are sure-
ly already upon us. The September-November Courier
did not get published this year simply due to a lack of
content submitted for print. That is not the case for this
end of year and all of the submissions received since
this past summer are inside. I hope that all of our mem-
bers and their families have a terrific holiday season. Bob Dougherty - Editor
Be safe.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
on a wonderful National Pd1. This shortly. I will be sending a team led
ranks right up there with one of the by John Binnix to go down, train
best we have had. Congratulations and certify some dogs. A first for
on a job well done fellas. our association. Wish them luck
I would also like to Thanks the The association has received

Rochester Police Department and several inquiries on K9 deployments
National VP Josh Stenseth for caught on video from around the
putting on a great National Seminar. country. Please make sure that your
The reviews on this have been out- training holds up to this scrutiny,
standing. The handlers all left this for both you and your community.
with some new ideas to make their This is the new normal and we, as
jobs more efficient and safer. a community must be prepared to
show as the true professionals that
We are currently looking for hosts we are. Remember the USPCA
for upcoming training. If you are in- promotes itself as the best of the
terested in this, please contact me. best, you must live up to that.
I have also spent some time travel- As always if there is anything we can
ling around the country promoting do for you or your Region please do
the USPCA. I would like to take this not hesitate to reach to us.
The last few months have been opportunity to welcome the Harris
a whirlwind. Coming off of the County Sheriff’s Office in Texas and Stay safe, and get your dog out of
National Pd1 and the National the Milwaukee Police Department the car.
Training Seminar, things are finally to the association. Hopefully we
starting to slow down a bit. can meet our expectations. Please Jason Brodt
take a moment to reach out to our National President
I would like to take the time to Thank
Carlos Lizarraga and members of new members. We will also be United States Police
the Foley, AL Police Department adding our first members in Mexico Canine Association
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017 www.uspcak9.com | 5

SECRETARY’S REPORT
Hello to all! would you think of a centralized
Greetings from Iowa! We are glad membership? What this means is
to finally see a hot summer come to that all monies and applications will
an end. Fall is upon us and it won’t come direct to the national office.
be long before there will be colder Most other memberships you have
weather for those of us up north. probably work that way. It would
take some thinking and some
I want to congratulate the hosts
planning but I think we need to
from the National Detector Trial in
consider it. We’ll be discussing that
Raleigh, as well as the National
more down the road.
Field Trial in Foley! Both events
were exceptionally running and we Finally, thank you to all the officers
are blessed to have had such fine of this Association. Without you,
events. Clearly, a lot of work went we would be struggling. It takes all
into these trials and we appreciate of you to keep us moving forward
all their efforts. and there are not enough THANK
YOU’s to go around!
Membership is up!! I am excited Secretary Melinda Ruopp
to see the turnaround and look RULES CHANGE: Removes the re-
forward to 2018 being a big year. quirement to use a .38 blank.
of the Certification. Guns will be
I thank all of the regional officers For the PDI Rules Page 15 2 C loaded with two live blanks and will
for their work in pulling in new Change to: be checked by a judge or steward
members. President Brodt has before and after this phase.
C. All guns used in this phase must
also made membership one of his
be capable of firing 38-caliber Stay safe!
priorities, and all this shows. We will
blanks. In lieu of 38-caliber, ( if a 38- Melinda Ruopp
end the year with more members
caliber weapon or 38-caliber blanks
then we have had in quite a while! USPCA National Secretary
are unavailable), a starter gun, or
Great job. Melinda Ruopp
another caliber handgun capable of
We discussed it briefly in Foley at firing blanks may be used with the National Secretary
the Executive Board meeting: What prior approval of the Chief Judge
TREASURER’S MESSAGE
I just want to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday
Season. Everything is going smoothly. I have a couple
of reminders;
1. All of the Region Executive Boards should be putting
their paperwork together to file your tax report. It is
important to do this simple task so the IRS does not
cancel your tax ID number. If they do not hear from
your organization, they cancel your ID numbers. It is a
costly process to get the ID number back (paperwork
- something that no law enforcement officer wants to
do)
2. Reminder - RENEW your membership. Everyone
stay safe out there.
SINCERELY
Jim Matarese Treasurer, Jim Matarese
6 | Canine Courier OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2017

Director’s Report
Executive Director Dr. David “Lou” Ferland
I just attended two conferences Let’s review this a bit more.
representing the USPCA. During Now don’t get me wrong, there are
presentations we gave at each, many Chiefs, if not all, that value the ‘loving and emotional’ side of them.
I polled the audience to try and work that you do, but many REALY These behaviors play well with
figure out why handlers thought the like the positive public relations citizens and showcase the handler/
department had police dogs and that you bring. For the most part, police officer as more human than
compared that to my knowledge handlers are energetic, well-spo- they have been accustomed. They
of asking Chief’s why they had ken, in superior physical condition, also get to meet the public when
police K-9’s. While not a scientific love police work, are profession- there is no conflict that they are
study, the results showed that while al, and have been chosen through involved in or witnessing. In short-
handlers believe the Chief’s have a selection process that sets them they meet the community when you
the dogs for mission critical services apart as the best officers the agency let your guard down a bit and talk
such as searches, protection, and has to offer. about a dog, which they perceive in
so on, the Chiefs tell me they most Disney like fashion.
The dog brings a smile to the
appreciate having the dogs in the
audience and with many, thoughts Don’t underestimate the power of
department for the positive public
of how their dog ought to be trained. the demo and the positive effect
relations value.
The handler smiles, talks to the dog you have on the department when
Now this might be a surprise to in high pitch energetic voice, and is showcasing your trained dog.
some of you, but perhaps not. not afraid to show a Thank you for your service.
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8 | Canine Courier June | July | August 2017
Region 1 FLORIDA
Region 1 - Patrol cers as Officer Bowling and Valor continued

their track. It was later learned this individ-
Officer Cory Bowling and K-9 Valor ual was a passenger in the stolen car.
Lakeland Police Department K-9 Valor reacquired the track, going out
On May 6, 2017 at approximately 0300 of the backyard and into a thick area of
hours LPD Officers responded to 1725 woods where Officer Bowling noted strong
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and learned behavior changes in him, consistent with a
that an armed carjacking had occurred at proximity alert. Valor tracked into the woods
a nearby apartment complex just minutes out of the view of Officer Bowling as he
prior. The Victim stated that the Suspect maintained cover, and approximately twen-
entered her vehicle without permission ty to twenty-five in K-9 Valor apprehended
while it was unoccupied and running and the Suspect, evident by the screaming. Of-
when confronted he took the vehicle by ficer Bowling could not see the two due to
force with a black revolver. The Suspect’s the darkness and thickness of the woods
identity was learned via Facebook and it and after a brief period he was able to get
was also learned that he had active war- to them and place the Suspect under arrest traffic enforcement to prevent any serious
rants for aggravated battery with a deadly with the assistance of back-up. traffic crashes, educate the public on any
weapon as well as aggravated assault with The Suspect had managed to crawl traffic related safety issues, and reduce
a deadly weapon. While the incident was through a hole in an old fence in the woods drug & violent crimes in our city. During
being reported, units attempted to locate and was unable to crawl back through with the operation, Officer Miller and his part-
the vehicle but were unsuccessful. the K-9 apprehending him. K-9 Valor held ner were requested to conduct an exterior
A short time later, at approximately 0500 the bite the entire time as trained in the “sniff” of a vehicle that had been stopped.
hours, LPD Patrol units spotted the stolen dense and confined space. This was a su- K-9 Hunter alerted to the airborne odor of
vehicle in the 700 block of West Crawford perior job by both Officer Bowling and his an illegal drug emanating from the vehicle.
Street. As they turned around on the vehi- partner given the inherit danger of the track This response allowed officers to conduct a
cle, it fled and when they caught up to it and the areas which it occurred. K-9 Valor search of the interior of the vehicle. The of-
in a vacant lot the Suspect exited and fled tracked excellent through a neighborhood ficers located approximately 2,236 grams
on foot. Due to the Suspect being armed laden with distractions while Officer Bowl- of Heroin & approximately 551 grams of
and violent, patrol units quickly established ing employed proper officer safety. The Fentanyl. Knowing how deadly the combi-
a perimeter and Officer Bowling and K-9 apogee of their efforts resulted in the vio- nation of these drugs can be, it is safe to
Valor started a track within minutes. lent Suspect going to jail while maintaining say that Officer Miller & his partner saved
the safety of all. many lives by helping to get this fatal duo
Officer Bowling took K-9 Valor to the last of drugs off the streets of Lakeland.
known location of the Suspect and his track Region 1 – Detector
was located between a house and fence. Officer Travis Miller & K-9 Hunter
They tracked north through backyards and
crossed a roadway into the yard of anoth- Lakeland Police Department, FL
er residence. They tracked to the rear and On 08/04/2017 Officer Miller and his
directly to an individual sitting in a chair. K-9 partner “Hunter” were assigned to a
The individual was not the known Suspect; Multi-Jurisdictional Saturation Patrol that
however, he was detained by back-up offi- was created to use increased and focused
VISIT US STAY UP-TO-DATE

WEB UPSCAK9.COM
ON THE
CERTIFICATION • FORUM • MEDIA • STORE

Region 1 FLORIDA
USPCA REGION 1 ALONG WITH SOUTHERN STATE K-9 PRESENTS CONTROLLED CHAOS
DECEMBER 4-6, 2017 @ problem solving and build- dition, bring muzzles, hidden
TIME TBA, HOSTED BY THE ing confidence will be at the sleeves, body suits, plenty of
LAKELAND POLICE DEPART- forefront of this seminar. This water and First Aid Kits.
seminar will be instructed by
MENT @ 3131 CENTURION Remit registration to US-
the USPCA’s very own Bubba
BLVD. LAKELAND, FL PCA Region 1 Treasurer Chad
Howell. Bubba is a retired Po- Whitaker 219 N. Massachu-
Street Preparation Training Sem- lice K-9 handler and business setts Ave. Lakeland, FL. 33801/
inar for Police Service Dogs. partner of Southern State K-9. chad.whitaker@lakelandgov.
This will be a course of exten- Class is limited to 15 teams and net. Visit www.uspca1.com for
sive training and inoculation in the cost is $300 per team for US- further info.
very high pressure situations PCA members and $350 for non, Host Hotel: La Quinta @ 4315
for the handlers and their PSD. this will include a membership. Lakeland Park Dr. Lakeland, FL.
This course is designed to chal-
Be prepared for altered hours 33809/Room Rate $59
lenge as well as prepare each
(which will be announced). Be To reserve call
team for the chaos that can
sure to bring equipment for any 1-800-642-4239 and mention
evolve when dealing with actual
and all street deployments, i.e. USPCA Region 1.
street deployments. Exposure,
leads and harnesses. In ad-
Region 2 NORTH CAROLINA/SOUTH CAROLINA
Region 2 - Patrol Case uty began giving verbal commands to the tered the creek, continuing to aggressively
subject to show his hands and stay in the sniff the water surface while continuing in
Deputy Randy Jenkins & K9 Lenny window. The subject crawled back in the the direction the subject ran. The K9 con-
Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, NC window and inside the residence. tinued sniffing the water surface and the
Deputy Jenkins entered the back door banks from side to side. Deputy Jenkins
On 16 June 2017 at 1600 hrs. K9 Dep- observed the K9 go approximately 20 feet
uty Randy Jenkins along with three other of the residence and met a female inside
and asked where the subject was; the fe- down the creek and leave the creek and
deputies of the Criminal Suppression Unit
male stated he ran out the side front door aggressively sniff a small portion of the
arrived at a residence to attempt to locate
and another deputy was chasing him. The creek bank where 3 footprints were ob-
and take a subject into custody for a Pro-
deputy in foot pursuit of the subject is also served. The K9 reentered the creek and
bation Violation Order for Arrest.
a K9 Deputy and notified Deputy Jenkins continued aggressively sniffing the water
The subject had a history of running from surface while going further into the wood-
that he chased the subject down a mowed
Law Enforcement. In anticipation of the ed area. Deputy Jenkins observed the K9
subject running from the residence, one path in the field behind the residence and
observed the subject run in the creek and leave the creek and aggressively sniff the
Deputy located himself across a creek in bank where it appeared the subject left the
the wood line behind the residence to ob- into the woods and out of sight; this Deputy
stated he did not run in the creek to pre- creek and entered a field.
serve the direction where the subject would
run. One deputy went to the front door and vent contaminating the area with his odor. At this location there was a woven wire
another deputy and Deputy Jenkins went Deputy Jenkins went to his patrol vehicle fence approximately 5 foot tall that had
to the back of the residence. The deputy at and removed his K9, Lenny, and placed a fallen over toward the creek and the K9
the front door made contact with the home tracking harness on the K9 and attached a could not cross the fence into the field
owner and was given consent to search the 20 ft. tracking lead. Deputy Jenkins went due to the fence over hanging the creek.
residence for the subject. At this time the to the last known location of the subject Deputy Jenkins picked up K9 Lenny and
subject attempted to crawl through a small which was at the creek bank. Deputy Jen- assisted him over the fence into the field
window at the back of the residence and kins cast K9 Lenny at this location and the where the K9 located the track and con-
was partially out the window when a dep- K9 aggressively sniffed the bank and en- tinued tracking in the field and up a hill-

Region 2 NORTH CAROLINA/SOUTH CAROLINA
side. While Deputy Jenkins and floor, held the bag in his mouth regard to a Gray Ford Focus with a Florida
K9 Lenny were tracking, one of and gave a final alert by ag- registration plate being occupied by a black
the Deputies drove to a location gressively scratching the bag male wanted as a suspect in a Domestic
further behind the residence and while holding it on the floor. Assault and Battery of an Unborn Child.
got out on foot on a gravel road Deputy Randy Jenkins re- Soon after the BOLO went out, a Deputy
which was in the direction K9 moved the bag from Lenny’s from the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office
Lenny was currently tracking. This mouth and observed the strong located the vehicle approaching Waynes-
Deputy Notified Deputy Jenkins of odor of Marijuana coming from ville and con-
his location and the K9 continued
tracking through the field toward
the bag. Deputy Jenkins ob-
served a fist sized amount of Marijuana
ducted a traffic
stop on the ve-
…the bag
the location of the Deputy. As the K9 con-
tinued tracking, Deputy Jenkins was noti-
in the bag. Deputy Jenkins removed that hicle. contained
bag from the room and K9 Lenny continued K-9 Master Of- 1 kilo of
fied by the Deputy on the gravel road that his cursory search of the room and Deputy ficer Billy Ben-
hart was work- cocaine,
he observed the subject at a distance on Jenkins observed the K9 aggressively sniff
the gravel road walking toward him and he another bag, bite the bag and hold it in his
would stay concealed to attempt to close ing in the area 2000 ecstasy
mouth and gave a final alert by aggressive- and went to-
the distance between him and the subject.
The K9 continued tracking their direction.
ly scratching the bag. wards the Dep- tablets and
At that time Deputy Jenkins placed K9 uty to assist on
Deputy Jenkins and the other Deputy with
Lenny in an adjacent room and gave the the traffic stop.
$2,400.00
him heard the Deputy on the gravel road
yelling verbal commands to the subject and command for the K9 to down and stay. Throughout the dollars in US
The room was hand searched and several duration of the
traffic stop Mas- Currency.
shortly thereafter heard the Deputy deploy
his Taser. Deputy Jenkins, K9 Lenny and other bags, and a cooler containing Mari-
the Deputy with them ran to their location juana were located in the room along with ter Officer Ben-
and found the subject was now in hand- $900.00 cash and a loaded handgun. hart noted the extreme nervousness of the
cuffs and had been taken into custody. The K9 conducted a search of the remain- driver and ultimately, he was arrested for
der of the residence and Deputy Jenkins offenses related to the assault.
Region 2 - Detector
observed no other behavior changes or Master Officer Benhart and K-9 Valor
Deputy Randy Jenkins & K9 Lenny alerts from the K9. The remainder of the conducted an exterior search of the vehicle
Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, NC residence and an out building were hand and received a positive alert from K-9 Valor
searched and a 12 gauge shotgun was as he worked down the passenger side of
On 22 June 2017 at 1630 hrs., Deputy located in the residence and additional the vehicle at the rear passenger door. K-9
Randy Jenkins along with his K9, Lenny, Marijuana was located in the out building. Valor was then deployed inside the vehicle
arrived at a residence to assist Probation A total of 3.162 pounds of Marijuana was for an interior search and soon after Valor
and Parole on a Narcotics search of the found and seized and a total of $1,134.00 entered the vehicle, Master Officer Benhart
residence. along with the two firearms were seized. received another positive alert along the
Deputy Randy Jenkins deployed K9 Lenny The Probationer was taken into custody back-seat area between the backrest and
and upon entering the residence, Deputy and charged with: 2 counts of Possession seat cushion. Master Officer Benhart con-
Jenkins gave the K9 the command to dope of Firearm By Felon, Maintaining a Dwelling ducted a hand search of the area that lead
seek. The K9 began a cursory search of Place for Controlled Substance, Possession into the trunk where he located a shopping
the residence. At the second room Deputy With Intent to Manufacture/Sale/Deliver bag in the back corner of the trunk. Inside
Jenkins observed a behavior change in the Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana. the bag contained 1 kilo of cocaine, 2000
K9 by Lenny aggressively sniffing the air in ecstasy tablets and $2,400.00 dollars in
the room and pull in the direction of sever- Region 2 - Detector US Currency.
al trash bags lying on the floor. K9 Lenny Master Officer Billy Benhart Had it not been for the efforts of Master
aggressively sniffed a plastic grocery bag
& K9 Valor Officer Benhart and K-9 Valor, this vehicle
lying on the floor, and due to the K9 being would have more than likely been towed
an aggressive alert, the K9 stuck his head Waynesville Police Department, NC to a local impound lot for storage until the
in the plastic grocery bag and removed On July 2, 2017 Officers with the Waynes- owner was released from custody and the
a smaller bag and placed the bag on the ville Police Department received a BOLO in narcotics gone undetected.

Region 3 MARYLAND • DELAWARE • VIRGINIA
United States currency. The suspected CDS

Region 3 – Detector
cocaine has an approximate street value of
Detective Michael Margulis CDS $130,000.00. The suspected CDS mari-
Detector K9 Pele juana has an approximate street value of
$23,000.00.
Prince George’s County Police/Major
Narcotic Section DEA/HIDTA Group Region 3 - Patrol
43 Task Force Officer Lance Bordenet & K9 Axxel
On August 31, 2017, Detective Margulis, Prince William County Police Depart-
along with CDS Detection K9 partner Pele ment, VA
were asked to assist members of the Drug
Enforcement Administration Group 31 with Since the first of the year, over three doz-
a Federal search and seizure warrant. De- en firearms were stolen out of vehicles in
tective Margulis and his CDS Detection Prince William County.
K9 partner Pele conducted a CDS sniff of On August 30, 2017 at approximately
a residence in Hyattsville, Prince George’s 0315 hours Officer Lance Bordenet and his
County, Maryland. The residence was filled K-9 partner “Axxel” responded to a suspi-
with clutter. During this sniff, Pele while cious person call in the area of Woodhav-
working off lead alerted to the odor of a en Court in Woodbridge. While on scene,
Pele on lead. Pele again alerted to the odor Officer Bordenet discovered that two sus-
controlled dangerous substance in the of a controlled dangerous substance. Pele
master bedroom. Pele came to a final indi- pects entered a parked vehicle and stole
came to a final indication by scratching a a semi-automatic pistol. Officer Bordenet
cation by scratching the wall/rear of a two storage box. A search of the storage box
drawer file cabinet. A search of that area requested patrol units to set up a perime-
revealed suspected CDS marijuana. They ter for a canine track. Prior to casting K-9
revealed a bag hidden behind the file cab- continued their sniff of the basement with Axxel, another officer observed two males
inet. A search of the bag revealed a large Pele off lead. The basement was filled with meeting the description of the suspects
amount of United States currency. They clutter. Pele alerted to the odor of a con- fleeing in close proximity to the original
continued their sniff of the master bedroom trolled dangerous substance. Pele climbed crime scene. Officer Bordenet, K-9 Axxel
with Pele on lead. During this sniff Pele over a large amount of clutter. Pele came and two backup officers relocated to the
again alerted to the odor of a controlled to a final indication by scratching and bit- point last seen and began their track.
dangerous substance. Pele came to a final ing a storage container. A search of the
indication by scratching the right middle storage container revealed suspected CDS The track ran through multiple backyards,
dresser drawer. A search of the dresser marijuana. They continued their sniff of the over three fences, through a section of
living room with Pele on lead. Pele alert- woods, into and across a creek bed, and
drawer revealed a large amount of United
ed to the odor of a controlled dangerous down the hard surface of a residential
States currency. While leaving the bedroom
substance. Pele stuck his nose behind the street. After tracking for approximately
Pele alerted with a head pop as he passed
sofa. Pele came to a final indication by 6/10th of a mile, the team reached a dimly
by the closet door. Pele entered the closet
scratching the sofa/wall. A search behind lit backyard and K-9 Axxel began to show
attempting to climb over clutter. Pele did behavior to indicate he was close to the
not come to a final indication. A search the sofa revealed a hidden plastic bag. A
search of the bag revealed a large amount suspects. At that point in time Officer Bor-
of the closet revealed a bag containing a denet observed one of the suspects jump
large amount of United States currency. of suspected CDS cocaine HCL and United
States currency. a fence and flee from the officers. Officer
They continued their sniff of the first level Bordenet provided the suspect an oppor-
with Pele on lead. Pele alerted to the odor The suspected CDS Cocaine HCL and tunity to surrender and gave the appropri-
of a controlled dangerous substance un- marijuana were both field tested with the ate canine warnings, however the suspect
der the dining room table. Pele came to a results indicating positive for cocaine and continued to flee into the wood line. Officer
final indication by scratching a bag caus- marijuana. Bordenet released K-9 Axxel, who jumped
ing it to fall off the chair. Pele continued to Based on Pele’s alerts, officers & agents the fence and apprehended the suspect in
scratch and bite the bag. A search of the were able to locate and seize approximately the woods. After the suspect was secured
bag revealed suspected CDS cocaine. They 650 grams of cocaine HCL, 1,150 grams of in handcuffs, officers located the pistol
continued their sniff of the first level with marijuana and approximately $215,000.00 within a few feet of the suspect.

Region 5 OHIO • KENTUCKY • INDIANA
Region 5 - Patrol included burglary, theft, It was later learned, by the

auto theft, robbery and im- suspects admissions, the
Officer Mike Doughman/K9 Helix personating a police officer. reason K9 Jax was losing
Middletown Police Department A few of the burglaries were the track is because he
to homes of active police was getting up onto roofs
On May 31st, 2017 Officer Doughman officers, from which he ob- and jumping from roof top
and his canine partner Helix were dis- tained police badges, cloth- to roof top. The tenacious-
patched to assist Middletown Police, where ing and body armor. On this ness of both Ptl. Maloney
a subject assaulted a police officer and date, he used one of the and K9 Jax is the only rea-
taken the officers taser and fled on foot. badges to get someone to son the tracks were able to
On arrival Officer Doughman deployed his pull over in Dayton Ohio, so be reestablished and this
canine Helix from the last seen location of he could rob them. In addi- violent criminal was re-
the suspect. A perimeter in the surrounding tion, he had been seen with moved from the streets on
area had been set up. Officer Doughman a rifle earlier in the day. On this day!
and his canine partner Helix began tracking this date and time, Detec-
between the houses in 900 block of Dela- tives learned through a cell phone ping that Region 5 – Detector
ware to 1300 block of Woodlawn Ave. Offi- Sellers was in this area and continued to Patrolman Devin Maloney & K-9 Jax
cer Doughman and his canine partner Helix get updated pings showing he was possibly
then headed toward 14th Ave and Verity. moving about the plat on foot. Kettering Police Department
Officer Doughman and his canine part- Once a Ping showed Sellers to be in a On April 14th, 2017, at 0334 hrs, Ptl.
ner Helix made a sharp turn toward 1315 wooded area between the plat and near- Devin Maloney was dispatched on a bur-
Woodside Ave toward a heavy vegetated by golf course, over 20 Officers and De- glary in progress at 2001 Craig in Kettering
wooded tree line. As Officer Doughman’s tectives converged on the area. One of the Ohio. Ptl. Maloney responded, checking
canine partner Helix entered the wood line Officers to the north heard the suspect in the side streets. One street west of the call
he apprehended the suspect by his back the woods and reported the activity. Ptl. location, near 1948 Malcolm, he observed
left shoulder blade. The subject exited the Maloney and K9 Jax responded to this lo- a suspicious vehicle occupied by a female
wood line standing with the canine still at- cation, where K9 Jax was deployed. K9 Jax and a male on foot walking quickly towards
tached. As the canine was called off, offi- quickly picked up a track, leading through the vehicle.
cers had to physically take control of the the woods. Perimeter Officers to the South Contact was made, finding the male was
suspect and escort him to the ground to then reported observing the suspect exit associated with the vehicle and female
place him in custody. the woods and re-enter the plat, jumping driver. They appeared to be very nervous
The suspect Johnny Shepherd was into backyards and out of sight. The perim- and the driver denied consent to search the
charged with assault on police officer, re- eter moved and surrounded the plat, cov- vehicle. Ptl. Maloney deployed K9 Jax on a
sisting arrest, obstruction of justice and ering all areas of escape. K9 Jax continued free air sniff of this vehicle and observed a
theft for the taser which was recovered, the track, into the backyards, but kept los- final indication on the passenger door that
which he had dropped while fleeing from ing the track, as if the suspect was van- consisted of rapid breathing, ears pointed
officers. ishing. K9 Jax continued to lose the track forward, squaring his body towards the
and then later reacquire it and start again,
Region 5 - Patrol seam, followed by biting and growling.
continuing this trend for approximately 30
Devin Maloney and K-9 Jax – 45 minutes. Eventually, K9 Jax jumped A search of the vehicle was conducted
into a backyard, tracking straight to a low as a result of the exterior final indication.
Kettering, OH Police Department 85.89 grams of Methamphetamine, plastic
deck and tried to dig under the deck. K9
At 2226 hrs on 4 August 2017, Ptl. Devin Jax continued digging and trying to find a baggies, glass meth pipe and a scale were
Maloney and K9 Jax were dispatched to way to get under the deck, at which time located within the vehicle. Both subjects
the area of Hilton and Central Park in the Sellers was observed hiding underneath were arrested and charged with multiple
City of Kettering, Ohio, to assist Kettering, it. Sellers was called out and taken into violations, including Aggravated Posses-
Moraine and Centerville Officers and De- custody without incident. In all, the search sion of Drugs and Drug Trafficking. Due
tectives in search of a violent criminal. The and track lasted for over an hour, but Ptl. to Ptl. Maloney and K9 Jax’s work, a large
suspect, Randy L. Sellers, had been on a Maloney and K9 Jax in the end would not amount of a very dangerous drug was re-
crime wave over the past week. His crimes be denied. moved from the street.

Region 6 PENNSYLVANIA
Region 6 – Detector St in Norristown. Corporal North attempted -Black digital scale with white residue on
to stop the Buick but it fled into an alley it
Norristown Police Department, PA behind the 300 block of E Marshall St. The • LL Bean backpack containing a black
Officer Christopher Narkin & K9 Nero Buick came to a dead end and the suspect face mask and a blue bandana
exited the vehicle. The suspect fled on foot
On 8/25/17 Montgomery County Proba- through some yards of houses in the area. • Clear zip-lock bag containing 5 separate
tion informed Norristown Police that a sus- Prior to bailing out the suspect had locked bags of Marijuana
pect, identified as REDACTED had an active the doors and took the keys to the Buick. • Glock model 23 .40 caliber handgun
County probation warrant as well as an ac- The windows were up on the car. Norris- loaded with hollow point ammunition
tive Pennsylvania State Parole Warrant. town Officer Christopher Narkin was called • Extra magazine for Glock 23
Information was given that the suspect to respond to the scene with his K9 partner
was possibly armed with a handgun and Nero for a narcotics sniff of the vehicle. K9 • Box of sandwich bags and another digital
he had threatened his ex-girlfriend with a Nero gave a positive indication at the driv- weigh scale located in glove box
gun very recently. The suspect is known to er’s side door area on the outside of the • 2 green tinted bags of marijuana located
drive a maroon Buick with tinted windows car. The vehicle was then towed and held in a Timberland Boot in trunk of car
displaying a Pennsylvania registration. The in a secure evidence bay and a search war-
• Black plastic bag containing hundreds of
suspect has a history of drug and weap- rant was obtained.
small purple containers located in trunk.
ons violations. On 8/27/17 at 2022 hours Updated information on results of search
Norristown Police Corporal Tyler North The suspect was later taken into custody
warrant. Detectives located the following
spotted the maroon Buick being driven by on an arrest warrant and held at Montgom-
items inside of the Buick subsequent to a
the suspect in the 400 block of E Moore ery County Correctional Facility.
lawful search;
Chester County Sheriff’s Office Class 001 from left to right
Deputy Sheriff Paul Bryant Jr Trainer, SEPTA P/O Jason Walters & K9 Jase, Chester County Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, SEPTA P /O Richard Don-
aldson & K9 Quest, Chester County Sheriff Office Lt Harry McKinney , SEPTA P/O Derrick Gordon & K9 Lars,
Chester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brian Bolt Assistant Trainer.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office graduating Patrol Class Township PD Class 002 and Class OON2; Deputy September
002 and Detector Class 00N2. Spencer & K9 Luke Chester County Sheriff’s Office Class 00N2;
Deputy Brian Bolt Assistant instructor Chester County Sheriff’s
On Friday May 19,2017 Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh hosted the
Office; P/O Brian Judge k9 Zork Ridley Township PD Class 002
Chester County Sheriff’s Office second canine class graduation.
A total of 5 graduates from various law enforcement agencies at- and 00N2; Lt. Harry McKinney k9 Unit Supervisor Chester County
tended; 4 teams completed the basic patrol course and 4 teams Sheriff’s Office, Chester County Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh; Deputy
completed the narcotics course. Paul Bryant Jr Head Instructor Chester County Sheriff’s Office;
From Left to right P/O Matthew Rowan & K9 Hannes Ridley P/O Jackie Trower & K9 Jagger SEPTA Police Class 002;
Region 6 - Penn Vet Working Dog Center Detector Class 3 (May 2016)
Left to Right: Officer Tanya Spurley & K9 Kilo (SEPTA Transit Police – narcotics); Officer Bryan Nawochik & Pictured separately are Deputy
K9 Jerry (Norristown Police – narcotics); Assistant Class Trainer Jason Walters (SEPTA Transit Police); Officer Mike Sarro & K9 Dexter Class 002,
Stephen Patton & K9 Fearghas (Lower Merion Police – explosives) Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh.

Region 6 – Patrol
Sheriff’s Deputy Spencer & K9 Luke
Chester County Sheriff’s Office, PA
On July 12, 2017 at approximately 22:30
the East Pikeland Police Department con-
tacted the Chester County Sheriff’s Office for
Canine assistance for a missing person. The
missing female was mentally handicapped
and wandered away from her residence.
Chester County Sheriff Deputy September
Spencer and her K9 partner Luke respond-
ed. The area surrounding the missing fe-
male’s home is a heavily densely wooded
area. The k9 team attempted to track in
several areas with negative results. After
searching with negative results, the team
relocated to another section of the woods.
At this point K9 Luke began to track through
a heavily wooded area. After tracking for
Spencer identified herself to the victim and and that the female required medical at-
approximately 75 yards Deputy Spencer
attempted to assure the victim she was tention. East Pikeland PD responded with
and K9 Luke heard a female’s voice. safe. The female complained of abdominal the victim’s mother and identified her and
K9 Luke tracked to the female who was pain. Chester County Radio was notified of took custody of her.
lying face down in high grass. Deputy the location where the female was located,
Region 6 - Patrol After giving K-9 Bowie a rest, Officer noted that it was raining heavily during the
Schwarting and K-9 Bowie conducted a course of the entire search.
Officer R. Schwarting and K-9 Bowie second article search which began at 1226 Region 6 – Detector
Bensalem Twp. Police Department hours. K-9 Bowie began to search all of the
front and rear yards on Green Ave., not far Sergeant J. McGinty and K-9 Ace
On Saturday, 5/13/2017, at 1110hrs., Of-
ficer Schwarting and K-9 Bowie responded
from where the suspect was located. As Bensalem Twp. Police Department
to a residential neighborhood in Bensalem K-9 Bowie began to make his way west
On Friday, 4/28/17 at approximately
to attempt an evidence search. Officer along Green Ave, fresh foot prints were
1831hrs., Sergeant McGinty and K-9 Ace
Schwarting was advised that an armed rob- observed in a rear yard. K-9 Bowie began responded to RT. 1 south bound, just north
bery had occurred at a Sprint store and the to search the rear yard. There was a large of Southampton Rd. to assist with a narcot-
actor(s) had stolen a gun from an employee garden with ivy growing in it. K-9 Bowie ics investigation. A Patrol Officer had con-
during the robbery. One of the suspects was began to sniff and circle repeatedly in the ducted a vehicle stop and had indicators of
apprehended by a Patrol Officer and infor- area of the ivy closest in the northern most possible drug trafficking.
mation was received that he had discarded part the yard. K-9 Bowie began to claw at
A K-9 sniff of the vehicle was requested.
the handgun prior to being apprehended. the ivy and his tail began to wag. He quick-
After two rotations around the vehicle, K-9
K-9 Bowie conducted an off-lead search ly laid down in the ivy. Officer Schwarting Ace’s head snapped quickly and he sniffed
in the areas between where the actor had approached K-9 Bowie and observed a the open driver’s side window. His breath-
fled from and where he was apprehend- Berreta Storm, semiautomatic handgun ing began to increase and he placed his
ed. K-9 Bowie searched all rear and front (9mm) handgun underneath the ivy resting head into the left front driver’s window and
yards. At 1150hrs the initial article search between his paws. The article search was began to scratch at the door. Both the pas-
was terminated. completed 1253 hours. It should also be senger side window and driver’s side win-

dows were open during the sniff. The engine of the vehicle was off Three separate K9 announcements were made and documented
and no occupants were inside the vehicle during the search. by county radio prior to K9 Odin being released for an area search.
The vehicle was then towed to Police HQ to conduct a search of K9 Odin immediately went straight for a fence line that backed up
the vehicle. While at HQ, a hidden trap was located under the third to RL Trucking, and went out of sight. K9 Odin returned to me then
row. The rug had been glued down to the seal in order to conceal proceeded to go towards the same fence line. K9 Odin appeared to
the top of the trap. be in odor and was working the fence line to locate the source. As
K9 Odin went to the left down the fence line he stopped and began
Located in the trap inside a plastic container was approximately barking and biting at the fence. I noted that the fence line that was
1,131.28 grams of heroin. Approximate street value of $1.5 mil- on Bergey’s property backed up to an additional fence line on RL
lion. It should be noted that no information was known about this Trucking property and there was a 5-6 foot section of thick vegeta-
vehicle prior to it being stopped. tion in-between each fence line. As I got closer I observed K9 Odin
barking and attempting to dig under the fence however I could not
Region 6 – Patrol
see anything on the other side of the fence. K9 Odin remained
Officer Dan Rose & K9 Odin focused on this area while Cpl Graham attempted to scan this area
Montgomery Twp. Police Department from the other side of the RL Trucking fence. From his vantage
point Cpl Graham advised that right where K9 Odin was indicat-
On 6/16/17 at 0108 hours, I responded to Bergey’s Tire Center ing he observed what appeared to be a male who matched the
at 3161 Penn St in Hatfield for a K9 Assist. Hatfield Twp PD De- description of the suspect hiding under thick vegetation. Multiple
tectives were conducting a surveillance operation at this location commands were given for the male, who was later confirmed to
after several burglaries where unknown persons gained access to be Toe, to stand up with his hands visible. Toe refused these com-
the property and stole large amounts of new truck tires. Detective mands and did not move at all. I advised that I would be putting K9
Hoffner advised that they had eyes on a subject who had gained
access to the fenced in portion of the property and was actively
stealing truck tires.
A perimeter was beginning to be set in place as I was arriving,
however just prior to my arrival the suspect later identified as Ar-
chie Tatu Toe, observed Detective Hoffner and Detective Tierney.
Detective Hoffner instructed Toe to stop and get on the ground
however he instead turned and fled, jumping over several fences
within the large fenced in area behind Bergey’s Tire. Upon meeting
up with Detective Hoffner he confirmed that they had felony bur-
glary and theft charges on Toe and directed me to the last location
where the suspect was seen as he jumped over a fence. I brought
K9 Odin to the other side of the fence where the suspect was seen
jumping over. Due to the fact that the yard was filled with hundreds
of tires piled up several feet in the air, large open trailers, as well as
scrap metal conducting a track was not feasible, and posed seri-
ous risk for officer safety. Based on the seriousness of the charges
and the suspect’s attempt to avoid apprehension the decision was
made to deploy K9 Odin off lead for an area search of our imme-
diate area prior to attempting to establish a track.

Odin over the fence if he did not come out Major’s search demeanor inten- mant received by law enforcement
at which time Toe stood up with his hands sified. Canine Major then gave was the vehicle was enroute to
up. K9 Odin remained focused on the sus- me a positive alert and final a narcotic delivery and was
pect while he was helped over the fence by response to the presence of transporting marijuana.
Detectives Hoffner and Tierney and taken narcotics. I advised Officers
Officer Woch deployed K-9
into custody without incident. of the positive alert and they
Major on a sniff of the exte-
held the apartment while ob-
rior of the targeted vehicle.
Region 6 – Detector taining a search warrant.
K-9 Major worked the vehi-
Officer Tim Woch & K9 Major I was later informed that a cle in a clockwise pattern. K9
search warrant was approved Major aggressively and intent-
Montgomery Twp. Police Department
and approximately 1.5 ounces ly sniffed the vehicle and after
On 05-20-17, at approximately 1718 of marijuana and approximately 25 complete two sweeps of the exteri-
Xanax bars were seized. I was also notified or, K9 Major gave Officer Woch a positive
hours, I responded to a neighboring agen-
that three suspects were arrested as a re- alert and final response to the presence of
cy for a request of a Canine Drug Search. sult of Canine Major. narcotics. K-9 Major’s alert/final response
Upon arrival, I met with Officers who ad-
was on the driver’s door seam area. Offi-
vised they arrived for a report of a drug vi- Region 6 – Detector
cer Woch provided his findings to the lead
olation. While on location two subjects fled Officer Tim Woch & K9 Major investigator resulting in the vehicle to be
the apartment complex on foot.
Montgomery Twp. Police Department impounded pending a search warrant.
Officers requested I conduct a Canine On 04-19-17, at approximately 1135 It was the direct result of Officer Woch and
Sniff of the apartment common hall way hours, Montgomery Twp. Canine Team, Of- K-9 Major that a search warrant was grant-
with Canine Major. I retrieved Canine Major ficer Tim Woch and K9 Major were requested and a search of the vehicle resulted in
and walked to where the front door of the ed to assist a neighboring law enforcement the recovery of 2.1 pounds of marijuana
apartment opens to the hall way and I not- agency in a narcotic investigation. The in- and 3.9 pounds of marijuana gummies.
ed there were multiple doors in the hallway. vestigation involved a vehicle that was law- The operator of the vehicle was charged
I gave Canine Major the command to find fully stopped after a confidential informant with possession with the intent to deliver
drugs and he began to sweep the doors. had identified the occupant(s) of the ve- and other charges. Total value of narcotic
As he swept past apartment H102 Canine hicle involved in narcotic sales. The infor- seized $4,500.00.
End of Watch K9 Rocky

Region 6
This past year the Jenkintown Police Department was sad to announce
the passing of the beloved Canine “Rocky”. Rocky passed today peacefully
with his handler and partner Lt. Rick Tucker by his side. Rocky served the
Jenkintown and surrounding communities for almost (9) nine years. Rocky
was credited with numerous narcotic, and burglary suspect finds. Rocky also
touched many lives young and old as he did many demonstrations for various
children’s groups such as the girl scouts, boy scouts, and civic organizations
such as the Kiwanis Club. His handler, and partner Lt. Rick Tucker was dev-
astated by the loss of Rocky and extended his gratitude to everyone for their
support during that difficult time.

Region 7 NEW YORK
Region 7 - Valor Award the large loft. I noticed Timos-

henko was working an odor
Detective Benjamin Colec- and then located a large box
chia & K-9 Timoshenko and did have an active alert.
New York City Police When I was about to reward
Department K9 him he suddenly fell through a
sheet rock ceiling causing him
New York, NY to drop approximately 8 ft. head
On August 11th, 2017 at 1500 first. Hearing no collision, I ran
hrs. the 76th Precinct (76pct), down the stairs noticing a huge
Field Information Officer (FIO) hole in the ceiling. Timoshenko
which is located in Brooklyn was standing up very confused
South requested an Emergency and quiet. I approached him
Service K-9 Unit to 75 Seabring gently and did a quick physical
Street in regard to possible fire- of his body. At this time, I no-
arms inside location. ticed a serious laceration on his
My K9 partner and I respond- left front paw. I removed him to
ed. At this time, the 76pct FIO my vehicle and temporary ban-
did obtain a search warrant to daged up his paw to stop the
conduct a firearm search at bleeding.
said location. K9 Timoshenko
The 76pct FIO did remove 1
was deployed and did have an
Assault Rifle, 6 Riffles, 1 shot-
active alert inside a bedroom.
gun, 1 Black Powder Musket,
At this time, a Black .22 Cal
and a large quantity of assorted
Semi-Auto Pistol was recov-
caliber ammunition. All men-
ered by the 76pct FIO.
tioned was located in the box
Few minutes later I deployed that Timoshenko indicated on.
K9 Timoshenko into a second
room where I noticed a change At this time, I removed Timos-
of behavior and he was air henko from the scene and
scenting high in the corner. I rushed him to the Animal Med-
spoke with the 76pct FIO ask- ical Center located in Manhat-
ing if there’s a 2nd floor. He tan NY via police vehicle. Once
brought me around to a stair- he arrived alert and responsive
case leading to a large loft. The to the Animal Medical Center, formed which thankfully came with 8 stitches. K9 Timoshenko
loft wasn’t well lit so I accessed Doctors assess his physical back negative, all clear. The walked out proudly to go home
my flashlight. Timoshenko once condition. X-ray’s and other doctors then repaired the lacer- to recover with my 5 Children.
again was deployed to search precautionary tests were per- ation on his leg, which left him

Region 9 MAINE/ EASTERN CANADA
Region 9 - Patrol run across a field and into the tree line. K-9 team’s back up officer spotted both
Blaze quickly acquired the track in the subjects ahead of the dog team. Officer
Officer Christian Stickney Stickney verbally challenged the suspects,
field and took the route described by the
and K-9 Blaze witness. Inside the wood line, the K-9 lo- telling them to stop or the dog would bite
Portland, Maine Police Department cated two shirts, one green and one with them. The suspects complied with the
camouflage. The K-9 continued along a warning and stopped. The back up officer
On the August 2, 2017 at 1907 hrs. small dirt road to a road and then into the placed both suspects in custody.
Portland Police Officer Christian Stickney woods again, coming out to the rear of a One male had shorts on but o shoes
and K-9 Blaze responded to the town of home. The homeowner told the officers shorts and no shirt the other was taller
Gorham to assist with a K9 track for leav- that two men had come out the woods just wearing jeans and a long sleeve tan shirt.
ing the scene of an accident. before the dog team, but they had dou- The driver was charged with Driving to
At the scene, Officer Stickney was told bled back to the left of the house. Endanger, Leaving the scene of an acci-
by the Gorham officers that two males The K-9 continued tracking and crossed dent, Violation of Bail and OUI. The sec-
had fled from the vehicle. The driver was a fence several times. Officer Stickney ond male was on probation and charges
known to the officers and wanted on concluded that the suspects were cir- were pending when Officer Stickney left
a number of charges. A witness at the cling in the area. The track proceeded the scene. The track was about one mile
scene pointed out where the suspects had to the back of another house were the in length.
Region 10 LOUISIANA
Region 10 – Detector sitting approximately 5 feet from the driv- When asked why the subject was on this
er side door. The container held a golden property, he stated he thought he was on
Deputy Joseph Cain, K-9 Aurus colored liquid that was producing a strong his property, which is approximately ½ a
chemical smell. As I approached the ve- mile East of Shapiro Road. When asked
LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office hicle I observed a white male sitting in why he was naked watching pornograph-
On 4/15/2017 I, Deputy Bryan Hardy, the passenger seat, naked, rubbing on ic material in the car, the subject gave no
while on patrol in LaSalle Parish was dis- his genitalia while watching pornographic answer to the question, he just smiled.
patched to Shapiro Road in reference to a material on a television he had hooked up When asked what the subject was doing
white male in a red vehicle, who appeared to the car battery with a converter. with the 5 gallon container, he stated it
to be in an unconscious state. Caller also was just oil, and he was going to take it
I approached the passenger side of the
advised the male subject had pornograph- back to his camper.
vehicle and requested the sole occupant,
ic material playing on a television inside a white male subject, to cloth himself and As I was questioning the subject, he had
the vehicle. exit the vehicle. Once the subject was very slurred speech, and was unable to
Upon my arrival at the end of Shapiro clothed, I placed him in handcuffs and remain still constantly moving around.
Road, an oil well location on private prop- advised him of his rights per Miranda, to I asked the subject if he was under the
erty, I observed a red Nissan Altima bear- which he stated he understood and would influence of any illegal narcotics, to which
ing Louisiana license plate, parked at the answer my questions. With the benefit of he stated he had used Methamphet-
end of the road with the driver side door Miranda, I began my interview with sub-
open. Upon exiting my vehicle, I observed ject as to why he was naked, trespassing
a white approximately 5 gallon container, on private property.

Region 10 LOUISIANA
amines within a short time frame prior to bag, containing the suspected Metham- bottle, and 2 packages of unused insu-
my arrival. I asked the subject if he had phetamine was secured in an evidence lin syringes where located in a black and
more illegal narcotics or paraphernalia on envelope, and was secured in my patrol red zipper ice chest in the rear driver side
his person or in the vehicle, to which he car. Due to a strong chemical smell, which seat, 1 glass mirror with white residue lo-
stated “there shouldn’t be, I used what I deputies believed leaked out of the 5 gal- cated on the floor board between passen-
had”. lon container that was next to the vehi- ger seat and center console.
I received verbal consent to search the cle, deputies secured the components of
a suspected clandestine laboratory in the All listed items were seized and placed
vehicle, but prior to doing so, Deputy Jo- into proper evidence containers, sealed
seph Cain and his K9 partner Aurus arrived vehicle, and had it transported by the lo-
cal wrecker service to the LaSalle Parish and placed into evidence in the detec-
on scene to assist me with my investiga- tive’s office of the Sheriff’s office. All
tion. Deputy Cain utilized his K9 partner Sheriff Office, where we could conduct a
continued search in a more safe and se- components of the suspected clandes-
Aurus to conduct a free air sniff search
cure location. tine laboratory were forwarded to narcot-
on the exterior of the vehicle. During the
ic investigators for further investigation.
search, K-9 Aurus showed an interest in I transported the subject to LaSalle Par-
the driver’s door but continued to search. Search of the vehicle was concluded at
ish Sheriff Office where he was placed in
As K-9 searched past the passenger door, 0125. A copy of the search warrant was
holding to be booked into the jail. Due to
K-9 had a change in breathing and be- a high volume of complaints coming into placed on the dash board of the vehicle.
gan to scratch which gave a positive alert. the Sheriff’s Office, deputies secured the The subject was booked into LPSO jail on
After alerting on the passenger door of vehicle in the mechanic’s shop behind the 1 count 40:967. A.1 Possession of CDS
the vehicle, Deputy Cain allowed the K-9 courthouse, and were unable to conduct a II w/Intent, 1 count 40:1023 Possession
to search the interior of the vehicle. K-9 continued search of the vehicle. Once all of Paraphernalia, 1 count 14:63 Criminal
alerted very aggressively on the center complaints were cleared, deputies made Trespassing, 1 count 14:106 Obscenity, 1
console and passenger seat of the interi- contact with Detective Richard Smith, to count 14:67.9 Theft of oil and gas equip-
or of the vehicle. K-9 Aurus was then re- assist in obtaining a search warrant for ment, 1 count 14:69 Illegal possession of
warded and placed back in Deputy Cain’s the vehicle. stolen things.
patrol unit.
At 0014, Detective Smith, deputies Cain,
After receiving confirmation from Depu- Schneider, and I, proceeded to search
ty Cain about a positive alert, we began a the red Nissan Altima. During the search,
hand search of the interior of the vehicle. Cain located 4 LaSalle Parish 911 street
During my search, I located a small grey signs located in the trunk of the vehicle, 4
zipper bag located in the center console 12-volt batteries were also located in the
next to the gear shift, which contained a trunk, oil and gas chemical. Two Coleman
smaller red zipper bag inside it. Upon fur- propane bottles were located in the front
ther search of the red zipper bag, I located passenger seat, 1 loaded syringe located
5 plastic baggies, containing a crystallized in the center console, 1 glass jar located
substance, suspected to be Methamphet- in the rear passenger floor board, 1 Or-
amine. tho weed killer bottle located in the rear
During the search, Deputies observed passenger floor board, 1 odorless lighter
multiple Coleman propane bottles, light- fluid bottle located in the rear passenger
er fluid, and glass jar, which are com- floor board, 1 propane burner (hot plate)
mon components in the manufacturing located in front passenger seat, 1 Mister
of methamphetamine. The grey zipper Plumber bottle, 1 Super S Starter fluid

Region 13 TENNESSEE
through two yards and came to a fence.

Region 13 – Detector Region 13 – Patrol
As I was crossing the fence the suspect
Investigator Jason Ghee & K9 Kailee Officer Jerry D. Denton &K9 Cletus observed me and ran towards the front
yard of the location. As I ran to the front
18th JDDTF, Gallatin, TN Metro Nashville Police Dept
yard I observed the suspect put his hands
On 04/20/17 at approximately 1137 in the air and surrender to units on the
hours K9 responded to assist patrol units. perimeter. Since the suspect was com-
Patrol was attempting to located aggra- plying with commands no force was used
vated assault suspect that had fired shots against the suspect and he was taken into
at a victim moment earlier. The suspect custody without incident.
fled the scene in a vehicle and refused
Region 13 – Patrol
to stop for multiple officers. One suspect
was caught at the scene, but two other Officer Jamie Scruggs & K9 Turbo
suspects were able to escape into the
Metro Nashville Police Dept, TN
wooded area at the location. I responded
to the location to assist with tracking the On 07/01/17 at 10:45am, the Cash
suspects. At that time, I started my track, America Pawn at 5518 Charlotte Pike in
two suspects were still outstanding, and west Nashville was robbed at gun point by
both were still believed to be armed. I two men. Both men had handguns, and
then started my track at one of the sus- one had his face covered by a bandana.
pect’s last known location. After a lengthy The suspects fled on foot with cash and
track I located a backpack and discarded seven stolen handguns. A citizen saw them
shirt from one of the suspects. K9 Cletus run into a wooded area near Interstate 40.
picked up the backpack and a Glock pistol
fell out. I had a perimeter officer guard the As I was arriving with my K9 partner Tur-
evidence until it could be collected. I then bo, a West Precinct officer saw one of the
continued to track the suspect through suspects running with a gun and a back-
On Tuesday September 19, 2017 I, Inv.
the wooded area. After several more pack into another wooded area off of 51st
Ghee of the 18JDD DTF, conducted a Avenue North. I arrived moments later and
traffic stop on I-65 south at the 104 mile minutes I observed something laying in
the ground in the brush. I could not tell started a track with Turbo. Turbo picked up
marker on a silver Toyota for speeding the scent and tracked through very thick
if it was evidence or a person hiding. As
(65/60). After a brief conversation about woods and vegetation. Turbo located and
K9 Cletus got closer he apprehended the
the violation, I ran the subjects informa- apprehended the suspect,who was still
suspect by his left lower leg. At that time
tion through BLOC and asked the driver, the suspect raised off of the ground and armed with a handgun. The suspect fought
Nectali Pimentel, for consent to search the I was able to tell it was the suspect. The the dog and attempted to escape. Both the
vehicle. Mr. Pimentel denied consent, so I suspect then began to grab and strike the suspect and Turbo rolled down a 15-foot
introduced my K-9, Kailee, to the vehicle K9 in an effort to get away. After multiple embankment and landed in a creek below.
and Kailee alerted to the right front pas- commands to stop resisting the suspect Turbo never let go of the suspect, and offi-
senger’s door area. complied. At that time K9 Cletus was cers were able to subdue him.
ordered to release and did release the I left the scene and drove to the original
A probable cause search was conduct-
suspect. Patrol Officers were then called location about a mile away to begin a track
ed and during the search I located two
into the wooded area and took custody on the second suspect. As Turbo and I start-
large camouflaged bags and one black of the suspect and walked him out of the ed this track, the second suspect came out
suitcase with several vacuum sealed bags woods. I then returned to my patrol car of a drainage tunnel and surrendered to an
of a green leafy material believed to be in order to rest K9 Cletus. After several officer on the perimeter. This suspect was
marijuana. Total weight 63 lbs of marijua- minutes a South Detective observed the also armed with a handgun. In total, nine
na. Mr. Pimetel was arrested and booked last suspect in the area. The suspect fled handguns and all of the stolen cash was re-
into the Robertson County Jail for Poss. from the officer through the yards and hid covered. Both suspects were charged with
of SCH. VI for Resale and the vehicle and from view. I responded to that location and several crimes, including aggravated rob-
evidence were taken to the 18th JDDTF started a second track from that suspect’s bery and possession of a weapon during
office to be processed. last known location. I tracked the suspect the commission of a felony.

Region 16 MISSOURI • ILLINOIS
Region 16 – Detector ence of a narcotic odor. I immediately pulled holes, we observed a white, plastic mate-
K9 Goro from the truck and placed him back rial. This was discovered directly under the
Sergeant Ryan Hurst in my squad car. part of the bed that had been cut.
& K9 Goro Prior to searching the pickup, I was in- At this point we believed that the truck
Mattoon Police Dept. formed that the driver was traveling from had a hidden compartment with contra-
Chicago to Texas. The driver reported that band inside. The driver was detained and
On Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 at approx-
he was in Chicago for a couple of days for the truck was driven to the Mattoon Police
imately 4:45pm I, K9 Sgt. Ryan Hurst #84,
work and returning back home to Austin, Department for further inspection. While
received a telephone call from Inspector
Texas. Officers began searching the cab inside the Mattoon Police Department’s
Chase Kull of the East Central Illinois Task
of the truck. During the search I located sally port, Officers took all of the contents
Force. Insp. Kull requested K9 assistance
several air fresheners, rolls of duct/electri- out of the bed of the truck. The large por-
with a current investigation.
cal tape, and a bag containing one set of tion of the bed that had been cut was pried
After leaving my residence I contacted clothing. open and lifted up. Within the hidden com-
Insp. Kull to gather additional details. He partment were two plastic garbage bags.
After a thorough search of the cab, we
advised that Ofc. Alex Hesse had a vehicle Each garbage bag contained a clear vac-
turned our attention to the truck bed. Im-
pulled over in Triple Nickel Saloon’s parking uum-sealed bag with US Currency inside.
mediately, we observed that the bed was
lot, 1800 Dewitt Ave. Mattoon, IL. Insp. Kull
slanted. There was more space between Later, the vacuum-sealed bags were
reported that the vehicle was suspected
the bumper and tailgate on one side than opened by East Central Illinois Task Force
to be involved in narcotic activity and re-
the other. Inside the bed of the truck was a Inspectors. They discovered bundles of US
quested a K9 walk around the vehicle.
spare tire and several bags of “Quickrete” Currency, wrapped in rubber bands, and
Upon arrival, I retrieved K9 Goro from my concrete. Some of the bags were open several dryer sheets and air fresheners.
squad car and performed a free air sniff and concrete was spread throughout, cov- The US Currency was counted and
around the pickup truck, a 1997 Ford F150. ering the entire base of the bed. Officers confirmed to have a total amount of
I walked K9 Goro counter clockwise, starting began chipping away at the concrete with $323,320.00.
at the passenger side headlight. K9 Goro be- screwdrivers. Eventually, we were able to
gan showing a change in breathing around locate a rubber mat at the bottom of the Region 16 – Detector
the bottom seam of the passenger doors. bed. When we pulled the mat back we dis-
Subsequently, he began scratching at the covered that the steel had been cut at the Officer Ryan Koop & K9 Brix
bottom part of the doors, indicating the pres- bottom of the bed. Through miscellaneous Mattoon Police Dept.
On Wednesday, 8/16/2017 at approx-
imately 2:44 p.m. I, Officer Ryan Koop,
conducted a vehicle stop on S. 33rd St in
Mattoon, IL while assisting the East Cen-
tral Illinois Task Drug Force (ECITF). ECITF
was conducting an investigation into a 19
year old male subject from Indiana having
cannabis mailed to a relative’s house in
Mattoon, IL. The subject would then pick
the packages up and drive them back to
his residence in Indiana.
Prior to the traffic stop, ECITF provided
me with information regarding the suspect,
his vehicle and current address. I conduct-
ed the vehicle stop and made contact with
the driver. The vehicle contained two large
cardboard boxes in the back seat which
barely fit in the back seat of the sedan. I
spoke with the driver who stated he lived at

the address on his license, which I knew A search of the first box found it to con- suspected cocaine in numerous vacuum
to be incorrect from the intelligence pro- tain children’s toys wrapped in a blanket. sealed layers with coffee grounds in be-
vided by ECITF. Inside the middle of the toys, was a single tween each layer. The compressed white
Inspector Kull from ECITF arrived on rectangle shaped object sealed in a vacu- powdery substance tested positive in a
scene and stood near my vehicle with the um bag consistent with narcotics traffick- field test kit for cocaine. The second box
driver as he filled out paperwork regarding ing. At this time the suspect was advised was found to contain (8) 1 pound packag-
he was under arrest and he was later es of cannabis vacuum sealed.
a turn signal violation. I removed K9 Brix
secured in a MPD squad car. The second A search warrant later executed at the
from my squad car and brought him to
box was also found to contain children’s suspect’s residence in Indiana recovered
the front of the suspect vehicle. I instruct-
toys wrapped in a blanket with numerous another 9 pounds of cannabis and ap-
ed Brix to search for drugs and began
vacuum sealed packages. The two boxes proximately $22,000 cash. The suspect
walking counter clockwise. As I rounded
were recovered by ECITF and transported was charged with manufacture/delivery of
the trunk, I looked back to see Brix had
to the Mattoon Police Department. 900+ grams of cocaine and manufacture/
alerted to the rear driver’s side door as he
was sitting with his nose against it. At this At the Mattoon Police Department, ECITF delivery of 500-2000 grams of cannabis.
time, Inspector Kull detained the driver in Inspectors photographed and processed He was transported to the Coles County
handcuffs and Brix was secured back in the evidence. The single vacuum sealed Safety and Detention Center pending for-
the squad car. package was found to be 1 kilogram of mal charges.
…continued on pg 41
K-9 Am K-9 Jax K-9 Drago K-9 Enzo

Officer John Hadley, Officer Ron Howard, Officer Greg Serratore Officer Dan Strauch,
Handler Handler Cook County Illinois Handler
Granite City, IL PD Springfield, IL PD Forrest Preserve Robinson, IL PD
USPCA Region w16

End of Watch
K-9 Ares
K-9 Goro Officer Thomas Thompson, Handler
Sergeant Ryan Hurst, Handler O’Fallon, Mo PD.
Mattoon, IL PD.

tiona l PDI Field Trials and Certi
PCA Na fi cati
on
US September 24-28, 2017
Foley Police Department
Chief David Wilson,

Foley Police Department
PRESIDENTS AWARD
Host department plaque –
Sponsored by Purina
The President’s Award is presented to the
host department recognizing the support
given to their officers in hosting a national
event.
TED HIRSCH MEMORIAL AWARD: Host

chair of trials - Sponsored by Purina
The Ted Hirsch Memorial Award is presented
in recognition of all of the many countless
hours and preparation time devoted in order
to conduct a national event. It is awarded in
memory of Ted Hirsch, who was the Chair-
man of the first Police Service Dog Trials in
1968, in Miami, Florida. Ted
Hirsch was also the President of the Police
K-9 Association, having changed its name
from the Florida K-9 Association the year
before. In 1971 the Police K-9 Association
evolved into The United States Police Ca-
nine Association, Inc.
The recipient of this years Ted Hirsch Memo-
rial Award is Carlos Lizarraga
…continued on pg 31

THE DANGER OF SNAKEBITES
IN YOUR K-9
When a dog is outdoors, whether on land or in to know what you can to help avoid snakebites,
water, he or she is in danger of a snake encounter. plus what to do if you suspect your K-9 has
Many variables impact the severity and outcome been bitten.
of a snakebite, and emergency veterinary care
is essential. ‘SNAKEPROOF’ YOUR K-9
“The amount of venom injected is a critical “Snakeproofing” your dog, or putting your K-9
variable in a snakebite equation,” says Michael through a snake-avoidance program, can help
E. Peterson, DVM, MS, of the Reid Veterinary prepare him or her to react to an offensive strike.
Hospital in Albany, Oregon, who has written over This training conditions a dog to give any snake
65 book chapters and veterinary conference he or she encounters, whether via sight, smell,
lectures on the diagnosis and treatment of ven- sound, or some combination thereof, the widest
omous snakebites in North America. “The loca- possible berth.
tion of the bite, the size of the dog, and the “You can’t eliminate the risk completely,” Dr.
elapsed time between the dog being bitten and Peterson advises. “If your dog is running full-tilt
the arrival at a veterinary facility also are factors.” downwind, he or she may bump into a snake
Although there is no reliable data on the number before he or she senses it’s there. Luckily, this
of dogs bitten annually by snakes, it is important kind of encounter typically results in a defensive

bite that tends to be less severe. On the other
hand, a dog that hasn’t been ‘snakeproofed’ may VENOMOUS SNAKES IN THE U.S.
try to actively engage with a snake, which is
likely to result in a more serious offensive strike.”
In a controlled setting, a dog is led toward a
live snake that’s healthy but has been rendered
temporarily incapable of delivering a venomous
strike. Rattlesnakes are generally preferred because
the buzz of their rattle adds a sound association.
Whenever the dog shows the slightest interest in
the snake, he or she receives a firm correction.
Through repetition and reinforcement, the dog
learns that snakes are bad and should be avoided.
Many K-9 training facilities incorporate snake-
avoidance training into their explosives or narcotics
detection work. Dave Taylor of Ashland City,
Tennessee, who owns and operates Cedar Valley KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Canine works with handlers and K-9s assigned
to local police departments and internationally to
countries such as Mexico, Iraq and Afghanistan.
B eing aware of the types of snakes native to
areas you are traveling to hunt or field trial
is imperative.
“Most associate snake-avoidance clinics with “You should know which species of venomous
dogs that hunt or do field work, but snakeproofing snakes are present, what habitats they prefer,
is also an essential part of training for K-9s because and what kind of ‘personalities’ they have,” says
part of their job is to thoroughly investigate Michael E. Peterson, DVM, MS, of the Reid Veteri-
surroundings. This puts them at risk for coming nary Hospital in Albany, Oregon. “Most snakes are
fairly passive but a few can be very aggressive.
in contact with all sorts of dangerous elements,
While many states have only one or two species
including snakes,” says Taylor. Exact details of the you need to be concerned about, if you’re in parts
training program are classified, but Taylor says of Southern California or Arizona, there could be
snakeproofing is a must for handlers and K-9s. as many as eight species.”
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A SNAKEBITE

Despite efforts to avoid snakebites, it isn’t always The amount of swelling at the site of the strike
possible. “The majority of snakebites occur on a is not a reliable indicator of the bite’s severity.
dog’s legs and face. The prognosis for bites in A relatively mild bite can result in significant
these areas is generally good, but bites to the swelling, while a very serious bite can show little
face can result in grotesque swelling,” Dr. Peter- or no swelling.
son says. “Bites to the body trunk are typically If you suspect your K-9 has been bitten by a
more serious, and the worst place of all is the snake, it is crucial to seek emergency veterinary
tongue due to its abundance of blood vessels, care. Do not apply ice or heat to the wound, nor
though both are rare.” should you attempt to cut into the wound and
suck out the venom or apply a bandage
to the wound. Restrain your dog as
SIGNS OF A much as possible and keep him or her
SNAKEBITE calm to help slow the spread of venom
until you get him or her to the veterinarian.
•Bleeding, bruising and “The bottom line is that if your dog
swelling around the bite has been struck by a venomous snake,
•Color changes from red
don’t second-guess,” Dr. Peterson
and blue to black as tis-
advises. “Drop everything and go to
sues die around the wound
•Pale gums, cool skin and a veterinary facility as fast as you can.
tremors The only ‘snakebite kit’ you need is
•Weakness, lethargy, your car keys, as there’s nothing you
confusion, and lack of can do in the field that will improve
coordination your dog’s outcome.”
•Vomiting The most desirable scenario, of course,
•Slow respiration is for your dog not to get bitten in the
first place. Investing in snake-avoidance
training could pay off in a big way. ■

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continued from pg 25…
BILL ROBINSON MEMORIAL

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD:
Sponsored by AceK9
MONZA AWARD: Sponsored by Ameri- This award is given to the K-9 team that
can Aluminim We are blessed to have no displays the highest degree of sportsman-
recipients for this award at this )me. We thank ship in action or aVtude towards the dogs,
the American Aluminum folks for sponsoring other competitors and the judges through-
this award. out the week-long series of events.
PATROL CASE OF THE YEAR: 2016. This The Bill Robinson Memorial Award is given
award is sponsored by an anonymous New in memory of Bill Robinson of Newburg,
Hampshire donor in memory of past and New York. Bill was killed in the line of duty
present NH Police K-9’s. during a domestic disturbance call, just
This program recognizes outstanding work a\er the USPCA Nationals were held in
done by K-9 teams in the everyday encounter Newburg New York.
with the real world. This award is presented This year’s Bill Robinson Memorial Award,
to the team that has been selected as having is awarded to Richard Geraci and K-9
performed excep)onally under difficult
circumstances and with excep)onal ability in Ace from NYPD Transit.
law enforcement u)lizing a police service dog.
The award is selected by the USPCA Na)onal
Vice- presidents for the best patrol case and
the best detector case for each quarter. The
winners of the quarterly awards then compete
for the Case of the Year Award. The recipient of the 2016 patrol case of the year is: Deputy
Cory Tomblin and K9 Remco, Highlands County SO in Florida.

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TOM LARSEN AWARD
Total Scent work -
Total Possible score 180.00 – Sponsored by
CriminalisPcs and presented
by Lester David.
Captain Tom Larsen was the first K9 handler
in the State of Louisiana. Captain Larsen is
known as the father of K9 in Louisiana and
served with the Baton Rouge Police Depart-
ment. The Captain believed in the success
of a police service dog depended on their
scenting ability. The Captain Tom
Larsen Award goes to the top combined
scores of Article Search and Suspect Search.
This year’s Captain Tom Larsen Award goes
to Stephanie Collazo and K-9 Nas from the
City of Miami Police Department.
Top Region Teams

5th Place Region Team • 2482.99
TOM LARSEN AWARD: Total Scent work - Ryan Distefano Michael Walker
Total Possible score 180.00 – Sponsored by
James Crisier Brett Delcambre
CriminalisPcs and presented by Lester
David. Alt: Jason Sibley
Captain Tom Larsen was the first K9 handler
4th Place Region Team • Region 16 • 2532.17
in the State of Louisiana. Captain Larsen is
known as the father of K9 in Louisiana and Zack Hopkins Tim Day
served with the Baton Rouge Police Ryan Maddox Drew Dickason
Department. The Captain believed in the
success of a police service dog depended on Alt: Gary Craig
their scen)ng ability. The Captain Tom 3rd Place Region Team • Region 1 • 2534.83
Larsen Award goes to the top combined
scores of Ar)cle Search and Suspect Search. Joseph Marcum Jason Potts
This year’s Captain Tom Larsen Award goes Kyle Albritton Chris Bates
to Stephanie Collazo and K-9 Nas from the
Alt: Cory Tomblin
City of Miami Police Department
2nd Place Region Team • Region 1 • 2612.83
Shawn Andrews Seth Headley
Clay Smith Jeff Perkins

PATRICK CAHILL AWARD: Combined Obedience & Apprehension – Sponsored by Crusade K-9 Group.
Crusade K9 is an international dog broker. This award is in honor of Mr. Patrick Cahill. Mr. Cahill, originally
from England, started his career with Scotland Yard, and was a major force in establishing canine units in the
United States, first with Baltimore Police Department, and then the Metropolitan Police in Washington D.C.
Mr. Patrick Cahill demanded handler control of the animals he trained and certified. Mr. Cahill’s demanding
training requirements are responsible for many of the values held today in training police service dogs. The
Cahill award is for the combined top Obedience score, and the top Criminal Apprehension score. Total possible
score of 460. This year’s Patrick Cahill Award winner is Brady Harrison and K-9 Eddie from the St. Paul Police
Department with a score of 456.50.
TOP REGION TEAM:

John P. “Sonny” Burke Memorial Award - Top Region Team -
Sponsored by American
Aluminum. American Aluminum is another one of our founding
sponsors and we are honored to have them on board.
This Memorial Award is presented each year to the First Place Region Team.
The top possible team Score is 2800 points, consisting of four K-9 teams and
an alternate. The United States Police Canine Association Honors the Memory
and Sprit of Atlantic City Police Canine Officer John P. “Sonny” Burke, Who Was
Killed In the Line of Duty On September 30, 1970.
4th Place Department Team
Region 10 • 2653.00
Dept: Huntsville PD, AL • Total 2359.84
James Brousard Wayne Maratin
Josh Smith Robert Glaser, Jr.
Lyle Andre Kirt Allen
Alt: Cody Grace Matt Saltzman Jeff Stubbs
Alt: Tyler Edwards
3rd Place Department Team
Dept: Evansville PD • Total: 2567.35
Zach Elfreich John Montgomery
Jason Thomas Doug Bueltel
Alt: None
2nd Place Department Team
Dept: City of Miami PD • Total: 2704.97
Stephanie Collazo Guillermo Suarez
John Marin Alberto Perez
Alt: None

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TOP DEPARTMENT TEAM:
VALOR AWARD: Sponsored
Tim Jones Memorial Award - Sponsored by HITS and
by Ace K9
Pack Track .
This award is presented to a
This Memorial Award is presented each year to the First Place De-
K-9 handler or K-9 team that
partment Team. The top possible score is 2800 points with this De-
has demonstrated the highest
partment team scoring 2739.50. Officer Tim Jones and Laser were
degree of strength in mind and
members of the St. Paul, MN Police Department. In one tragic inci-
spirit providing the fortitude to
dent, the St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Department lost two officers
face extreme and eminent dan-
and a canine. Officer Ron Ryan, Jr., and Officer Tim Jones and his K-9,
ger when placed in harm’s way.
Laser, all were murdered on August 26, 1994. The Tim Jones Memori-
The award recognizes superior
al Award is an effort to preserve the memory of not only these brave
dedication to duty, laudable
officers, but also the K-9s who work the streets to make them safer.
personal bravery and selfless
elevation of public protection
over personal safety.
The VALOR Award is presented to: K-9 Timoshenko and Detec-
tive Benjamin Colecchia
Department: St. Paul Police Dept., MN • Total Points 2739.50

Jason Brodt, Brady Harrison, Rob Vetsch, John Linssen,
Alt: Jay Curiel
Championship Award: Champion-

ship Ring – sponsored by PSD and
Laz Cabrera.
This award is presented to the “K-9
TEAM” that has shown aien)on to detail,
passion, unmatched dedica)on, and ex-
treme knowledge in all five (5) phases
of the police certification. This recipient
has shown to have the mental strength
to put together all of the above qualifies
in order to come out on top at the Unit-
ed States Police Canine Associations
National police dog trials. As a symbol
of this honor, we present this National
Championship Ring to the highest scor-
ing team.

PROTECTING
AGAINST TICKS
K-9S

A moderate winter typically means tick season ness. Consult your veterinarian to determine
can run into the later months of the year. K-9 the optimal product for your dog based on factors
trainers and handlers whose dogs are exposed such as exposure risk, safety and frequency of
to many different outdoor swimming or bathing.
environments should be vigi-
lant as this year’s crop of ticks STAY INFORMED
is expected to be extremely Although there is no way of
heavy due to two consecutive knowing the number of dogs
mild winters and an exception- infected annually by tick bites,
ally wet spring. tick-borne diseases have become
Some of the best antidotes a growing threat to dogs and
to protect your K-9 against tick- people. Some diseases are
borne diseases are to use tick transmitted as quickly as three
preventives, screen annually for to six hours after a tick bite. The
infections and practice head- possibility of a tick bite causing
to-tail body checks after being severe or life-threatening illness
outdoors. warrants being tick-smart.
The following chart identifies
PREVENTING TICKS: the different types of ticks and
WHAT WORKS BEST? the diseases they carry. Staying
The idea behind tick preven- informed about ticks can aid in
tives is to keep dogs safe. keeping dogs healthy while they
Although no product is 100 are training or working outdoors.
percent reliable, there are Being knowledgeable in regard
many good products on the to ticks, using tick preventive
market. Newer products in- measures, and routinely checking
clude an eight-month flea and your dog are ways you can help
tick collar and a three-month keep your K-9 safe from tick-
flea and tick pill. There also are monthly chew- borne diseases. Tick season doesn’t have to
able preventive options available. A vaccine for impede the necessary training and outdoor time
Lyme disease provides protection from this ill- for you and your K-9. ■
Know Your Ticks & the Diseases They Carry

Tick Disease
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine tick paralysis, tularemia
Deer Tick, also known as blacklegged tick Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease, also suspected to transmit
(Lxodes scapularis) babesiosis and ehrlichiosis
Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) Spotted fever rickettsioses, babesiosis, ehrliciosis, hepatozoonois,
anaplasmosis, also suspected to transmit hemotropic mycoplasmo-
sis and bartonellosis
Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) Hepatozoonosis, spotted fever rickettsioses, also suspected to trans-
mit Panola Mountain ehrlichia
Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) Colorado tick fever, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, canine
tick paralysis
Western blacklegged tick (Lxodes pacificus) Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease

Photo: University of Florida
Photo: Colorado State University
Photo: CDC
Rocky Mountain wood tick Western black-legged tick

American dog tick Blacklegged tick or Deer tick Brown dog tick Gulf Coast tick Lone Star tick

2017 National Training
Seminar Debrief
On October 16th, 2017 in Rochester, MN
fifty working teams gathered for the Nation-
al Training Seminar. This was the full allot-
ment of authorized working teams.
The following topics were covered: Ex-
plosive and Narcotics Detection, Environ-
mental Bite work, Cover Officer and Tacti-
cal Searching for the Street, Tracking and
Development of A Police Dog. There was
also a class for K9 supervisors and best
practices.
The teams came from across the five-
state area. It was an action packed week
with a lot of new ideas and relationship be-
ing formed. Everyone took away something
from this and the after action reviews were
very positive.
A special Thanks goes out to the Roch-
ester Police Canine Unit, under the super-
vision of Captain Mike Drees. Who without
this endeavor would not have been possi-
ble?
The USCPA will continue to expand this
vision in the future to provide high quality
training to its members who seek it out.
If you are interested in hosting a seminar
or a smaller training contact the National
President.

continued from pg 24…
Region 16 – Patrol to the right lane of traffic Avenue. I headed towards the
and continued southbound. The Kia served right location of the Kia.
K9 Officer Zack Hopkins & K9 Daggo The Kia changed back to the
left lane of traffic at Gilmore towards Deputy Un- Upon arrival, I exited my
Columbia Police Department, IL squad car. I retrieved the
Lake Road. The Kia traveled ser and then swerved tracking harness and 15 foot
On 07-18-17, at 0028 hours, Officer about 99 mph near Gilmore
Steve Patton, DSN 52, and I, K9 Officer Lake Road. The Kia contin-
left around the spikes. nylon lead from the rear of
Zack Hopkins, DSN 52, responded to the squad car 7. I opened the
ued south and refused to The Kia used the left back door and hooked the
area of 300 Bradington Court for Burglary stop. Officer Patton followed
to Motor Vehicle in progress. A local resi- turn lane to avoid the tracking harness to my canine
behind and contacted Illinois
dent called the Police Department and said State Police on ISPERN about spikes. The pursuit partner, Daggo. I saw the front
he witnessed a white SUV occupied by sev- passenger door open to the
the pursuit. continued south- Kia. I walked up to the open
eral subjects get into several vehicles in the
area. He followed the SUV to the parking lot Near Route 3 and Hanover bound past Hanover door with K9 Daggo. I placed
of Taco Bell. Resident believed the SUV was Road, Monroe County Deputy K9 Daggo at the door of the
Road.
occupied by three black males. Chris Unser, C8, set up spike Kia to start a track. I smelt a
strips. The Kia served right strong odor of burnt cannabis
Upon arrival, I saw Officer Patton talking towards Deputy Unser and then swerved coming from the inside of the Kia. The odor
to the witness in the parking lot of Taco left around the spikes. The Kia used the left was overwhelming.
Bell. Officer Patton said the suspect ve- turn lane to avoid the spikes. The pursuit I gave K9 Daggo the command to track.
hicle was in the drive-thru of Taco Bell. I continued southbound past Hanover Road. K9 Daggo put his nose to the ground and
turned around in the parking lot of Mitch The pursuit continued into the city limits of pulled north from the Kia, back to the as-
Essert State Farm Office, 400 Columbia Waterloo at a high rate of speed. I contin- sisting squad cars. The assisting officer
Centre. As I turned around, I saw a white ued to pursue the stolen Kia southbound on said he walked up and cleared the Kia.
SUV quickly leave the parking lot. I heard Route 3 past Market Street, Moore Street,
Officer Patton on the radio say the SUV just Columbia Avenue and Park Street. I walked to the front of the Kia. I cast K9
left the parking lot. I saw the SUV approach Daggo around the front of the Kia. I gave
Veterans Parkway. I saw the SUV signal At the intersection of Park Street and Route K9 Daggo the command to track. K9 Dag-
right, but did not stop at the stop sign. The 3, Officer Patton advised to terminate the go put his nose to the ground and searched
SUV turned right towards Veterans Park- pursuit. At the same time, Waterloo officers the area. K9 Daggo did not locate a scent
way. I attempted to catch up to the SUV. said spike strips were out at Route 3 and to the southwest of the Kia. I worked clock-
The SUV turned right onto Admiral Parkway South Market Street. Officer Patton advised wise around the intersection to locate a
and headed south at a high rate of speed. to continue until South Market Street. I saw scent. I walked north and across Pin Oak
the Kia still southbound at a high rate of Drive. I cast K9 Daggo around the north-
I activated the emergency lights on squad speed. I started to follow the Kia again from west corner of the intersection. K9 Daggo
car 7. The Kia refused to stop or slow a distance now. I saw the Kia approach the searched around but did not show any in-
down. The Kia traveled in the left lane of South Market intersection, but avoided the terest. I went to the northeast corner of the
traffic. The Kia traveled about 80\45 mph spike strips by going into the northbound intersection. I cast K9 Daggo around. K9
zone past Valmeyer Road. I caught up to lanes of traffic. The Kia continued south- Daggo searched around, but again showed
a white Kia Sportage, with Missouri reg- bound on Route 3. I terminated the pursuit no interest. I walked to the southeast sec-
istration, near Admiral Weinel Blvd. I gave per Officer Patton’s request. Monroe Coun- tion of the intersection. I cast K9 Daggo
Dispatch the registration. Dispatch said ty Deputies continued southbound to locate around. K9 Daggo quickly snapped his
the registration returned “Stolen” out of the Kia. I turned around and headed back head left and pulled me into the front yard
St. Peter’s, Missouri. The Kia continued north on Route 3.
southbound a high rate of speed. I acti- of 4902 Pin Oak Drive. K9 Daggo’s nose
vated the siren on squad car 7, near Carl At 0048, Deputy Chausse located the was to the ground, pulling on the lead, and
Street. The Kia traveled 95/45 mph zone. Kia at Pin Oak Drive and Oak Falls Drive, tail wagging. From my training and expe-
The Kia went south past Gall Road at about unoccupied. Waterloo Officer Eric Waszak, rience on a known track, K9 Daggo’s be-
90 mph. The Kia crossed over the center W249, came over the radio and asked for havior was consistent. K9 Daggo tracked
line about 18 inches just before Route 158 assistance with locating the suspects. I directly east of the Kia.
overpass. The Kia quickly changed lanes turned around near Route 3 and Columbia K9 Daggo continued to track along the

front yards of 4902 and 4919 Pin Oak K9 Daggo did not locate any additional enough K9 Edo and I were forced to crawl
Drive. K9 Daggo tracked about 500 feet scents. We walked back and attempted to make it though. After approximately 20
to a small, overgrown patch of trees and to find a change in direction the suspects yards K9 Edo located a blue clothing item.
brush at the end of Pin Oak Drive. K9 took. K9 Daggo did not locate any addi- K9 Edo continued another 20 yards crawl-
Daggo lifted his head up and took several tional tracks. I walked back to squad car ing until he reached a creek. Just prior to
deep breaths. K9 Daggo appeared to be 7. I gave Dispatch the male’s full name and the creek K9 Edo gave a loud yelp and
air scenting. K9 Daggo darted directly into date of birth. Dispatch said the male re- began bleeding from his ear. (K9 Edo later
the brush. K9 Daggo quickly came out and turned “No Record” and with two warrants. received stitches to repair his ear) K9 Edo
went about 15 feet south. K9 Daggo again I asked Dispatch to confirm the warrants. turned and barked upon entering the creek.
took several big breaths and pulled right Dispatch said Monroe County confirmed St. Once positioned behind K9 Edo in the creek
back into the brush. K9 Daggo pulled me Clair County Juvenile warrant 16-JD-412 I observed suspect 1 concealing himself
into the brush. K9 Daggo pulled the lead Obstruction, No Bond, and St. Louis Coun- under the tall grass and eroded creek bank.
out of my hand. I attempted to follow after ty warrant #W34171807, Tampering with I ordered suspect 1 to show his hands and
K9 Daggo but the brush was too thick. I Motor Vehicle, $10,000. provided security as Deputy Chappell came
to the creek and handcuffed suspect 1.
heard K9 Daggo caught up in the brush. I Region 16 – Patrol
heard K9 Daggo bark and snap his teeth. Knowing there was a second suspect I
I knew K9 Daggo located someone, but
Sergeant Dan Green & K9 Edo cast K9 Edo to the north in the creek and
could not get to them. Jerseyville Police Department gave him the command to track. K9 Edo
I worked my way through the brush and On Thursday June 29, 2017 at approxi- did not locate a track to the north. I cast
got to K9 Daggo. As I untangled the lead, I mately 6:40AM, dispatch advised the Jer- K9 Edo to the south toward the bridge and
heard a voice, “I give up. I’m coming out.” sey County Sheriff’s Department was re- gave him the command to track. K9 Edo
Soon I saw a black male crawling on his questing K9 assistance. Dispatch advised went into the creek and swam approx-
knees and hands towards Officer Waszak JCSO had 2 burglary suspects flee on foot imately 20 feet south around a small is-
and Illinois State Trooper Derek Cullen. At into a wooded area near McCluskey Rd. It land before coming back to the bank. Upon
0105 hours, Officer Waszak placed the was unknown if either subject possessed returning to the bank K9 Edo changed his
male into custody. The male was located a weapon. posture to a crouch and began taking deep
about 30 feet into the woods. I asked the examining breaths through his nose. These
At approximately 7:00AM, I arrived on changes indicated to me that K9 Edo had
male about the other subjects. The male scene and met with Deputy Chappel. Dep-
said they just left and went through the located a track. K9 Edo continued south
uty Chappel advised two burglary suspects under the bridge. While going under the
woods. I watched Officer Waszak hand- had fled north off McCluskey Rd into a
cuff, search and escort the male out of the bridge I observed a fresh distinct circular
densely wooded area. Deputy Chappell pattern shoe print. K9 Edo continued track-
woods. Officer Waszak secured the male in stated the complainant advised the sus-
the backseat of his squad car. ing approximately 125 yards along the east
pects had fled somewhere east of the side of the creek. K9 Edo crossed into the
Trooper Cullen and I continued on the nearby bridge. creek and swam west in 3-foot-deep wa-
track. I gave K9 Daggo the command to I gave my K9 announcement multiple ter approximately 20 feet across the creek.
track. K9 Daggo again put his nose to the times from multiple locations on the road- K9 Edo continued west up a steep em-
ground and took off through the brush. K9 side prior to beginning my track. I cast K9 bankment approximately 25 yards before
Daggo tracked south about 200 feet out Edo along the roadside and gave him the emerging into a tree lined pasture. K9 Edo
of the woods to a corn field. K9 Daggo command to track. K9 Edo changed his continued approximately 125 yards along
tracked east along the edge of the corn posture to a crouch and began taking deep the tree line until he reached a tree farm.
field for about 800 feet. K9 Daggo tracked examining breaths through his nose. These He continued south approximately 175
to about 5 foot high grass. Daggo tracked changes indicated to me that K9 Edo had yards across the tree farm before reaching
into the grass and to a creek. K9 Daggo located a track. K9 Edo began following the a corn field. Throughout the track I gave
searched the grass and creek. Daggo lost track north off the roadside to a barb wire multiple additional K9 announcements. K9
the track. fence. K9 Edo crossed under the barb wire Edo continued south approximately 175
I took K9 Daggo out of the creek. I cast fence and I followed. K9 Edo continued yards across the waist high corn field be-
K9 Daggo on both sides of the creek, far- through a thick grove of thorn bushes and fore reaching a fence line. K9 Edo turned
ther into the tall grass, into the cornfield. Russian Olive trees. The grove was dense west and continued tracking along the

fence line. While tracking down the fence had closed the distance between myself and I waited with suspect 2 until Sheriff
line I observed suspect 2 emerge from the and suspect 2 to approximately 30 yards. Wimmersberg arrived for transport.
corn field onto Salem Road approximately I ordered suspect 2 to lie on the ground. The suspects were later charged with
350 yards in front of my location. K9 Edo Suspect 2 initially did not comply but after Burglary and Possession of a Controlled
continued approximately 350 yards down multiple commands he complied. I placed Substance. The total distance of the track
the fence line. I observed suspect 2 con- K9 Edo in a down position approximately was approximately 1.2 miles.
tinue south on Salem Rd. K9 Edo crossed 10 yards from suspect 2 to provide security
the fence line and continued approximate- while I handcuffed suspect 2. I handcuffed I am submitting this track for catch of the
ly 200 yards across a pasture with waist suspect 2 behind his back and double quarter due to K9 Edo continuing to track
high grass. Upon reaching Salem Rd K9 locked the cuffs after ensuring a proper fit. after being injured, tracking through dense
Edo turned and continued tracking down I observed the pattern on the sole of sus- vegetation, deep water requiring him to
the roadway. K9 Edo continued tracking pect 2’s shoe to match the pattern found swim, locating multiple suspects on the
south on the roadway as I had suspect 2 near suspect 1. Deputy Chappell arrived on same track, and the overall length of the
in sight. After approximately 1000 yards I scene a short time later. Deputy Chappel track.
Region 18 EASTERN MINNESOTA • WISCONSIN
Region 18 – Detector Case with a slight tail wag. Beck then made his a large quantity of narcotics. Through a
way to the backpack in the backseat at street investigation officers tied the driver of
Deputy Steve Bell & K-9 Beck which point his behavior changed. Beck the vehicle to a hotel room in Bloomington.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office, began taking deeper and more rapid sniffs During a knock and talk at the hotel room
and pushing his nose into the backpack patrol officers received consent to search
Stillwater, MN 55082
and his tail began to wag faster than nor- the room and located a locked armoire.
On 8-26-17, Deputy Bell and his K9 part- mal. At this point Beck then stopped sniff- Officer Bailey and his K9 partner Vido were
ner Beck was requested by the Woodbury ing the backpack and stood over it looking called to the scene. Vido had a positive alert
Police Department to assist them with a back and forth between Deputy Bell and on the armoire and also on the sink cabi-
narcotic search of a vehicle that they had the backpack still with a wagging tail. Dep- net. Officers researched the sink cabinet
stopped. Upon arrival Deputy Bell was ad- uty Bell then had Beck complete the interior and located a hidden panel that contained
vised that the driver of the vehicle had been search of the vehicle with no other alerts. 2 pounds of methamphetamine. A search
arrested and methamphetamine had been warrant was obtained for the armoire and a
Officers then searched the backpack that
located during the search of the driver. Of- vehicle associated to the room.
Beck had alerted to and located 24.39
ficers advised Deputy Bell that while they
grams of methamphetamine, a small amount After the search warrant was executed
were removing the passenger from the ve-
of heroin, approximately $30,000 in cash a total of 9 pounds of methamphetamine,
hicle, the passenger was looking at a back-
which some was later found to be coun- 2 guns and approximately $4000 in cash
pack in the back seat of the vehicle and
terfeit, and a loaded handgun. Woodbury were seized.
had a look of concern on their face.
Officers then completed the interior search
Deputy Bell then brought his K9 partner Region 18 - Patrol
of the vehicle and nothing else was located.
Beck up to the vehicle and began an exteri- Deputy Bell then left the scene as there was Officer Marc Johnson & K-9 Oakley
or search of the vehicle. During the exterior no further assistance needed by him.
search of the vehicle, Beck was near the Duluth Police Department, Duluth,
open driver’s side window where he stood Region 18 Detector Case MN 55881
up on his hind legs and began sniffing the Officer Jeff Bailey & K-9 Vido On 07/29/17, officers of the Duluth Po-
inside of the vehicle. Beck then continued lice Department responded to a home in-
and completed the exterior search of the Bloomington Police Department vasion robbery that had just occurred at a
vehicle. Deputy Bell then had Beck conduct Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop of residence in West Duluth. 3 male suspects
an interior search of the vehicle. Beck was a vehicle and had reason to believe that the had broken into the residence and threat-
searching the vehicle in a normal fashion vehicle had recently been used to transport ened the homeowner with a firearm while

Region 18 EASTERN MINNESOTA • WISCONSIN
searching the home for valuables. An al- walk didn’t deter K9 Oakley, who continued was in was found a short time later aban-
tercation ensued, and the homeowner was tracking hard along the edges of the side- doned in a driveway.
able to defend himself with a kitchen knife, walk now westbound away from the area. A perimeter was established and a blood
stabbing one of the suspects in the leg. All About a block away, K9 Oakley put on the trail was located leaving the vehicle. A
3 suspects fled the scene and were unable brakes and gave another strong head-snap search team and Bloomington K9 Officer
to be located or identified. towards a string of cars parked on the low- Bailey began a search. The track and blood
In the early morning hours, the following er side of the street. Oakley began sniff- trail was lost on the 8200 Block of 2nd Ave
night, on 07/30/17, officers were dis- ing one of the vehicles and went into an S. The state helicopter was also called but
patched back to the same address as a alert. Officers lit up the interior of the vehi- was unable to locate the homicide suspect.
nearby neighbor had called 911 to report cle with flashlights and located two males K9 officer Perron and his partner Ted be-
that he could see 3 males breaking glass at inside the car, laying down, hiding on the gan their search from where the blood trail
the residence and trying to kick in the back front seats of the vehicle. Both males were was lost. K9 Ted was able to eliminate all
door. The witness could not see much, but sweating and a search of the vehicle would directions of escape from the 8200 Block
described them all as wearing black hood- locate two black hooded sweatshirts, one of 2nd Ave S.
ed sweatshirts, one of which had a white of which had a white square pattern on it
square on the front. Upon arrival, officers as described by the witness to the burglary. Based on that information SWAT search
noticed broken windows and a freshly Both male suspects would eventually admit teams were organized and partnered with
kicked-in rear door to the residence but to being involved in both the burglary of the K9 officers for an open search of the 8200
were able to confirm no suspects were still residence moments prior as well as the Block of 2nd Ave S. Officer Perron and K9
actively inside the house and had likely fled previous night’s home Ted were able to locate a track in backyard
when officers arrived on scene. Respond- of 8232 2nd Ave S. K9 Ted started to track
ing officers began setting up a perimeter in south to a shed in the back corner of the
Region 18 Patrol Case
the area. K9 Officer Johnson and K9 Oak- yard. K9 Ted investigated the shed doors
ley, who had now arrived to the address, Officer Mike Perron & K9 Ted and showed that he was in odor. From
began attempting to acquire a track near
Bloomington Police Department where a SWAT team member was standing
the rear of the residence where the sus- he was able to see the homicide suspect
pects were believed to have fled from. K9 On May 3rd 2017 Minnesota BCA agents
on the floor inside the shed. The homicide
Oakley was cutting along the upper side were tracking a homicide suspect in Bloom-
suspect was called out of the shed and ar-
of the alley behind the residence when he ington. When BCA agents approached the
vehicle the homicide suspect was in, he rested without further incident.
gave a strong head-snap, acquiring a track
leading northbound off the alley. He tracked fled in his vehicle and was shot by BCA Thanks to the hard work of many officers
hard, winding through several nearby yards agents. The homicide suspect continued to and K9 officers during the 6 hour search
and eventually over a deck which dumped flee in the vehicle into a residential neigh- for the suspect. The suspect was taken into
off onto a sidewalk. The solid surface side- borhood. The vehicle the homicide suspect custody safely for homicide.
Region 19 MICHIGAN • CANADA
Region 19 – Patrol suspect was last seen running to- then pulled hard back into the thick-
ward a wooded area. A glove was er woods. He continued to track
Officer Darren Steele & K9 Blitz located near the building where the for 20 more feet before he slowed
Sterling Heights Police Department larceny took place, so the track be- down and the suspect identified
Officer Steele and K9 Blitz were gan at the glove. K9 Blitz tracked
himself. Officer Steele called Blitz to
requested to track larceny suspects from the glove to the wooded area
a heel and ordered the suspect to
who fled on foot. Upon arrival, Of- and into the thick woods until they
came to high fence separating the show his hands. The suspect was
ficer Steele was informed one sus- taken into custody without further
pect was in custody and the other woods from a local business. At the
fence K9 Blitz circled around and incident.

Region 25 TEXAS
of a residence and lead offi- in some extremely thick briars someone screaming, “ok I am
Region 26 – Patrol
cers to a utility trailer parked and brush. While K9 Rico was done, he got me.” Rico had lo-
Detective Coty Hamilton in the driveway. The suspect tracking, he located the sus- cated the suspect on the back
& K9 Rico was found lying on the trailer pects shirt and then I noticed of the right leg and held the ap-
Richland Police and had covered himself up him pick his head up, breath- prehension until he was taken
Department with the materials on the trailer ing harder than normal, and into custody. This suspect was
but parts of his body was still then started looking around, so found to have multiple warrants
June 30, 2017 K9 Rico and exposed. After several verbal Detective Hamilton knew they for his arrest with surrounding
his handler, Detective Coty commands to show his hands had to be close. Rico turned 90 agencies and was also wanted
Hamilton, with the Richland, or he would be bit, he refused degrees to the right and start- by the Mississippi Department
Mississippi Police Department, to comply and just stayed un- ed tracking into the extremely of Corrections for removing
was contacted for assistance der the material. Rico was giv- thick brush. Detective Hamilton a monitoring device from his
with a fleeing suspect during en the command to apprehend could tell he was pulling harder ankle. The total length of this
the early morning hours of and he did so on the left ankle. than normal, but he was trying track was approximately 200
June 30. A patrol officer at- The suspect was then taken to fight his way through the yards through some extremely
tempted to stop a stolen vehicle into custody and was found to thick briars and then he heard thick brush.
and once the vehicle came to a have felony warrants through
stop in the parking lot of a gas another agency. The suspect
station, a white male exited the later told officers that he was
passenger seat and fled from asleep on the trailer and never
the traffic stop on foot. After heard the officer’s commands.
taking the driver into custody, a The total length of the track
perimeter was set up and De- was approximately 200-300
tective Hamilton was contacted yards.
for assistance with K9 Rico.
Detective Hamilton arrived on Then again on July 26, 2017
scene and the officer was able at 2105hrs, a neighboring city
to show where the suspect contacted K9 Rico and Detec-
was last seen, running into the tive Hamilton for assistance
wood line behind the gas sta- tracking a suspect who had
tion. Rico was deployed for a assaulted a female officer and
track of the suspect and began then fled the scene on foot. De-
tracking east through the wood tective Hamilton and K9 Rico
line. Rico tracked across a arrived and began tracking at
very wet and muddy ditch and 2122 hours. At approximate-
then through a ly 2128hrs (6
wooden priva- minutes later)
cy fence where K9 Rico had
the boards had tracked ap-
been busted proximately
loose. Rico 200yards and
then tracked located the
across the yard suspect hiding
Advertise For Rates & schedule contact: Robert Dougherty Jr.

With US! Phone: 610.316.3942 • Fax: 215.948.3594 • Email: uspcacourier@gmail.com

Trainer’s Corner
Mealtime for Working Dogs
I
n the last 20 years, the quali- lice K-9s, but causes many prob-
ty of the dogs being trained in lems in pet dog homes. However,
law enforcement has improved each time the dog “wins” a battle
greatly. We are now seeking out over resources or control, the han-
and training dogs with high work- dler looses the dog’s “respect.”
ing drives, sound nerves and tem- Enough of a loss of respect means
perament, and with physical and that the dog will feel free to disobey
emotional hardness and resilien- his handler in other areas. Gaining
cy. These dogs are more willing to compliance to commands in ev-
perform under adverse conditions ery day contexts and creating an
such as when a suspect is fighting impression in the dog’s mind that
back. Many of these patrol dogs he must seek permission to ac-
also have fight drive which is access valued resources (like food,
tivated by pain, causing them to like going outside, like playing with
get tougher when the going gets a toy, etc.) causes the dog to feel
rougher. By Deborah Palman, submissive to and causes the dog
Unfortunately, these attributes Maine Warden Service, ret. to be obedient to the handler in all
can also make this type of dog contexts.
difficult to train with traditional dog that what the dog just did was
“Yes” and “No” and
compulsion based systems. The not what was wanted by the han-
Communication
chain choke collar corrections and dler or trainer.
physical manipulation used in the The use and training of a working
For a number of reasons, nega-
past that was accepted by more dog must be based on communi-
tive punishment is a highly effec-
compliant dogs has little effect on cation with the dog. With some
tive way to enforce commands
these harder, driven dogs. Often, if very basic commands, a handler
given to a working dog. First, for
more painful methods of compul- can tell the dog when he is right
most dogs, it avoids the unwant-
sion like prong or shock collars are and when he is wrong and create
ed effects of opposition reflex (to
used without the proper learning effective training. Dogs are very
physical manipulation) and it does
foundation, the dog actively fights literal. If handlers consistently use
not elevate the dog’s fight drive.
back, destroying the dog’s ability the right words and consistently
Second, it can be used very effec-
to learn and causing the dog to reward good behavior and pun-
tively in everyday contexts to cre-
fight with the handler. ish disobedience, dogs will learn
ate obedience in a willful dog that
rapidly and work well. Dogs notice
In an earlier article, I discussed is not easily influenced by physical
detail in handler communication
the concept of “negative punish- manipulations and corrections.
and words that handlers aren’t
ment” which, means taking away Third, most willful dogs manipulate
aware of. Unfortunately, handlers
(“negative” or minus) something their handlers by trying to gain ac-
are rarely as consistent as they
the dog wants or anticipates as cess to valued resources that the
should be.
a reward. This taking away de- handler controls, and each time
creases the likelihood that a dog the dog successfully manipulates In Ivan Balabanov’s training sys-
will do a behavior (the definition of the handler, the dog gains points tem (see the DVD “Obedience
“punishment” in behavior science). in the pack hierarchy. Eventually, Without Conflict – Clear Com-
Another way of putting it is to take the dog can come to feel that he is munication” produced by Canine
away something the dog values the pack leader instead of the han- Training Systems), Ivan relies on
as a way of communicating to the dler. This rarely happens with po- particular words or signals to tell

the dog what is right and wrong. word, but that word is dangerous reward, ask for a behavior or set
One of these words means, “What because people use OK often in up the training situation to encour-
you just did is NOT what I want,” conversation. It is very important age a particular behavior, then use
and a common word used for this that the reward marker be followed the simple signals of “Yes,” “No”
is “No.” In his system of communi- by a reward close to 100% of the and “Good” to tell the dog what to
cation, “No” means that a reward time the marker is used, or the re- do. Kind of like the children’s game
will not be given for the behav- ward marker will loose meaning for of “Red Light/Green Light” where
ior, that the reward may be taken the dog. Thus, a word that is not verbal signals tell the children play-
away, and, in some cases, when used in everyday communication ing whether to stop or go.
needed, a physical correction is best. Using a word for a release
may follow the word “No”. “No” is
that many people use uncon-
Real World Dog Training
a marker for wrong behavior just
sciously in conversation also runs However, the real world of dog
as the click in Click! And Treat is a
the risk of having the dog released training is like this:
marker for correct behavior. Many
working dog handlers use “Good from behaviors when the handler One, the dog, while usually not
Dog” or some other verbal marker doesn’t want the dog released. “smarter” than the trainer, has en-
for correct behavior. Ivan uses a third word that means hanced senses that give him some
“good job, keep going,” to encour- advantages over the trainer. Spe-
If the communication system
age and sustain behaviors that cifically, humans can’t even begin
has a “wrong behavior” marker
have duration, like a down stay or to understand how much the dog
that means something good will
be withdrawn, then a “correct be- smells and hears that humans
extended heeling. This word is of-
havior” marker is needed, and that can’t.
ten not formally taught to the dog
marker must be consistently fol- but gains its meaning through tone Two, the dog has an eye for de-
lowed by a reward the dog values. of voice and everyday use. “Good” tail that allows him to pick out the
I prefer to teach handlers an enthu- is commonly used as an encour- finest differences and similarities
siastic “Yes!” word for the correct agement word. in all situations, particularly details
behavior verbal marker because that affect his ability to gain rein-
“Yes!” is a word that is rarely used In the simplest world of dog forcement from the handler or his
in conversation. Some handlers training, the handler or trainer environment. These would be de-
use “OK” as a release or marker should be able to show the dog his tails like where the handler’s hands

Trainer’s Corner
are positioned, where the handler dog with training problems when like pushing on the dog’s rear or
is looking, the tone of the handler’s the dog has the capability to do pulling up on the collar to make
voice, the tension or relaxation of the problem himself. him sit, or correcting to dog with
his muscles, smell of the handler’s pain to have the dog sit, the han-
I see many detector dogs that
body as it is effected by emotions dler is “helping” the dog and the
appear lazy or unable to do exer-
and hormones…need I go on? dog is not doing the work him-
cises when they are really just get-
Three, the dog, if he stays with self. Sure, the dog does eventual-
ting the handler to do their work
the handler most of the time, has ly sit, but the reason the handler
for them. The less the dog works,
all his waking hours, 7 days a has to push or pull on the dog is
the more the handler helps, and so
week, probably 12 to 18 hours a that the dog chose not to sit on
on, when really the handler should
day (if the dog sleeps lightly), to the first command to begin with. If
be calling the dog’s bluff and telling
study how the handler behaves, the handler rewards the dog after
the dog to do the work himself.
what the handler does, what correcting the dog, or just leaves
events and behavior precede the The same problem occurs with the exercise as is, and the handler
dog getting reinforcement or pun- patrol dog handlers, but the con- is thinking that the dog has com-
ishment, etc. The average police sequences can be more serious. plied, the handler is sadly mistak-
dog handler probably is lucky if he Patrol dog handlers teach obe- en. The dog has “won” that round
gets to spend a combined total dience commands with physical and has learned that he doesn’t
of 1 to 2 hours a day studying his compulsion and the dog complies have to sit on a on the first com-
dog as closely as his dog studies when on the obedience field where mand and that the handler will help
him. In short, most of the time the the temptations and drive level him to sit if needed. If this pattern
dog is studying and trying to train of the dog aren’t high. Then the
exists in all parts of the dog’s life,
the handler rather than the other teams start apprehension training.
like the handler physically block-
way around. As the dog learns to enjoy biting
ing the dog from exiting the vehi-
and fighting, the dog’s drive level
Fourth, the dog, if a well-bred cle, the door, etc. while telling him
gets higher and the dog becomes
working dog, is faster than his han- “stay,” or pushing the dog back in
less influenced by the discomfort
dler is, can endure more pain than the car while saying stay, the dog
of corrections, and/or the pain and
the handler can and is a strong is not complying. The dog also
restraint of physical corrections
willed, smart and resourceful ani- never earns any “consequences”
only aggravates the dog’s fight
mal that knows what he wants and for failing to stay. The willful dog
drive so that the dog becomes
actively tries to get what he wants, stressed out or uncontrollable us- will always push the envelope. A
7 days a week. ing physical corrections. The result willful dog should not always be
Some dogs are genetically natu- is a dog that cannot be controlled prevented from being disobedient,
rally cooperative or “obedient” and using “traditional” collar correc- but has to learn that disobedience
live to please their handler. Most tions and systems during appre- results in consequences just as
patrol dog prospects are more will- hension work, a phase where the compliance produces rewards.
ful and have to be convinced that finished level of training must re- Training should be time when
it is only though obedience to the flect a high degree of control. the handler is prepared to deliver
handler that they will gain rewards. the consequences, good and bad,
Some of the hardest dogs for nov- Compliance Must be the Dog’s for the dog’s behavior choices.
ices to train are dogs like Labrador Choice The training situation is set up, the
Retrievers that never growl or are The only way to gain true obe- commands given and the conse-
openly aggressive, but use their in- dience or compliance and work quences, reward or punishment,
telligence to manipulate their han- effectively with a dog in a variety delivered so the dog can learn.
dlers and con the handlers into giv- of situations is to have the dog Training is a controlled environ-
ing the dog unnecessary rewards. make the choice to comply. If the ment where the handler and train-
They train their handlers help the handler “helps” the dog to comply, er hope to stay ahead of the dog.

Trainer’s Corner
Rewards and Compliance their dog, then chances are the it needs to focus, like when start-
dog is training them instead of ing a track, a building search, a
The best way to train any ani-
them training the dog. Does the narcotics search, etc. To prevent
mal is to have a reward the animal
dog jump out the cruiser door the these problems, the handler has to
values and anticipates and deliver
second it is opened, even if the require some obedience and con-
that reward when the animal per-
handler commands “stay?” Does trol before the dog is allowed ac-
forms the desired behavior. Dogs the dog yank and pull on the leash
can learn to recognize words or cess to a resource the dog enjoys
to drag the handler into the work (like tracking, building searches,
other signals, so the words or sig- area and stand and bark when it
nals can be used as commands narcotics searches, etc.).
doesn’t get what it wants? These
and as guides to what is correct are examples of the dog thinking, Mealtime
and incorrect behavior, like “Red “I can be in control of the situation,
Light, Green Light.” Mealtime is an excellent time to
and I can make the handler do
teach communication, obedience
Unfortunately, handlers tend to what I want.”
and the concepts of consequenc-
think of training as the time they Each time the dog “wins” in es and rewards. If a handler is not
are assigned to work with a trainer these situations, the dog gains taking 2 to 5 minutes every meal-
or at a training ground. What they rank in the pack. Pretty soon the time to teach or reinforce some
don’t realize is that if they are not dog is acting hyper and out of command or word, the handler is
actively engaged in thinking about control in work situations and not missing a great training opportuni-
training all the time they are with focusing on the task at hand when ty. Most working dogs really value

Trainer’s Corner
their meals. Meals are probably it. Additionally, the dish may be chance. The handler picks up the
one of the most anticipated events put away out of sight of the dog food again, tells the dog “sit,” and
of the dog’s day, unless the dog to reinforce the idea that the dish waits for the dog’s response. Most
is overweight, overfed, or just one is only available when the handler dogs understand very quickly and
of those rare working dogs that wants it to be. sit immediately on the second try.
doesn’t care about food. For these If the dog hasn’t been trained at Some really smart and dominant
dogs, handlers will have to substi- mealtime before, to be fair to the dogs may require more repetitions.
tute another activity or resource, dog, the dog should be fed several When the dog sits on the com-
or cut back on the dog’s food until times by just picking up the dish, mand, the handler says “Yes” and
the dog looses excess weight and holding it out of the dog’s reach delivers the food.
values the food once more. and saying “Yes!” and delivering If the dog is not used to having
The concept is simple. The dog the dish to the dog. It is extremely to work for food, or isn’t obedient
has been getting meals from the important that that “Yes!” precede in the face of distractions (the food
handler since it joined the han- the lowering of the food dish, or can be a major distraction), the
dler’s household and has a strong the lowering will become more dog may get stuck just looking at
expectation of getting a meal at a important than “Yes!” as a mark- the food. This may be a fixation on
particular time. The handler should er. After a few of these repetitions the food, but more likely it is the
definitely be the one to feed the to give “Yes!” the meaning of a re- dog’s way of saying, “Give me the
dog his meals except in excep- ward marker, the handler should food!” The handler cannot give it
tional times because the person pick up the dish and give a basic until the dog complies, even if the
who feeds the dog his meals is command that the dog knows, like dog’s drool is making puddles on
a person the dog will bond with. sit or down, whatever the dog is the floor. To give in is to give the
The meals are always preceded not doing at the time, in case the dog leadership of the pack.
by preparation activities that only dog is already sitting by the count- Each time the dog fails to exe-
serve to build the dog’s anticipa- er. Let’s say the dog is standing in cute the command, the handler
tion. By the time the dish is on the the kitchen and the handler says, has to make it clear the food will
counter ready to be lowered to “Sit.” The dog sits. The handler go away. The food bowl can be
dog level, the dog is probably sit- immediately says “Yes” and then put in a refrigerator if needed, out
ting by the dish, drooling. puts the food down for the dog of sight. Most dogs value and an-
In this situation, the meal is the fi- (reward marker and reward). If the ticipate their meals so much that
nal reward for the training exercise. dog doesn’t sit, the handler should they comply quickly when they re-
The reward must be delivered with say “No” and put the food back on alize that all they need to do is a
the reward marker like “Yes!” The the counter out of the dog’s reach simple obedience command.
reward marker allows precise tim- and step away from the dog and/
If the dog repeatedly fails the
ing when telling the dog what you or turn his back on the dog for a
command and seems in real emo-
just did is what I want. For exam- second or two, to make it clear
tional distress, running away, whin-
ple, when rewarding the dog for that the dog is not going to get
ing, acting submissive, etc., then
doing a sit, the reward must be the food right away. This is the no
the handler may have to re-evalu-
timed when the dog’s rear is set- reward marker and negative pun-
ate whether or not the dog really
tled on the ground. If the “Yes!” ishment. The dog really wants the
knows the command. When dogs
is spoken when the dog is in half food, the handler makes it clear
are being stubborn, they usually
crouch, the dog will learn to half that the food is not coming, and
just stare at the thing they want or
crouch. that “No” means that what the dog
make direct eye contact with the
really wants is not coming.
When training at mealtime, the handler. Avoidance and repeated
consequence for failure to perform After the “No” and “removal” submissive behavior will surface
is that the dish with the food is not of the reward, the handler starts when the dog doesn’t know what
given to the dog when he expects over, to give the dog another to do.

Trainer’s Corner
After simple, single behaviors Mealtime: The Best Time to Work for several mealtimes until you are
are used to teach the meaning of on Problems convinced that they know it and
“Yes!” and “No,” a behavior requir- they are convinced that there will
Once the basic communication
ing duration should be used so the be consequences for failing to per-
commands of “Yes!,” “No” and
“encouragement” command like form. For the confused dogs, you
“Good” are taught, mealtime be-
“Good” can be used. An example will see immediately if they know
comes one of the best training times
would be a down stay. The handler the exercise because their confu-
to work on particular problems. The
picks up the dish, says “down,” the sion will be magnified. If a dog is
dog is highly motivated to get his
dog goes down. The handler then confused, go back to the basics to
meal; the environment is usually fa-
walks around the dog or away teach the command and have the
miliar to the dog and usually some-
jackpot reward of the meal to back
from the dog with the dish, saying what quiet, depending on your up good behavior.
“down, good down” if needed to household. If there are multiple dogs
remind the dog that he should be present and they are not fed in sep- The dog doesn’t “out” the toy?
staying down, and using “good” to arate rooms or crates, this routine Try working “out” at mealtimes.
mark the desired behavior of the will not work. The dog and handler Don’t start by playing vigorously
continued down. When the han- have to be relatively undisturbed for for five minutes with the toy and
dler is happy with the duration, he communication to be direct. I have setting the dog up for failure, but
give the dog a chance by only
can put the dish down after say- multiple dogs, but I feed the dogs
presenting the toy so that the dog
ing, “Yes!” and releasing the dog. I am not training in their crates and
takes it. Another step back from
This can progress to putting the work only with one dog at a time.
having the dog take the toy would
dish down at a distance from the Breaking these exercises into their be to show the dog the toy so he
dog in a down; reminding the dog basic parts is also good practice for has the opportunity to take it, but
to down at the same time the dish the handler. At mealtime, the han- say “out” before he takes it and
is put down so that the dog does dler quickly sees the result of poor trade the “untaken toy” for a “Yes!”
not interpret the motion of putting word control and of poor timing. and food. “Out” is less about let-
down the dish as the release from ting go than it is about who pos-
Reading the dog is important to
the down. Once the dish is on the sesses and controls the toy. The
determine if the dog is just defying
ground and the dog shows prop- the handler or just doesn’t know the food vs. toy trade will also give the
er control by not releasing himself, exercise. A command that is often handler an idea of what the dog
the dog is given the “Yes!” release. a problem for patrol dog handlers values most, the food or toy. Some
If the dog gets up before the is a sit from a down at a distance. If toy-crazed dogs will go for the toy
release/reward marker in the first the handler gives the sit command over food; others won’t even look
instance where the handler is and the dog just lays there staring at the toy when food is around.
holding the dish, the handler says at the handler with upright ears Mealtime is a time when most
“No,” puts the dish back on the and a steady gaze, then the dog is dogs will show you their true un-
counter, and turns his back for a probably refusing to do the com- derstanding of an exercise or
second or two. Then the exercise mand and trying to see what the command because they are highly
is repeated until the dog gets it handler will do next. If the dog looks motivated by the anticipation and
right. The handler must be careful away, squirms, lowers his ears and reward of a meal. It is also a time
not to distance himself from the looks confused or anxious, then when the handler can reinforce
dish on the ground until the dog the dog probably doesn’t know the the position of pack leader and
is very good at the down stay. If command in that context. To see easily provide consequences for
the dog releases himself and gets what the dog knows, test the dog non-compliance. Taking the few
to the food before the handler can at mealtime. For the disobedient minutes needed to teach and re-
pick it up, the dog wins and learns dogs, you will be calling their bluff, inforce commands at mealtime will
he can get away with misbehavior. and you can repeat the exercise pay great dividends later on.

Trainer’s Corner
YOUR DOG MAY BE LYING TO YOU
D
on’t believe me? Under- Although all agencies select dogs
standing what your dog is with suitable and similar traits they
thinking is probably one of are not clones. I have observed
the more difficult if not the most basic training programs from many
difficult aspect of training any dog. agencies and it is common to ob-
It lies with the ability of the handler serve all of the dogs in the class
and or trainer to read and under- lined up for an exercise, be it agility
stand what your dog is thinking or obedience drill or criminal ap-
rather than what he is doing. And prehension, all teams getting the
what he is doing is not always what same exercise. I believe that this
he is thinking about. What a dog Don Sterling procedure can create more prob-
is doing at any particular moment lems than it can cure. Dogs that
or how he reacts to any particular require improvement in apprehen-
stop at street corners, which she
command, correction, praise or sion work should be worked more
did. I praised her for doing so even
reward will be obvious because often in that task than those dogs
though she was looking to her right
you can see it with your own eyes. that are already proficient in that
at the cat across the street. My
What is far more difficult to under- area. Working all of the dogs in a
boss, standing right behind me,
stand is what your dog is thinking class equally is guaranteed to in-
asked me this question, “do you
about and not what he is doing. crease aggression in dogs that
realize what you praised her for?”
The “why” he is doing what he is do not require additional motiva-
I said I knew she was looking at
doing is far important than the tion and could make control work
the cat but she did stop at the cor-
“what” he is doing. A dog may very more difficult by building aggres-
ner, to which he replied, “you have
well respond to almost any com- sion where it is not needed. Per-
praised her for looking at the cat”.
mand because he wishes to avoid haps it would be better to work an
Kind of subtle, but not when one
correction but he could very well aggressive dog in obedience while
thinks about it.
be frightened, or even angry, mov- another dog is doing criminal ap-
ing him to an aggressive response For practical reasons most agen- prehension to strengthen his con-
to your correction. If you wish to cies have a “training program” trol rather than increase his already
get the best a dog has to offer it which is necessary so as to set aggressive tendency.
is important to know what is going up a reasonable timetable for their
I recognize that having to sepa-
on inside his head. When I worked program. However, this should
rate the advancement of the train-
training guide dogs in 1962, (yup, be formulated in such a manner
ing of individual dogs can create
I’m really that old) I was fortunate to so as to allow for the variations
additional work for an instructor
have an extremely knowledgeable in the personality of the individual
during the initial training program
boss who taught me a very good dogs within the program. Just as
but such difficulty will be com-
lesson about understanding about we have advanced instruction for
pensated for as the dogs proceed
how a dog thinks. I was working gifted children and remedial class-
throughout their career by ad-
a dog several weeks into the pro- es for those students who may re-
dressing and possibly preventing
gram. She had all the fundamen- quire extra help, the same philoso-
potential problems right from the
tals and understood she was to phy should be applied to our dogs.
start. This applies to all phases of
Understanding what your dog is thinking is probably one of

the more difficult if not the most difficult aspect of training any dog.

Trainer’s Corner
training, recognizing that every dog periences. Again, consequently, handler who reported that his dog
is somewhat different and training every dog should be evaluated seemed to track quite well but
should be geared to the individual according to his mental attitude, he rarely actually located anyone.
and all dogs should not be lumped which will manifest itself in his be- Upon looking into the work of the
into the same training routine behavior, which can be observed but dog and his handler I came to un-
cause dogs, just like people, think attention must be paid to what is derstand the problem. Somewhere
differently from one another. motivating him to behave the way during the officer’s career he had
Many problems that arise during he does. On a personal level hav- become frustrated when his dog
a dog’s career can be traced back ing worked three dogs during my would fail to pick up a scent trail so
to their original training program. career in canine I found that when- he would “hard nose” the dog into
As with any project, the end result ever one of my dogs had a physical tracking. The dog, becoming intim-
is based upon the fundamentals confrontation with a suspect their idated by the handler’s aggressive
of concept. One will never achieve behavior changed just as mine, attitude toward him and realizing
a square roof if they begin with a or yours would, and I had to ad- he would be praised if he simply
crooked foundation. Consequently just my handling and training of my appeared to be tracking by keep-
evaluating the personality, which dogs according to their metal atti- ing his nose to the ground would
includes intelligence and attitude tude. put his nose down whether there
of every dog within a basic train- Now there is a difference be- was a scent trail present or not
ing program, should be the first tween “looking” and “focusing” and immediately receive praise.
concern of the trainer, and further- and one cannot fault a dog, (or a The dog quickly learned that to
more the behavior of the dog as husband for looking). My wife and avoid the negative reaction of the
he proceeds throughout his career I were at the beach and there was handler he would continue to pull
because every dog’s behavior as an attractive young lady in a bikini in the harness until the handler fi-
he proceeds throughout his ca- ahead of us. My wife didn’t mind nally stopped him, usually after a
reer will vary based upon his ex- my looking, but I was only allowed rather long walk. I believe this is
periences while performing routine five seconds. That is the difference an obvious example of a dog us-
tasks. Should a dog be assigned between looking and focusing. The ing his intelligence to “get ahead
to an active area within his agen- guide dog I was working with was of the handler” to protect him for
cy he may become more proficient capable of doing what she had fear of correction, be it physical, or
but this could also create a more been trained to do to avoid correc- in this case, psychological, either
aggressive behavior pattern in the tion but her mind was not on her one being potentially as damaging
dog’s mind. However a similar dog job because she was focusing, on to the dog’s performance as the
in the same agency that happens the cat. Allowing such a behavior other. Thus, it is, once again, more
to be assigned to a less active sec- to go unchecked would eventual- important to know what your dog
tor may very well develop a far dif- ly allow the dog to lose her focus is thinking than what he is actually
ferent attitude. Consequently these on her job. Consequently it is more doing. Study your dog’s reactions,
two similar dogs, both receiving important to know and understand responses and behavior. Under-
similar basic training may very well what your dog is thinking more so stand what your dog is thinking
begin to diverge in their behavior, than what it may be doing because and train him according to what his
thus their in service training should dogs can lie. And dogs are smart, brain is telling him and not what his
be altered to compensate for their sometimes smarter than their han- body may be showing you. Watch
individual adjustment to their ex- dler. For example, I worked with a your dog. Every dog is different
For example, I worked with a handler who reported that his dog
seemed to track quite well but he rarely actually located anyone.

Trainer’s Corner
Penn Vet Working Dog Center Police Canine Trainer’s Program
Ongoing Opportunity
 The following police training opportunity is free for law enforcement agencies and police canine
handlers or canine trainers to serve as an assistant trainer during a full police canine training
course of instruction in either or both basic patrol or basic scent detector courses instructed by
certified police canine trainers. These courses meet standards described by the United States
Police Canine Association (USPCA) in the duration and achievement skills required of police
canine teams.
 Law enforcement agencies would be required to assign or detail their candidates for the full
length of the assistant trainer’s program they attend.
Cost
 There is no charge for the program to law enforcement agencies.
Objective
 Benefits to the Agency:

1. To provide education, training and research to agencies with canine units.
2. To support police canine trainers and handlers to attain hands on experience in training
police canine teams.
3. To provide an opportunity so that police canine handlers or trainers can achieve the
experience necessary to obtain nationally recognized police dog trainer’s requirements and
to provide a path for agencies to implement an internal agency police canine training or in-
service program.
 Benefits to the Penn Vet Working Dog Center:

1. To provide skilled staffing to our police canine training team.
2. To improve the class attendees training and proficiency.
3. To support law enforcement.
Course Offerings (2018)
 March 26 through May 18

Police Canine Trainer Basic Detector Course; 320 hours
 September 24 through December 7*

Police Canine Trainer Basic Patrol Course; 400 hours.
* No training on Thursday November 22 or Friday November 23

Trainer’s Corner
Class size
 Class size (number of canine teams) may be adjusted appropriately to maximize individual
instruction and the learning experience to the assistant trainer’s program attendees. The
trainer to program attendee ratio is at the discretion of the Law Enforcement Training
Coordinator.
Agency Requirements:
 60 to 30 days prior to the start of a police canine training class - provide a letter of interest to
assign an officer to the assistant trainer’s program.
 30 to 15 days prior to the start of police canine training class – provide the Law Enforcement
Training Coordinator a candidate’s resume, schedule an interview between the candidate and
the coordinator (in-person, phone, skype…). Confirmation and acceptance into program
communicated to agency.
 Sign contract agreement between the Penn Vet Working Dog Center and agency. Contract can
be made available to the agency at any time for review.
Police Canine Trainer’s Program Candidates Requirements:
 Handled a police dog in detector, patrol or both

 Successfully completed a basic police dog training program in either detector, patrol or both.
 Currently or in the future, be assigned or responsible for training police dogs for the law
enforcement agency
 Must be able to complete the full program
Penn Vet Working Dog Center is not responsible for transportation, lodging or other costs during the training
program for the officers assigned by their agencies to attend. A list of local lodging will be made available if
requested. Interested agencies or officers may request additional information by contacting the Law Enforcement
Training Coordinator.
Robert Dougherty Jr., (610) 316- 3942 / rodou@upenn.edu.

Trainer’s Corner
even though they may behave in to check to see where the handler finding the proper route to resolving
a similar manner, one because he was so he could position himself the problem. Now I do not suggest
wishes to avoid correction, another away from him. Smart dog. Now that this would work on all dogs or
because he likes the task, and yet one might think that additional cor- even many dogs, but it might work
another not for the love of the task, rection might get better results but on some and offers an alternative if
but rather for the love of the rein this case that had been tried over other methods have failed.
ward. Three dogs, each with their and over again and only seemed to “Dogs never forget” is a favorite
own reason to work, or for that make matters worse because the expression of mine, and they learn
matter, not to work. The job is to dog was way ahead of the han- from every experience, negative or
figure out what is going on in the dler and knew that once the han- positive. The key is in understand-
mind of the dog and not through dler got a hold of him corrections ing what the dog is learning from
the action of his body. were going to follow and the dog every contact one has with their
I often use the term, “is his heart choose to try and avoid the pun- dog. If my dog had a particularly
in the right place”. If it is the dog ishment by consistently attempting aggressive apprehension on the
to stay away from the handler. Af- road he would be more aggres-
is willing to do what he has been
ter dealing with the dog for a while sive in his demeanor the follow-
trained to do and he will do so with
I realized the handler began each
far less need for supervision, ei-
call off with the command “no,
ther negative or positive because
bad dog”, because he
“he wants to do the job”. Con- assumed the dog
sequently the very first thing any would not release.
handler should do is to determine I asked him to
the personality of the dog. This can change his ini-
and should be done at the very be- tial command to
ginning of any basic training course the dog’s name,
and should be a guide in everything back away from
that follows. Some dogs are hyper- the dog and sim-
active, some not so much. Some ply ask the dog to
dogs can have an aggressive na- “heel”. It worked.
ture but can be handler sensitive. The dog was actu-
Some dogs learn quickly, some ally afraid to come
more slowly. A refusal to obey a off for fear of correc-
command or perform a task could tion. So understand-
be because the dog simply does ing what a dog
not understand or it could be he may be think-
understands perfectly well but re- ing is the
quires “a little more convincing”. To key to
confuse the two would be an injus-
tice to the first one and a mistake
with the second.
Dogs are far smarter than some
handlers may realize and they can
use their intelligence to outsmart
the handler. I was taking a hit from
a highly motivated dog. When the
handler called him off I could see
the dog’s eyes roll back in his head

Trainer’s Corner
ing night so I had to deal with that intelligent animal goes through life to repeat the same problem over
“change of behavior” based upon without thinking. Is your dog bored and over again if the cause of the
what the dog was thinking about due to lack of activity, is he aggres- problem is not identified and cor-
at that time. He may have been the sive because of a recent apprehen- rected. Training increases knowl-
same dog after his apprehension as sion, has he had too many unsuc- edge but only if that training moves
he was prior to it, but his thoughts cessful searches? All these factors the dog along the path of greater
had changed just as yours would if will affect how your dog thinks and learning and not along the path of
you had a difficult arrest the night consequently how he performs. repeated misbehavior. He will only
before. Every day, every tour, every Unfortunately some of the changes get wiser and wiser (to fool you) if
experience, effects the way both in a dog are subtle so one must be you allow him to repeat the same
you and your dog think. Even a alert to the daily behavior of their mistake over and over again.
lack of activity can and will change dog and take appropriate action I will end this article with an ex-
both the dog’s behavior as well as to keep the dog balanced and fo- ample of a lying dog. I had worked
yours. Have too many unsuccess- cused on his job. I believe that if a successfully with a dedicated and
ful tracks, search too many emp- dog does not demonstrate a pos- competent handler and a motivat-
ty buildings, let a day, a week, a itive attitude towards his work the ed dog on hard surface tracking.
month, go by without anything se- key is to look at the dog in front of Both had progressed extremely
rious happening, and both you and you, question why he is not work- well but, for whatever the reason,
the dog could very well slip into a ing properly and seek to find an which only the dog knew, there
bad habit of not expecting trouble. answer in the dog’s thinking not came a time when he began to
Remember the closing statement just in his actions because it is how show signs of having difficulty at a
of all my articles, “routine kills”. a dog thinks that produces how a level well below previously demon-
As police officers it is important dog will act, how he will do his job. strated ability. Having exhausted all
that we read and understand what All too often a handler may seek of my knowledge on how to bring
the people we are dealing with are an easy answer based upon the the dog back to his prior perfor-
thinking and we should try to un- dog’s behavior rather than upon mance level I reluctantly decided to
derstand what our dogs are think- his intelligence. I have learned to put an e- collar on him and he im-
ing as well. Understand, dogs can look for the answer beyond behav- mediately stopped lying to us. The
lie just like people and dogs, just ior because behavior is dictated e-collar did not teach him to track,
like people, are always thinking. No by thought. My dog is trained to it taught him not to lie.
track, but he doesn’t. The question
should be, “why”. The answer may Much of what I have learned
lie with the dog’s experience but it about dogs has come from ex-
may also lie with his attitude, and perience, learning from others,
attitude is a direct result of his but more than anything else, from
thought process. Find the rea- watching and learning from my
son the dog doesn’t perform dogs. Watch your dog and you will
and you can solve the prob- learn far more than you may learn
lem. Repetition will from reading this article. I would
only allow the like to leave the reader with the fol-
d o g lowing thought, “learn more than
you were taught as it is the only
way forward”.
Someone out there may be try-
ing to kill you and tonight may be
the night so trust your dog, look
out for the bad guys and always
remember, routine kills.

Advertiser Index
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Blileys...........................................................................19 PackTrack....................................................................30
Boston Leather............................................................36 Police K-9 Magazine........................................... 28, 29
Capps Shoe Company...............................................45 Police Service Dogs Training Center........ back cover
Direct Animal Products............................................61 Purina.......................................................26, 27, 38, 39
Dowdy’s Well & Septic...............................................21 Richmond Machinery...............................................19
East Coast Police Dog..................................................7 Shallow Creek K9.......................................................61
Elite K-9, Inc..............................................................2,3 Stratford Hall Plantation...........................................20
Elite K-9, Inc...............................................................62 Supply Room Companies.........................................21
Elliott’s Military Surplus............................................20 True Canine International..........................................8
Guirkin Plumbing & Heating...................................20 Vom Galeid Haus.......................................................63
Hillview Kennels........................................................21 White’s Narcotic...........................................................9
HITS K9..................................................... Inside Front Working Dog Magazine............................................65
Jones Trailer Co..........................................................17

2018 Calendar of Events
August 14-17, 2018 September 18, 19, 20, 2018
HITS 2018 8th Annual K9 Cop Magazine
Washington, DC Police & Military Working Dog Conference
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center Nashville, TN
www.HITSK9.net www.k9copmagazine.com
March 6, 7, 8, 2018 July 15-18, 2018

4th Annual Police K-9 Conference & Vendor Show 2018 Working Dog Conference
Las Vegas, NV St. Louis, MO
www.policek9magazine.com www.workingdogmagazine.com
Check our website for current and/or updated info on events: www.uspcak9.com
VISIT US
ON THE
WEB
UPSCAK9.COM
STAY UP-TO-DATE
CERTIFICATION • FORUM • MEDIA • STORE

END of
WATCH
K9 Chris K9 Mojo K9 Endy
Yancey County Sheriff’s Office.NC DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Cache County Sheriff’s Office, Utah K9 Will
End of Watch: End of Watch: End of Watch: New York State Police, New York
Wednesday, July 12, 2017 Thursday, July 6, 2017 Monday, July 3, 2017 End of Watch:
K9 Chris was shot and killed inside the K9 Mojo died after unintentionally K9 Endy died after suffering heat Monday, October 23, 2017
kennel at his handler’s home in the being left in his handler’s patrol car exhaustion when he was unintention- K9 Will was accidentally shot & killed
Bald Mountain area of Yancey County. following their shift. ally left in his handler’s patrol truck by his handler while defending himself
following their shift. against an attack by a Pitbull while
assisting with a search warrant in the
town of Greig.
K9 Cain K9 Dingo
Crossville Police Depart, Tennessee Unified Police Department of Greater K9 Argo
End of Watch: Salt Lake, Utah Normandy Police Dept, Missouri
Wednesday, August 2, 2017 End of Watch: Thursday, July 6, 2017 End of Watch:
K9 Jax
K9 Cain was stabbed to death during K9 Dingo was shot and killed while Sunnyvale Dept of Public Safety, CA
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
the apprehension of a subject who had attempting an apprehension of a End of Watch:
K9 Argo succumbed to injuries
stolen a tractor trailer shortly after 4 am. wanted fugitive near the intersection Tuesday, October 31, 2017
sustained two days earlier when he
of 3300 South and 1100 East. K9 Jax was stabbed to death while
fell from the fourth level of a parking
attempting an apprehension at an
garage.
apartment complex.
K9 Gunner
Southaven Police Department, Mississippi
End of Watch: Tuesday, August 15, 2017 • K9 Gunner died as the result of heat exhaustion when he was left in
his handler’s department vehicle following an undercover operation.

2018
July 15-18, 2018 | Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark

workingdogmagazine.com

Canine Business & Editorial Offices
Courier 410 Norfolk Rd.
Flourtown, PA 19031

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OCT • NOV • DEC 2017

USPCA National PDI Field Trials and Certification

More Insturctors & Classes

THE UNITED STATES POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

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United States currency. The suspected CDS

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End of Watch K9 Rocky

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Region 7 - Valor Award the large loft. I noticed Timos-

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through two yards and came to a fence.

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K-9 Am K-9 Jax K-9 Drago K-9 Enzo

USPCA Region w16

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Chief David Wilson,

TED HIRSCH MEMORIAL AWARD: Host

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WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A SNAKEBITE

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For more information, visit policek9magazine.com or call (270) 534-0500

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BILL ROBINSON MEMORIAL

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K-9 BSD-3 Device w/ Barrel

K-9 BSD-3 Stackable Kit

Ultra low odor package by design which allows a wide

Top Region Teams

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TOP REGION TEAM:

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GET THE BEST EQUIPMENT

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Department: St. Paul Police Dept., MN • Total Points 2739.50

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