This page is intended to explain the world of Police K-9 working dogs. Whether you are an officer interested in becoming involved with K-9’s or an administrator forming a K-9 team, you’ve came to the right spot. 

Dual purpose - A dog that is trained to detect illegal drug odor and trained in patrol work.

Patrol Work - Tracking, Building searches, Area searches, Handler protection, Suspect apprehension.  

The dog's goal is not to bite to cause injury; it is to grab and hold on to the suspect at all costs, which can cause injury to the suspect in the process. Handlers, if possible, give the suspect a verbal warning that the dog will be set loose if they do not immediately surrender, and this is often sufficient deterrent that the dog is not needed.

Trained police dogs are NOT “Attack dogs,” Police K-9’s Apprehend suspects.

Bark and hold - A dog that is trained to sit and bark when engaging a suspect. The dog will bite when provoked or threatened. This is the training method primarily used at the kennel.

Bite and hold - A dog that is trained to bite and hold a suspect once located. The dog will remain on the bite until called off by handler. 

Reasonable force - The canine will demonstrate reasonable force during a 

passive or submissive encounter.  The person will not respond to an order 

to surrender and the canine will be commanded to apprehend. The canine must detain the person without engagement.  The handler will recall the canine once compliance has been obtained.

Decoy - A person who assists the handler in training the dog.  Decoys take bites from the dog and make necessary corrections. Decoys lay tracks and hide for building and area searches. 

Exposed bite sleeve - A hardened burlap sleeve worn on the outside of clothing that protects the decoy from the bites. 

Hidden bite sleeve - A sleeve that is worn under clothing that protest the decoy from bites. Using hidden sleeves avoid equipment affixation.

Body bite suit - A full body padded suite that allows the decoy to be bitten anywhere on the body. A body bite suit is helpful for training leg and back bites. 

Muzzle work - The dog is fitted with a muzzle and allowed to fight with his body. The dog builds drive and confidence without using his mouth. 

Bail out -  Equipment is available for squad cars that allow the dog to be remotely deployed from the vehicle. By “bailing” the dog, the dog is able to protect the handler from physical attack. 

Aggressive alert - Dogs are trained to locate drug odor and bite, bark or scratch at the source of the odor. This is the training method used at the kennel.

Passive alert  - Dogs are trained to locate drug odor and sit in the area of drugs. 

Article search - The dog is trained to locate “articles” that are discarded on the ground. This is also know as an evidence search. The dog searches with it’s nose, for items on the ground that have recently been contaminated with human scent. The dog is trained to lay down next to the item and face the handler.