Deputy Ian Carver and K9 Stazzo

On October 22 five members of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Canine Detail competed in the Folsom Police Department’s Canine Trial. Steve LeCouve with K9 Dantes, Mark Limbird with K9 Kaleo, Steve Murphy with K9 Myke, Ian Carver with K9 Stazzo, and Todd Henry with K9 Sammy were the teams present. There were 23 canine teams, from all over the Central Valley and Bay Area, that competed.

The trial was a standard Western States Police Canine Association based competition. The first portion was a search phase. Each trial is unique and has a different type of search to test the K9’s abilities. During this segment there are 4 cars parked on an open field. A “suspect” is hidden in one of the vehicles. The K9 must locate and find the correct vehicle and then alert to indicate the “find”. K9’s lose points for leaving the search area, lack of interest, poor alert, and length of time.

The second stage of the trial is agility and obedience. During the agility phase the K9 must demonstrate an ability to overcome a series of obstacles. These can include a 4’ bar jump, 6’ wall jump, catwalk, teeter-totter, tunnel, and barrel jump. The K9 must complete the obstacles off-line without a leash and remain in control of the handler.

Following the agility stage is obedience. K9’s and handlers must go through a series of commands while off-line. The proctor will call out turns, downs, stays and sits. The K9 is required to stay at a proper heel with the handler through the course. There is also a portion of hand commands where the K9 is required to respond with no verbal enforcement.

The last portion of the trial is always a crowd favorite and the hardest as a handler. This portion is called the protection phase. It usually includes 3-4 scenarios where the K9 is either required to bite a suspect or call-off of a suspect. The scenarios are usually very intense and demand a lot of control from the K9. The K9 must call-off a suspect running away and verbally release once on the bite. The K9’s courage is also tested.

Everyone had fun and four of our SSD K9 teams came home with trophies. Steve Murphy and Myke received first place novice. Todd Henry and Sammy received third place novice. Steve LeCouve and Dantes fourth in agility. Mark Limbird and Kaleo received fifth place search.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the SSD K9 Unit.