By CODE 4 K9 | SWAT/K9 Integration & Advanced Police K9 Training

In this video, you will see Spokane PD K9 do a track on a hit-and-run suspect, who pointed a gun at bystanders. The track is done on long-line, which is typical for this type of search technique. The K9 handler deploys with several SWAT officers to search for the armed suspect.

Initially, you can see the dog working a strong track, but seems to lose it. This is when the handler begins a more methodical search, hoping to reacquire the track. I lost count of how many times the handler verbally corrected his dog, telling him to “leave it.”

Because the dog is not on a track, he becomes distracted by other dogs and objects. All I can say is the struggle is real. Some PSDs are distracted by other dogs during a search, and others are not. This can be addressed through exposure training with high-value rewards in the presence of other dogs.

The issue of dogs being distracted by objects is common, but it can be trained out of your dog. When dogs are searching for a suspect, they are in prey drive. When a dog is in prey drive, they feel a need to fulfill that drive. The only way to completely fulfill prey drive is for them to put something in their mouths. That’s why the dog was relentless about picking up objects.

As the handler continues his search, the dog presents an odor response. The dog's breathing pattern changes, and so does its body movement/posture. You can see the dog’s nose point up (head shot), a classic sign that he is in the scent cone. The handler lets the dog work the odor to source, and the suspect is apprehended by K9. The only issue I have is that the handler says, “Anyone in this area, make yourself known.” You can tell this video was edited so maybe K9 warnings were given. Saying “Make yourself known” without telling them of the consequences for non-compliance does not meet the requirement for K9 warnings. Overall, this K9 team did a great job locating the suspect. Stay safe.