Canine officers sink their teeth into police training

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Chris Smith's partnership in the Boone County Sheriff's Department is not like most. He and his partner work together, ride together and eat together. But when the workday is over, they head to the same house and Smith takes his partner for a walk.

Smith and Utz, a 4-year-old German shepherd, were just one of the more than 30 canine units that took part in the recent Missouri Police Canine Association's annual seminar.

"This is just kind of a get-together for all of us to do some training and share some ideas," said Smith, one of the event's organizers.

The seminar was held in Columbia for the first time in five years last month at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Law enforcement officers and their dogs worked on skills such as tracking, bomb detection and building searches.

Canine units from across Missouri -- including Independence, Cape Girardeau and Dexter -- attended the MPCA seminar. One evening, the dogs showcased their skills for the public.

In one exercise, a group of about eight people mingled. A trainer acting as a criminal ran through the crowd, and an officer sent his dog after the suspect. It's up to the dog to stay focused.

"He doesn't bother any of these people," said Mike Ervin, one of the nine trainers at the event. "He busts on through and apprehends the bad guy."

Ervin stressed that the seminar is not for would-be police dogs just off the street; it is a refresher course for canines already in the line of duty.

Ervin said the right dog has the proper drive and discipline.

For Smith, the relationship he has with Utz goes beyond those qualities.

"It's hard to describe the bond that the handlers get with the dogs," Smith said. "We're taking our best friend to work every day, and sometimes we're having to put them in harm's way to potentially save us or to save somebody else. It's tough for us, but that's what we have them for."

Generally, police dogs live with their handlers, though the dogs are the property of police departments. When a dog retires, usually at around 9 years old, ownership is transferred to the handler.

Although Utz has been serving with Smith for three years, the dog has experienced little resistance from those unfortunate enough to cross paths with him during the workday.

"Nobody's ever tried to fight him," Smith said. "When the dog finds them, most people give up, and the dog never makes contact."

But once Utz is home, he's able to leave the trials and tribulations of the day behind and play with Smith's wife and the couple's other dogs.

"Just like a regular family dog," Smith said.