Intense and frequent training keeps Michigan’s K-9 officers ready to respond

GAYLORD — K-9 teams from police units across Northern Michigan come together every week for training. We got an inside look at how this training keeps canine officers and their human partners ready for action.

“The K-9 teams themselves, they go through 14 weeks of intensive training where the dog and the K-9 handler actually bond,” said Lt. Derrick Carroll, Michigan State Police. “To become a K-9 team member, they have a very stringent application process. They also have to complete a cross-country run through mud, swamp, and trees. And you have to finish in the top percentage just to get an interview.”

All that training means handlers are in peak physical shape to take on any emergency with their K-9 partner… Read More….