K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting and advocating for law enforcement canines, hosted a four-day training seminar for K9 officers and their partners last month at the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.
The seminar was designed to equip participants with the highest level of customized training, problem-solving techniques and animal care practices essential for protecting and serving communities.
SCSO Sgt. Luke Osborn helped organize the training and participated with his K9 officer, Udo.
“The training definitely expanded on the knowledge that we already have. It gives us great foundational training and just allows us to see what other techniques and best practices are being implemented and used across the country,” Osborn said. “It focuses primarily on making sure the handlers and the dogs are equipped to face the challenges that we’ll face in the field with safety in mind and doing the job that we need to do in a safe way that’s going to be most ideal for a best outcome.”
Osborn and Udo, who was the first SCSO K9 officer, were one of nearly 60 dog teams from across New Mexico – including Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, Gallup, Las Cruces, Los Alamos, Roswell and Santa Fe – along with teams from California, Colorado and Texas, joined together at the sheriff’s office to participate in the training.
“Dedicated K9s consistently go the extra mile while courageously safeguarding their handlers, fellow officers and their community,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “Our expert trainers provide real-world scenarios to equip attendees with the skills they need to face field emergencies.”
The first day of the seminar was about educating officers on canine physiology and anatomy, preventive first aid topics, such as heat stroke and bloat, along with point of injury medical care. The training also featured a 70-pound canine manikin, a jointed model that barks, bleeds and breathes like a real injured working dog for attendees to practice administering first-aid. All attending handlers received a complimentary wearable first aid kit with donated medical supplies.
The remaining three days of the seminar incorporated real-world exercises that included human detection along with criminal apprehension techniques and scenario-based training.
“The building search techniques were fantastic, ensuring that we utilize proper cover whenever we are searching a building or whatever the case might be,” Osborn said. “I think the big thing that I took away is the tracking techniques that we learned.”
Osborn also highlighted the importance of tracking techniques taught in the seminar, especially in Sandoval County’s expansive, open areas.
“That’s our bread and butter,” Osborn said.
K9s United advocates for the welfare of working police dogs, “demonstrating its commitment through tangible legislative achievements.”
“K9 units are one of the most expensive law enforcement departments in an agency, and unfortunately, many do not have adequate funding to provide the necessary resources they require, including advanced training and equipment,” Johnson said. “We help fill that void and aid law enforcement agencies to ensure all K9 units have the essential training and equipment K9 officers and their partners need.”K9s United is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that relies on donations to support and advocate for police dogs. For more information about K9s United, to donate or join the K9 Corps, visit k9sunited.org.