Some of Canada’s top dogs were in Edmonton this weekend competing to determine which police agency has the best canine unit- and it turns out it’s Edmonton.
The Canadian Police Canine Association (CPCA) awarded the Top Dog honour to “Finn” and his handler Cst. Nick Leachman.
The Edmonton Police Service’s Canine Unit hosted the National Championship Canine Trials this weekend, welcoming 42 canine teams from 14 agencies across Canada.
WATCH BELOW: Cst. Bryan Langevin, police service dog Fallon and Sgt. Adam Segin discuss the 2017 National Championship Canine Trial.
On Friday and Saturday, the teams competed in tracking, searching buildings and compounds, searching for evidence as well as detecting drugs and explosives.
“They basically have simulated scenarios where they have bad guys hiding in places. Then you have to search the compound or the building and try to find them,” EPS Canine Unit Const. Murray Burke said.
“The guys are working hard and they’re figuring things out and they’re getting some curveballs thrown at them.”
READ MORE: Edmonton police canine unit top dogs in Canada
On Sunday, Edmontonians had a chance to watch the canine teams participate in criminal takedowns and displays of obedience.
While competition was an aspect of the national championship, so was the opportunity to learn and improve.
“It brings together handlers from other services and it just allows us to share philosophies, learn from each other and train together in a friendly competition option,” Burke said.
Five Edmonton police teams participated in the event.
The EPS Canine Unit hosted the championship while marking its 50 anniversary.
Comments