Police K9s to compete in South Lake Tahoe

The South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association will be hosting the 8th annual K9 Trials at Lakeview Commons on Oct. 3.

As a sanctioned Western States Police Canine Association event, it is expected to draw 45-50 canine teams throughout California.

The competition will begin at 9am on that Saturday with the Field Search phase, which tests the ability of the canine team to locate hidden suspects.

The Obedience and Agility phases are combined. They test dogs’ abilities to navigate several obstacles and respond to the handlers commands of right turn, left turn, about turn, turn into your dog, fast/slow and heel.

The final Protection phase will begin at approximately 1pm. It judges the canines on their courage, drive, control and how well they bite. Handlers are sequestered and do not know the scenario until they walk onto the field.