New Sacramento Police Dogs Ready To Hit Streets With Partners

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento has two brand new police dogs on duty, with a mission to keep officers and the public safe in some of the most dangerous situations.

They're not your typical recruits, but like any other rookies, the soon-to-be K-9 police officers still have a lot to learn.

CBS13 met up with the Sacramento Police Department's newest K-9s, Jet and Ace in August just weeks after they met their handlers.

"It's like bringing a new baby home," said Sgt Josh Dobson. "You don't know what you're gonna get."

Dobson and officer Aaron Thompson, along with trainers, select their new partners from a breeder. They look for green dogs with no training, but certain instincts and a connection with the officers.

"A year and a half is the optimal time to pick up a police dog to two and a half,. right in that so you can get the most work time out of them, but it's not too traumatic or too much for the dog to handle at a young age," Thompson said.

Dobson is Thompson's boss, but he's also the new guy in the K-9 unit, looking to veterans like Thompson for tricks of the K-9 trade.

"I've owned dogs my whole life. I've never owned a working dog," he said. "There are some challenges. There are often some rewards, but it takes time."

Jet is Thompson's third dog.

FACEBOOK: Sacramento Police Canine Association

For three months, these officers are off the streets and just training their dogs. The K-9s have to
pass a final test, but the real test on patrol. If the dogs can't cut it in the real world, they'll have to be rehomed. That's what happened to Thompson's second dog.

So far, though, Jet looks good.

"I'm just hoping that he does what he's trained to do and can take that step from training to actual police work," Thompson said .

In their first couple of weeks on the job, Jet and Ace didn't have to apprehend any bad guys, but they still got the job done.

"We've had several what we call surrenders, where the suspect has encountered the dog and seen the dog and given up," Dobson said.

He's been on the force for 16 years, but Dobson says Ace makes him feel brand new again, and inspires a different approach.

ONLINE: Sacramento Police Canine Association

"The days of me just jumping out of the car and just chasing people and taking a report or just turning my car off are all different now," he said.

They learn from every call, whether it's dealing with neighborhood dog distractions, or getting the scene of real suspects.

A K-9 and his handler grow their partnership and their bond.

"I've got a furry partner that's gonna take care of me, but i've also got to take care of him, so it's a new world," Dobson said. "But it's an exciting new world."

The dogs cost about $10,000, but Ace was paid for by a local donor. The officers own the dogs after they retire around age 10. A nonprofit canine association then helps with the dogs' medical care.