MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 2021110-044
Wednesday November 10, 2021
SMPD Therapy K9 Rookie Completes Training in Ohio
San Mateo, CA- In June 2021, the San Mateo Police Department announced its intention to join approximately 300 law enforcement agencies across the nation and add therapy canines to the department. Law enforcement agencies use therapy canines to comfort and to help officers and individuals who have experienced trauma and to assist in community outreach. In July 2021, the department selected its first therapy canine handler, Officer Adle. Shortly after selecting a handler, a generous donation from the Police Activities League allowed SMPD to acquire an 8-week-old Goldendoodle, who was later named Rookie, after an online naming contest.
Last week, therapy K-9 Rookie and his handler, Officer Adle attended the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office weeklong training program in Columbus, OH. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office therapy dog program started in 2017 and focuses on training canines and law enforcement personnel to provide victims with an outlet from the mental, physical, and psychological effects of experienced trauma. In this class, there were 13 handlers from 9 different states and Canada. Rookie was the second youngest dog in his class, and he is the second youngest dog to attend the Franklin County Sheriff Office Law Enforcement Therapy K9 Training course.
This intensive program in Ohio teaches handlers first aid skills and provides distraction training for both the dogs and the handlers (maintaining focus and staying on task in chaotic and dynamic environments). The group worked on socialization skills by going to various department stores, restaurants, and other places at a local mall. To learn how to maintain command while being distracted, the canines had to remain in place while various distractions and treats (peanut butter, popcorn, dog treats, squeaky dog toys) were placed in front of them. At a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the pairs worked on other distractions such as other animals, smells, and sights. Additionally, the group trained for law enforcement specific distractions like maintaining and holding commanding when emergency vehicles operate their lights and sirens, helicopters and drones taking off, and helicopters hovering and landing approximately 30 yards from the canines.
It is an extensive process before a canine and handler are ready for service. Prior to training in Ohio, Rookie received obedience training and attended a month-long board and train school. While in Ohio, Rookie passed his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen and American Kennel Club Urban Canine Good Citizen certifications. He also passed the Alliance of Therapy Dog test, but he is not old enough for certification because a dog must be a year old to receive certification. Even with the certifications earned, additional training must be completed. Over the next month, Rookie will continue to train with Officer Adle, and the San Mateo Police Department hopes to have this wonderful duo in service by the end of the year.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Office of the Chief
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
###
