Douglas County, MO. – After the passing of a couple of K9 dogs this summer from multiple counties throughout Missouri, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office came in to talk about how they work their dogs and keep them cool during the summer months. Over the summer, K9 Horus in Savannah, MO died after being left in a car after an overnight shift. Then K9 Vader died after the air conditioning and alarm system in his handler’s vehicle failed.
Deputy Aaron Box is a K9 handler with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department and has been there for two years. Box handles K9 York, who specializes more in sniffing out drugs.
Corporal James Nelson has been a K9 handler with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department since 2020. He handles K9 Zeus, who specializes in biting. He apprehends the subjects he is told to get.
While here, the handlers were asked about the systems they use to make sure their dogs are not overheated. Their vehicle is set to 91 degrees. When the temperature in the car hits this degree the alarms will go over and all the windows and doors will open giving the K9 a chance to escape from the heated vehicle. Listen below:
They also went on to explain that they have to pay attention at all points of the day when their dogs are working on the job. They can’t overheat their partners during the summer. They have to take breaks to cool off and get water. They must always be vigilant to the dog’s needs in the heat. Listen below:
Here is where some people are curious, the training. How long do they take to train, where is it, and how do they do it? Taking to the Corporal and the Deputy we found that K9 Zeus and K9 York are from overseas. These two dogs have to receive their commands in a different language. Listen below for some training facts:
K9 dogs are quite like humans, they have to retire at some point. After the law for legalizing marijuana was passed most K9s in Missouri had to be retired because they were trained to look for it. The state had to grant funding to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, which is run as a donation-based establishment, to get new K9s. Douglas County had to retire K9 Amigo after this law was passed. He now resides at home with K9 handler Corporal James Nelson, which according to him was an easy transition for him. Listen below to see what Amigo does now that he is retired:
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office relies on donations to run. They get most of the K9’s food and supplies, including body armor, through community donations.
