When a Warden is paired with a K-9, the benefits are immediate and immense. Below are some of the major tasks the four legged partners participate in with the brave men and women on the thin green line.

Detection Dog Team

Teams trained and certified to locate certain odors and evidence. The K-9 may be trained for on-line tracking and trailing, but does not physically contact suspects.

Dual Purpose

Teams trained and certified to locate people, protect officers and apprehend suspects; as well as being trained and certified in the detection of certain odors and evidence. They are also trained for on-line or off-line tracking or trailing.

Program Goal

• Studies show that one well-trained dog can save approximately 800 personnel hours per year.
• Some estimates place the scenting capabilities of a dog at up to a million times greater than a human, which allows them to quickly find concealed evidence and items.
• Protect their handler, other law enforcement officers, and the public.
• Track suspects and missing persons, perform area and building searches to locate suspects.
• Detect illegally taken wildlife, invasive species, hidden firearms, expended casings, and other evidence or articles.
• Assist in the arrest of suspects.
• Assist in locating lost or missing persons/officers.
• Perform valuable educational demonstrations and programs.

Detection Capabilities

• All dogs are trained to detect quagga mussels, firearms and associated odors.
• Depending upon their deployment locations, individual teams are trained in:
• bear
• bear gallbladders
• deer
• fish
• elk
• abalone
• waterfowl

Proceeds benefit To benefit the California Dept of Fish and Wildlife K-9s