CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – K-9 teams from across the Southeast are in Chattanooga this week for a major regional competition and certification event.
Handlers and their dogs from Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee are taking part in the Region 22 United States Police Canine Association field trials, with top teams earning a chance to advance to the national level.
The event, hosted by the Chattanooga Police Department and the United States Police Canine Association, tests both dogs and handlers in real world scenarios.
Throughout the week, teams are evaluated in areas such as obedience, tracking, and search exercises.
K-9 Officer Tyler Angel with the Albertville Police Department demonstrated how closely trained dogs respond to commands.
“When I say heel, he walks right alongside me. I can run or go in circles, and he is always focused on me,” Angel explained.
K-9 Officer Nick Altobella with the Homewood Police Department said the trials are an important certification process for handlers.
“The USPCA canine trials are hosted each year and serve as a certification for handlers. Today’s portion includes obedience, article search, and box searches,” Altobella said.
Officers say the skills being tested are critical in real world situations.
“Our dogs are trained in tracking as well. We had a case in our department where a person with learning disabilities wandered away from home. The dog was able to track and help locate her with the assistance of drones,” Angel said.
Altobella added that obedience is one of the most important aspects of the training.
“You want a dog that will listen to you in any situation, whether that is coming back to you, staying by your side, or following commands. The box search replicates searching for a suspect, making sure the dog can locate someone when it matters most,” Altobella explained.
From patrol work to narcotics detection, the event ensures K-9 teams are prepared for the demands of the job.
Top performing teams will have the opportunity to compete at the National Police Dog Field Trials later this year.
Officers say while the competition is important, the focus remains on the dogs and their ability to serve.
“It is about the dogs at the end of the day and making sure they can do their job and do it well. When medals are brought home, it is really a reflection of the dog’s work,” Altobella said.
As the trials continue, organizers say the event highlights the strong bond between handlers and their K-9 partners, as well as the vital role they play in keeping communities safe.
