Meet Kilo AKA Flair

Meet Kilo Clear Lake Police Department welcomes new K-9 officer The Clear Lake Police Department is continuing its tradition of including a K-9 officer on its staff.“Kilo” is being introduced to the community as a single purpose narcotics dog teamed with police officer Cory Gute. Kilo, a 16-month-old black Labrador retriever, is ready for drug detection work, but is still polishing his manners in public.“He’s still a youngster and acts like a puppy, at times,” said Gute. “But he is certified as a narcotics dog and is ready to help.”Gute and Kilo recently completed a three-week training program at Mid-Michigan Kennels and will continue training exercises here. Gute is hopeful that as Kilo matures, he can also learn tracking skills. The dog must be certified yearly by the International Police Work Dog Association for its narcotics work. Kilo is the only K-9 officer in Cerro Gordo County and rides with Gute on almost every shift. Since joining the department in June, the dog has been used roughly twice a week. He was recently introduced to Clear Lake Rotary Club members and soon will make more public appearances, visiting schools and providing demonstrations for interested groups.“We live together and go to work together. I hope we become effective partners,” said Gute. Chief Peterson said he believes a K-9 officer is a valuable tool.

August Update

I have been matched to a client. That means I am training to take care of them. I practice walking and working with someone in a wheelchair, doors, push plates, and the phone. I still have a lot to learn.

A note from my trainer:

Flora is an interesting little dog. She is high energy but responsible and she is beginning to like the work. Now we are working on her distraction.

Wish me luck that continue to do well in school.

Flair- the drug dog

More great news from my brother! Flair got career changed after a very short time but he went to Mid Michigan Kennels and passed with flying colors! His #1 Mom quickly heard back from his
new handler and they have already made a couple drug busts! I couldn't be more
proud :-) He is still doing a great job helping in an environment where his extreme exuberance is appreciated.

July update

We are making great strides. Flora now trusts the trainer to release her so she is beginning to check in with me when out in the yard. She is also beginning to come and lay by me when we are out in the yard. All good signs.

Phase 3 of training

I made it another step in training!

Phase Three training expands on the skills pups have learned in Phase One and Two. Once the Phase Three Trainer has spent some time with the dog and has gotten to know its personality and strengths and weaknesses they will match the dog to a client on the “Find A Dog” list and begin teaching the tasks that this particular client requires of their Assistance Dog. They also try to match up similar personalities of clients and their dogs. Phase Three of training can take from 4 – 8 months depending on how many tasks the dog needs to learn.

Pup-dates

Flora is still in Phase 1&2 training. she has a little stubborn streak they are working on.

Founder & Fritz are in phase 3 of training. YAY!

Fargo & Fable decided PAWS wasn't the job for them. Fable moved to Mid-Michigan Kennels w/Mike Morgan but was no more successful there than at Paws. Too distracted and wouldn't stay on task . . . Fargo- waiting for News

Flair decided to try police k-9 training and after a very short 9 days of training, he was placed as a Narcotics dog in Iowa!

Findley was removed from the program after one week and returned back home. He is doing very well back with his "pack"....

Friday is a certified arson detection dog in Moore county, Maine. We just got a picture of the deputy and K-9 Friday as they call him. So he was destined for greatness at finding things from early in his "career". He was a very HIGH energy dog like the rest of the litter.

Freyja Finn & Frisbee are yet to be heard from. YAY F's

College bound

Today I'm starting a new chapter in my life. COLLEGE!

Welcome to the Incoming class of May 2012! Founder, Finn, Fargo, Frisbee, Fable, Flair, Findley, Fritz, Freyja, Flora, Quincy and Eli!

My first report card: Flora did well on her temperament test and will start training tomorrow.

What comes next? Phase One is basic obedience and Public access training. Phase Two is retrieve training.

Phase One and Two are taught by different trainers simultaneously and usually take 8 - 10 weeks.

During Phase 3 they are assigned to a 3rd Trainer who will then assign them to a client and begin teaching the dogs the specific tasks that the client requires of their Assistance Dog. Phase 3 takes 4 - 6 months depending on how many tasks are needed.