Police dogs, handlers learn new tricks

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April 29, 2007

BY KELLY URBAN The Tribune-Democrat Sun Apr 29, 2007, 11:29 PM EDT

His name is Elvis – and if you get on his bad side, you might find yourself behind bars singing “Jailhouse Rock.”

Elvis, along with 22 other police dogs and their handlers, spent last week in the area participating in the Johnstown Police Department’s annual K-9 training seminar.

“This is the eighth year we have done this program,” said Sgt. Frank Kiefer, K-9 supervisor with the city police. “It’s open to anyone who wants to send their dog.”

The program offers handlers techniques on improving their dog partners in the areas of obedience, “bite work’’ and narcotic/bomb detection.

“We show them better ways to do things. And this helps keep the dogs up to standard and shows they are trained,” Kiefer said.

At the end of the week, the handlers and dogs receive certification.

It is not a requirement to get certified every year, but most departments do to ensure both dog and handler are up to speed.

In addition to the six members of Johnstown’s K-9 force, teams from Paint Township, Cresson Borough, Delaware, New York and Philadelphia participated.

“Two other instructors and myself taught the program,” Kiefer said.

He said having a dog partner is a huge asset to any department.

“It’s another law-enforcement tool and is effective,” he said. “If you are searching a building, it takes less time, and the dogs can find narcotics that we would not be able to locate.”

“These dogs are officers.”

City police Sgt. Jeff Janciga, who handles Elvis, said the dogs listen to voice commands but rely mostly on their natural instincts when a pursuit goes down.

“A dog is a dog is a dog,” he said.

“Their natural reaction is to chase after something,” he said.

When the dogs are not out working the beat, they live with their handlers.

“The city owns them, but after eight or 10 years of duty the dogs retire, and then the handler can purchase the dog for $1,” Kiefer said.

The dogs do form a bond with the handlers, but they are first and foremost a police dog until they retire, Kiefer said.

“They are more laid back at home, but when you put the uniform on they are ready to go out the door,” he said.

Michael Kanuch, city police K-9 officer, has been working with his 4-year-old German shepherd, Xander, for more than a year.

Xander serves a dual purpose as a narcotics and patrol dog.

“You have to have a love of canines to do this,” he said. “I would like to continue to work with the dogs throughout my career here in Johnstown,” he said.

Before an officer is admitted to the Johnstown K-9 unit, he or she must apply and go through an interview process.

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