K9 teams compete for the title of Top Dog

Published on October 18, 2017

LAS VEGAS – 44 law enforcement K9 teams from across the country competed in Las Vegas on Sunday in hopes of winning the title of Top Dog.

Retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer DuWayne Layton has had several K9 partners over his career, including Boris who died unexpectedly last year after a search.

“They’re your partner, but when you get home, they’re still that serious animal, but there’s a different side of them where they become part of the family,” Layton said.

He says the four-legged officers sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

“In my 20 years in K9, my K9 partners have saved me from having to shoot somebody and have saved my life from being shot, multiple times,” Layton said.

At the K9 trials, skills like tactical obedience, agility, and handler protection are put to the test.

Before a dog joins a department, the training is intense.

“When we start a dog, it’s 12 weeks of training, 10 hours a day, every day, plus a little bit on your off time. It’s very intense,” Layton said.

During competition, there’s plenty of distractions plus the pressure of large crowds.

Officers showed spectators how the dog will react in situations like if their handler is attacked.

“You go through some scary times together, going after the real bad guys,” Layton said.

Layton says K9 officers typically serve for six to eight years. After that, the animals retire and enjoy their golden years.

“Just being a regular dog, laying around the pool, playing with the kids and just enjoying life after they retire,” Layton said.

Once K9 officers retire, it’s up to the handler and their family to care for the dog for the rest of its life.

Proceeds from Sunday’s event help cover retirement costs, easing the burden on handlers.