Pocatello Police Officers and their K-9 Dogs Visit 3rd Graders at Indian Hills Elementary

Pictured from left to right are Officer Namohala with K-9 Lobo, Officer Anderson with K-9 Flip, Officer Torres with K-9 Thor, and Corporal Seamons with K-9 Bruce.

Third Grade learners recently read a story in their ELA books about police partners, so on January 5, 2023, Pocatello police officers and their K-9 dogs were invited to visit Indian Hills Elementary 3rd Grade classrooms.  

Pocatello K-9 dogs are Belgian Malinois, a Dutch Shepherd. They look like German Shepherds but are not as stocky and don't weigh as much. They are also trained as working dogs rather than pets.

Officer Namohala with K-9 Lobo and Officer Anderson with K-9 Flip went into the classrooms to introduce their K-9 dogs and to educate learners and teachers about this special program.

According to the ELA story K-9 dogs are with their officers all day and all night. Their most important job is to protect their partners. K-9 dogs go through a rigorous training program running through obstacle courses, jumping as high as 8 feet in the air, and walking up very steep and open stairways.  They have very sensitive noses so they can sniff out drugs and catch criminals from scents on their clothing.  K-9 police cars don't have a backseat so that the K-9 dogs have a comfortable place to rest while in the car.  They have carpet, a built-in water bowl, and fans to keep them cool in warmer weather.  When they get home from work, K-9's have play time and rest time with their partners.