The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Gulf Shores Police Department and Loxley Police Department underwent K9s United training to enhance problem-solving skills and gain practical animal care experience to better understand how to serve their communities.  

During a free four-day training seminar at the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office Oct. 9- 12, more than 80 K9 teams and EMS professionals learned techniques on problem-solving and animal care.

K9s United, a 501c3 non-profit, assisted the teams by providing real world scenarios to provide attendees with the skills to approach certain instances. Debbie Johnson, president and founder of the non-profit, said this training seminar featured expert trainers.

“Dedicated K9s consistently go the extra mile, while courageously safeguarding their handlers, fellow officers and neighbors,” said Johnson in a news release. “Our expert trainers provide real world scenarios to equip attendees with the skills they need to face field emergencies. By hosting this training in the Florida panhandle, we can support our local and regional K9 teams that work tirelessly to ensure our safety, while increasing their odds of returning home safely after every call.”

The training featured a 70-pound simulated canine that barks, bleeds and breathes like a real working police dog. These hands-on scenarios aimed to increase a K9 officer’s chance of survival on the front line.

On the first day of the seminar, educated EMS professionals and handlers on emergency veterinary care techniques, to address common problems, treating injuries and transporting distressed K9s to a qualified veterinarian. The training also taught canine anatomy and physiology to attendees so they can address common combat and environmental injuries in the field.

Attendees also assembled their new wearable canine first aid kits to be able to quickly help their injured K9 or fellow partner in the field until transport arrived.

According to a news release from K9s United, many law enforcement agencies do not have the funds to provide their K9 units with the proper resources that they require. This non-profit actively advocates for federal legislation and has successfully helped pass two bills in Florida law that help protect and serve working dogs.

All funds donated to K9s United supports its mission to educate, train and provide vital equipment and services to all K9 teams to keep them – and the communities they serve – safe for generations to come.