AUSTIN, Texas (KETK)– As students head back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) K-9s are too. The DPS K-9 School is back in session, and 13 new K-9 partners completed their first day of classes last week.
Texas DPS said that the K-9s are excited to learn and train hard so they are prepared for their graduation in November. The K-9 teams will complete a nine-week training program with six weeks of training solely for the K-9, establishing DPS as one of the longest training programs in the nation.
Meet the new furry protector at Central Heights ISD
Training is conducted by highly experienced DPS K-9 trainers who bring years of expertise in canine behavior and tactical operations. “These trainers are dedicated to shaping both handlers and their K-9 partners into cohesive, effective teams capable of excelling in high-pressure situations,” officials said. “Their rigorous training is designed to meet the utmost standard of operational readiness and public safety excellence.”
In the spirit of classes starting, Texas DPS shared some of their favorite first day of school pictures:
K-9 Stark
- This year, they are excited to: Meet the Colonel
- Favorite subject: Tracking
- Favorite food: Treats
- Favorite color: Red
K-9 Storm
- This year, they are excited to: Protect and serve
- Favorite subject: Detection
- Favorite food: Cheese
- Favorite color: Blue
K-9 Ronin
- This year, they are excited to: Graduate
- Favorite subject: Detection
- Favorite food: Treats
- Favorite color: Red
K-9 Ares
- This year, they are excited to: Get my badge
- Favorite subject: Detection
- Favorite food: Turkey
- Favorite color: Red
K-9 Bella
- This year, they are excited to: Serve Texans
- Favorite subject: Detection
- Favorite food: Peanut Butter
- Favorite color: Red
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