Dedicated dogs on display at national event

A police canine team from the Okanagan is hoping to be named ‘top dog’ at a national competition.

Constable Kent Wagner and police service dog, Mysen, are representing the Kelowna and West Kelowna RCMP at the Canadian Police Dog Trials in Camrose, Alta. from Sept. 7 to 10.

“Cst. Wagner and Mysen will be judged against other RCMP and municipal handlers from across Canada displaying their skills and abilities in tracking, narcotic/explosive detection, search, obedience and criminal apprehension scenarios,” said Constable Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer.

The trials are usually held every year, but have been cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic.

“Mysen has trained hard and is looking forward to the competition,” said Cst. Wagner of the Kelowna Regional RCMP police dog service.

The Canadian Police Canine Association (CPCA) is a non-profit, non-political affiliation of the peace officers employed in handling and training service dogs in Canada. Handlers and trainers from other countries may join, upon submission of an application to the board of directors.