The unique bond between police dog and handler is witnessed in their oneness of purpose often physically joined by only a leash.
There's no question, however, about who is the boss.
Barrie Police Canine Officer Cam Cooper says ultimately the dogs are wolves, so in the pack mentality Cooper is the alpha wolf.
He's teaching that pecking order to his new canine partner, two-year old Thunder, who replaced the recently retired 10-year veteran Tex.
"I'm really happy with where he's at," said Cooper proudly, as Thunder stretches out at the officer's feet, chewing on his gloves. "He's a pretty focussed dog. He's all business so that's good for what we want to do. He's not a pet. He's our working partner."
Thunder was catching a little break after he and Cooper completed the Iron Dog Competition Thursday at the OPP's massive outdoor training facility north of Orillia.
Dozens of exhausted, sweaty and exhilarated officers and dogs were put to the test in the gruelling 6 km course that included real life scenarios the pairs would encounter during their watch.
The competition capped a week-long training session of the Canadian Police Canine Association Spring Seminar and attracts officers from across North America.
A variety of specialized dogs attended including apprehension dogs, drug dogs, cadaver dogs and search and rescue dogs.
Const. Cooper was pleased with his rookie's performance.
"I don't think it was me," laughs Cooper, when asked if they would be the top dog of the competition.
Each team was challenged with tests of stamina, teamwork and physical fitness.
The dogs and their handlers had to climb towers, cross through a marsh, climb walls and hop fences.
There were obstacles and apprehension and shooting drills to be completed as fast as possible as a team.
The training week also includes guest speakers from all over the world and handlers and instructors from police and military agencies.
"It's great just for networking and learning," said Cooper. "We take some of that home, build on that and try to make our program better in the end - try and get the bad guy."
