The 20th Desert Dog Police K9 Trials and Public Safety Expo returns to the East Valley this weekend with action-packed competitions, public safety demonstrations, a trunk or treat, food and shopping options.
Put on by the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), a nonprofit that supports police K9s throughout Arizona, the event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, located at 16601 N. Pima Road.
“The Desert Dog Police K9 Trials is the largest police K9 competition in the nation. We have canines coming as far as Alaska to compete for the title of Top Dog,” said Tony Sanborn, president of ALECA. “We also have over 100 vendors that are related to either dogs or police work. Our goal is to have the public come out and interact with all of our vendors and our static display of police equipment. It will be a very hands-on family friendly event with an action-packed competition everyone will love. Of course, the most excitement will be on the field in the Equidome, where over 70 teams of handlers and police dogs will compete.”
Competing teams from across the country will showcase exciting rivalry while being put to the challenge in obstacles and challenges replicating real-life scenarios experienced in active duty. There will be six competition categories: handler protection, tactical challenge, building search, obedience, area search and narcotic or EOD detection.
On-field action features tactical challenges and handler protection obstacles like scaling 7-foot barriers for jumping, tests of control with call offs and vehicle extractions. More than 70 teams compete for the title of Top Dog, with trophies presented to first, second and third place teams at the end of the two-day competition.
“Courage beyond instinct is what separates a K9 police dog from furry friends at home. For the 20th year, this competition shines the spotlight on the rousing bravery and talent of these K9s and their handlers for fans to see firsthand in an exciting show,” added Sanborn.
Along with K9 competition, there will be a number of public safety demonstrations to see up close and personal with area SWAT, bomb squad, horse-mounted police, lake patrol, air support and search and rescue K9s. This family-fun event also features a Trunk or Treat for Halloween along with food and shopping options.
“Many don’t realize what’s happening right here for all to enjoy. The capabilities of these K9s and their officer partners are an inspiration and just great entertainment in the action-packed trials,” said Andrew Carlsson, director of operations for ALECA. “ALECA trains these K9s to have great control, and this is actually tested on the field for all to see. Fans are in for a treat as they witness what many consider a thrilling competition. We have an incredible amount of fun and lively entertainment that I know people will love.”
The event will feature Colin's K9 Dream, a program started five years ago and named after a young boy who displayed inspiring fortitude in his battle against a rare form of terminal cancer, a battle he eventually lost. Every year since, ALECA brings in a new child with a severe medical condition who gets to live the dream of being a policeman for a day. This year, Colin’s K9 Dream will be presented midday on Saturday at the event.
Tickets to the two-day event are $5, with children 12 and under free, and can be purchased at alecapolicek9.com/k9-trials. Tickets include access to K9 Trials and Competition in the Equidome, North Hall Public Safety Expo demonstrations, vendors and displays, Halloween entertainment and food and holiday shopping. Parking is $10, cash or credit only.
“The event will have something for everyone and lots of interaction with the police and their equipment,” said Sanborn. “We really like to categorize the event as a celebration of public safety. There is no other event like this that allows the public to get so up close and personal and interact so much with our local police officers. We really hope this event allows the public to answer all the questions and get to know us in a fun setting.”
ALECA is the largest nonprofit public safety canine organization in the country. Its mission is to train, educate, equip and support (TEES) — providing guidance, state-of-the-art knowledge, research, development and live action training drills to support K9 law enforcement teams and agencies throughout Arizona. For more information, visit alecapolicek9.com.
