Local K9 cops earn podium finishes at national trials
By Mo Cranker on September 25, 2018.
NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER Const. Jason Ross and Astor take a rest from training earlier this year at Kin Coulee Park. The duo recently travelled to B.C. to take part in Canadian K9 Trials and came home with a first and third place finish.
mcreanker@medicinehatnews.com @MHNmocranker Medicine Hat Police Service Const. Jason Ross and police service dog Astor recently competed in the Canadian Police Canine Association Trials and came home with some hardware. The trials took place in Vancouver this year, hosting nearly 40 officers and their dogs to compete in a number of competitions. Ross and Astor took part in six competitions while in B.C. “We had a great time out there,” said Ross. “We were just going there to do our best — there wasn’t any big expectations or anything. “We ended up finishing first in tracking and third in evidence, which was obviously great for us.” Ross and Astor train for 20-30 hours each week, working on keeping old skills sharp and learning new things as a team. While at the trials the pair was put into somewhat familiar situations in settings that were completely new to them. “The trials were held in an industrial area, so there was a lot of noise, people walking by and a lot of things to be distracted by,” said Ross. “Astor did a great job and showed great drive while we were out there — his willingness to work is really quite amazing. “Astor doesn’t care about the environment or the setting — he just goes out and does his work when he needs to.” Astor was purchased by the MHPS last year when Ross and Sgt. Clarke White made a trip down to California to look a potential dogs to train for the local police service. Ross says Astor has become a very valuable member of the MHPS. “He’s just been great — he’s doing so well on the street,” said Ross. “I’ve been to the trials three other times and we never placed in anything — placing with Astor is obviously great for us. “I hate to compare the dogs I’ve had over the years but Astor really has been the best.” When Astor first moved to Canada he only understood his commands in Czech, now he mainly hears English coming from Ross. “English is what we use, but I make sure to keep him sharp with the Czech commands, too,” said Ross. “We haven’t had too many calls as of late, but when we do I know Astor is always going to be ready.” 14
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