K-9 training in Rochester

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Audiences in Rochester are getting the chance to see first-hand what police canines can do. Canines from across the Midwest are in Rochester for annual training and certification through the United States Police Canine Association.

About 60 officer-canine pairs will compete in obedience, detection and agility trials until Tuesday June 7, and anyone is invited to come watch. Pairs are coming from departments across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The Rochester Police Department said canines are an important resource out on calls because dogs can recognize things humans can’t.

"There’s not one tool that’s right for every job. We’re just fortunate to have that many canines here in town," said Sargent Wade Blazjak of the Rochester Police Department’s k-9 unit.

The department currently has six patrol canines and two canines that specialize in sniffing out explosives. The dogs live at home with their handlers.

"Often times we say that we see these dogs more than we see our own family members," Blazejak said.

The public can come watch dogs train at Century High School through June 7.