33rd Annual LVMPD K-9 Trials

Join us for an unforgettable event showcasing the skill, discipline, and teamwork of some of the finest K-9 units in law enforcement! The 33rd Annual LVMPD K-9 Trials will take place over three days, offering an exciting mix of private and public events for spectators, sponsors, and law enforcement professionals.

Event Schedule

Private Events – Open to Paid Sponsors Only

These exclusive events provide an inside look at the rigorous training and specialized skills of K-9 teams in action. Attendance is reserved for sponsors and invited guests.

Sponsorship Opportunities are still available

Meet & Greet

📅 Friday, March 21, 2025 | ⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 LVMPD K-9 Training Facility – 2025 W. Pyle Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89183
Enjoy an evening with K-9 handlers and their four-legged partners in an intimate setting. Food and beverages will be provided. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the bond between officers and their K-9 partners.

Area Search, Building Search, Explosives/Narcotics Searches, and Tactical Obedience Competitions

📅 Saturday, March 22, 2025 | ⏰ 8:00 AM
📍 South Point Arena – 9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89183

Witness the intense training behind law enforcement’s most elite K-9 units. This private competition includes:

• Area Search – Teams search a designated area for hidden suspects.
• Building Search – Dogs locate and alert on concealed decoys in complex environments.
• Explosives/Narcotics Detection – K-9s demonstrate their ability to locate dangerous materials in various settings.
• Tactical Obedience – Teams showcase precise discipline and response in high-pressure situations

🥗 Lunch will be provided for all participants.

Public Event – Open to All Spectators

Bring your family and friends to experience the excitement of K-9 teams competing in thrilling events designed to test their agility, speed, and protection skills!

Agility and Handler Protection Competition & Public K-9 Trials

📅 Sunday, March 23, 2025 | ⏰ 8:00 AM
📍 South Point Arena – 9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89183

🥗 Lunch will be provided for all participants.

🎟 Admission is FREE for the public! Come witness the incredible teamwork and skills that make these K-9 teams an essential part of law enforcement.

Competition Overview

Each competition phase is a mini-event with awards for the top finishers in:

🔹 Agility – The Agility phase showcases canine athleticism and precision as our four-legged participants navigate a challenging obstacle course. The segment tests physical prowess and evaluates the teamwork and synchronization between handler and K-9, showcasing the harmonious bond forged through hours of dedicated training.

🔹 Area Search* – The Area Search tests the teams’ ability to locate hidden suspects in a defined geographical area. The handler must command the dog to search as directed, ensuring a thorough and effective search. If a handler bypasses an area that the dog has not cleared, points are deducted in the trial, and it poses a potential danger in real-life situations.

🔹 Building Search* – Building searches present a unique set of challenges. They involve locating a concealed decoy, pinpointing its location, and signaling the alert. In buildings, the dog’s olfactory abilities are tested in confined spaces with unpredictable air currents that carry scents across rooms before detection. Successfully navigating challenges like darkness, hiding spots, slippery floors, closed doors, and various obstacles requires heightened skills and strategic tactics in this specialized environment.

🔹 Building Search* – Building searches present a unique set of challenges. They involve locating a concealed decoy, pinpointing its location, and signaling the alert. In buildings, the dog’s olfactory abilities are tested in confined spaces with unpredictable air currents that carry scents across rooms before detection. Successfully navigating challenges like darkness, hiding spots, slippery floors, closed doors, and various obstacles requires heightened skills and strategic tactics in this specialized environment.

🔹 Building Search* – Building searches present a unique set of challenges. They involve locating a concealed decoy, pinpointing its location, and signaling the alert. In buildings, the dog’s olfactory abilities are tested in confined spaces with unpredictable air currents that carry scents across rooms before detection. Successfully navigating challenges like darkness, hiding spots, slippery floors, closed doors, and various obstacles requires heightened skills and strategic tactics in this specialized environment.

🔹 Explosives* – The Explosive Detection segment at the K-9 Trials challenges teams to showcase their proficiency in locating various explosives. Handlers guide their dogs through scenarios that mimic real-world situations, emphasizing precision and efficiency. Dogs must meticulously search for hidden explosives, demonstrating their ability to detect potential threats accurately. Success in this competition highlights the team’s critical role in safeguarding public spaces by preventing potentially dangerous situations through effective and reliable explosive detection techniques.

🔹 Handler Protection – Handler Protection is a riveting display of teamwork and trust. This phase assesses the handler’s ability to navigate scenarios, ensuring safety while relying on the dog’s protective instincts. From confronting simulated threats to controlled confrontations, the duo showcases seamless communication and strategy execution. This competition highlights the dog’s protection skills and the handler’s adeptness in utilizing their partner’s capabilities.

🔹 Hotel Explosives* – Exclusive to Casino and Resort K-9 Teams, the Hotel Explosive segment is a specialized competition designed to test the capabilities of these teams to ensure public safety in hospitality venues. This challenging segment simulates real-world scenarios where these K-9 units must demonstrate their proficiency in detecting explosives within the complex layout of a hotel setting. From navigating lobbies to searching entertainment venues, the teams showcase their precision and agility in identifying potential threats.

🔹 Narcotics Search: Building* – Searching for narcotics within a building demands precision in confined spaces. Unlike patrol dogs seeking individuals, narcotics detector dogs focus on finding small quantities of controlled substances hidden within the structure. The team faces challenges with hidden “stashes,” evaluated on collaboration, fluid coordination, the dog’s search intensity, and navigating the complexities of a building environment. This competition underscores the precision needed for detecting controlled substances in confined spaces.

🔹 Narcotics Search: Vehicle* – This segment challenges teams to detect hidden controlled substances within vehicles. Handlers guide their dogs through a meticulous search, focusing on locating narcotics concealed in various parts of the vehicle. Precision, teamwork, and the dog’s ability to pinpoint hidden stashes are crucial for success. This competition not only showcases the team’s efficiency in detecting narcotics within the confined space of a vehicle but also underscores the vital role of K-9 units in law enforcement.

🔹 Tacticle Obedience* – The Tactical Obedience segment assesses the handler and dog’s ability to perform obedience commands in challenging, real-world scenarios. This competition evaluates their responses to tactical situations, emphasizing precise control and immediate obedience. Teams navigate through obstacles, demonstrating agility and reliability in executing commands. The Tactical Obedience segment highlights the essential partnership between handler and K-9 in maintaining discipline and control, which is crucial for effective law enforcement operations.

*A controlled environment is crucial to these phases of the competition to ensure fairness to the competing teams, so these events are closed to the public.

Awards & Recognitions

🏆 Top Agency – This award is presented to the agency whose competing patrol dog teams achieve the highest overall average score across all categories. Often, the agency that secures first place does not have a team winning a trophy in any individual category. This award recognizes consistent high performance across all areas and is highly sought after. It symbolizes a well-rounded and robust K-9 program. To be eligible for this award, an agency must have at least two teams competing.

🏆 Top Dog – This award is given to the patrol dog team with the highest overall average score across all categories. Similar to the Top Agency award, this recognition focuses on overall performance in every phase of the trial. To remain eligible for this award, a K-9 team does not have to secure numerous first places in individual events, but must demonstrate solid and consistent scores throughout the entire competition. Ultimately, this prestigious award recognizes the well-rounded team.

🏆 Tough Dog – This award honors the patrol dog that excels in challenging scenarios, showcasing exceptional fortitude, adaptability, and composure. Whether navigating the obstacle course or facing unpredictable situations, the recipient exemplifies true toughness under pressure. This accolade pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of the patrol dog, recognizing their ability to exceed standards while celebrating the courage, resilience, and heart that make them exceptional in the dynamic and demanding landscape of competition.

Why Attend the LVMPD K-9 Trials?

🐶 Unparalleled Action: Experience heart-pounding moments as K-9 teams demonstrate their skills in real-world law enforcement scenarios.
👮 Meet the Heroes: Connect with officers and their K-9 partners, learning about the dedication and training behind their service.
🎉 Family-Friendly Fun: A thrilling day out for all ages, with impressive displays of obedience, agility, and protection work.

📅 Mark your calendar for March 23, 2025, and don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event!