Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Alex Blundell with K9 Niko and Deputy James Conn with K9 Sting recently completed a multi-week Advanced K9 Handler Course through Thorn K9.

The course was comprehensive, mixing classroom instruction with daily hands-on training. The handlers learned, practiced, and applied their skills as they progressed alongside their partners.

Throughout the program, both teams trained in the major areas expected of a working K9 unit, including detection, obedience, tracking, building searches, apprehension, and patrol scenarios.

Deputies Conn and Blundell established the fundamentals of managing their dogs effectively, maintaining their safety in various environments, and recognizing the behavioral cues that guide a K9’s work during searches.

Detection work took place in multiple settings, obedience focused on clear communication and control, and tracking exercises progressed in stages as the teams
advanced. Patrol components were practiced in controlled environments where the dogs worked recalls, apprehension, outs, and decoy encounters to build confidence and discipline. Classroom instruction supported the fieldwork, covering topics such as documentation, case law, training-aid handling, and courtroom preparation.

“Their completion of this course strengthens the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office by expanding our ability to support patrol operations, locate evidence, conduct searches, track individuals, and assist surrounding agencies when needed. Each handler and K9 team adds depth to the resources and capabilities available to our parish, building a stronger and more effective unit for our community. Please join us in congratulating Deputy Alex Blundell and K9 Niko, along with Deputy James Conn and K9 Sting, as they serve both the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of our parish.” – Sheriff Brent Barnett