LAKELAND, Fla. — The Lakeland Police Department hosted regional certification trials for police K-9s and their handlers from across Florida Wednesday.

The annual trails represent a test for the dogs and their partners — a chance to prove both know when and when not to call off a K-9 strike.

“It's really a baseline,” said Lakeland Police Sgt. Aaron Peterman. “It shows the community and the courts that I'm out here meeting a standard."

"My dog will come back when I call him," Peterman continued. "My dog will release when I let go, because that's just the right thing to do.” 

Police K-9s and their officer handlers must be re-certified every year before they can continue on duty. To see more of the testing and learn more about the process, watch the video above.

(Spectrum Bay News 9)