We are excited to introduce Officer B. Kelldorf Jr.’s new partner, K9 Taz to the Pasadena Police Department. Officer B. Kelldorf Jr. continues to pursue his passion of being a K9 handler and has taken on the responsibility of training his new partner, Taz.
In April, PPD received Taz, a 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd that was purchased from Hill Country Dog Center. Officer B. Kelldorf Jr. and Taz endured a rigorous 4-week training course that covered various topics; some topics included canine care, principles of conditioning, basic characteristics of odor, building searches, & gunfire training.
On a daily basis, Officer B. Kelldorf Jr. practices patience as he is Taz’s first handler. Kelldorf Jr. admires the fact that Taz is very attentive; “he has a good on/ off switch … when it’s time to work, he works, and when it’s time to be off, he just chills.”
Although Officer Kelldorf has several years of experience as a canine handler, he is learning to build a canine from the ground up. He explains that overall, it has been challenging, but the benefits outweigh any obstacles. He is excited to continue to learn and grow with Taz and reminds himself of the importance of effective communication because sometimes, when working with Taz, it feels like he’s dealing with a toddler … with very sharp teeth.
