Police canine training facility opens in Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - A new canine academy has opened in Terre Haute for police dogs and their handlers to learn and practice crime-fighting skills.

The Tribune Star (http://bit.ly/2cXRGNC ) reports that the Indiana Sheriff's Youth Ranch opened the canine academy Thursday.

Indiana Sheriff's Association executive director Steve Luce says the facility will be able to be used for a variety of training topics, including search and rescue, defense tactics and home invasion prevention for the community.

The new building includes temporary walls that were set up to simulate rooms full of furniture, school lockers, old luggage and appliances. A catwalk allows instructors to observe the canines and their handlers with an overhead view.

Luce says only 11 states have canine training standards and that he is consulting with agencies around the U.S. to set up Indiana's program.

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Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com