When most people picture a police K-9, they imagine a big German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois. That is why so many are surprised to meet Goose, a Labrador Retriever serving alongside Master Police Officer K-9 Handler Barron Dixon with the Roswell Police Department.
"Labs are a great fit for this work," says Officer Dixon.
Their exceptional sense of smell and ability to stay focused allow them to consistently detect scents without becoming distracted. Just as important is their temperament. Labradors are naturally calm, steady, and comfortable in busy, noisy environments, making them well-suited for places like airports, community events, and other crowded public spaces.
Goose has served with the Roswell Police Department for just over four years as an Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) K-9, more commonly known as a "bomb dog." His work is part of the department's broader K-9 program, which also includes dual-purpose dogs trained in narcotics detection and criminal apprehension.
One of the biggest ways police K-9s help protect the community is through detection work. Their highly trained noses allow them to locate and smell things humans simply can't, including illegal drugs, explosives, and missing persons.
That ability doesn't happen by accident. It requires extensive training. Police K-9s spend countless hours mastering obedience, reinforcing specific odors, proofing against environmental and other distractions, and participating in ongoing maintenance training throughout their careers.
"The science behind a dog's nose is remarkable," shares Dixon. "While humans typically smell scents as one combined odor, K-9s can detect and separate individual odors within the same mixture. The percentage of their brain dedicated to analyzing smells is nearly 40 times larger than that of humans, making them extraordinary partners in protecting the public."
While Goose plays an important role in public safety, he's still a dog at heart. When off duty, his favorite activity is a classic game of fetch. His most prized rewards include a Kong toy attached to a rope and a well loved squeaky duck.
There's also a playful side to his competitive nature. "If Goose knows another police dog is working nearby while he's waiting in the vehicle, he becomes very vocal," shares Dixon.
That enthusiasm is part of what makes working dogs so effective. They genuinely enjoy the challenge and thrive on having a job to do.
When Goose eventually retires, he'll trade his badge for a quieter life as a full-time family pet. Until then, he'll continue putting his powerful nose to work, proving that sometimes the most important member of a police team walks on four legs and answers to the name Goose.