Bomb-sniffing dogs are the first line of defense when it comes to keeping large crowds safe from explosives, and it's important that they stay on top of the latest threats.
Thursday, law enforcement officials showed first-hand the special training it takes these dogs to keep us safe.
At Goodyear Ballpark Thursday was one of the most intensive trainings that K-9s are put through to keep people safe from explosives, and it's the first time this type of training is happening in the Phoenix area.
Basco is a cute, lovable pup, but when it's time to work, he'll help save your life.
The Department of Homeland Security is using a new initiative in training its bomb-sniffing dogs: the Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative, or REDDI.
The dog sits when she or he smells an odor that's a trigger, then the handler will check to see if the dog will follow when he or she pulls the leash. The dog is supposed to stay until the handler tosses a tug toy.
The odors sent out by the federal government are new each year -- aimed at isolating exactly the smell that could signal danger.
Fifteen dogs went through the training at Goodyear Ballpark Thursday, hopefully making the Valley a little bit safer.