K-9 Riggs and his handler, Detective Scott Shaver, have successfully completed their annual Soldiers 6 Service K-9 Accreditation re-certification, the Cottage Grove Public Safety Department announced.
The annual certification requires service dogs to demonstrate proficiency in a series of real-world scenarios designed to ensure they maintain the skills needed for public service.
According to the department, Riggs completed five rigorous evaluations to renew his certification. The testing included obedience exercises requiring the K-9 to heel both on and off leash while remaining within arm's reach of his handler and responding to movement commands.
The certification also evaluates the dog's ability to work calmly in everyday public settings. During testing, Riggs successfully navigated busy store aisles alongside a shopping cart and demonstrated calm behavior in restaurant environments without becoming distracted by food, people or other animals.
The department credited both Riggs and Shaver for the accomplishment, noting that annual re-certification helps ensure the team remains prepared for service in the community.
"We're beyond proud of the work K-9 Riggs and Detective Shaver do for our community," the department said in announcing the certification.
The department also thanked Soldiers 6, the organization that administers the accreditation program, for its continued partnership and training support.
The successful re-certification allows Riggs to maintain his Soldiers 6 Service K-9 accreditation for another year, ensuring the K-9 team continues to meet the organization's performance standards while serving the Cottage Grove community.