Wauconda police dog lauded for winning ‘Canine Olympics’

It’s said that every dog has his day, but how many get two days?

Maxx, a German shepherd in the Wauconda K-9 unit and his handler Sgt. John Combs were recognized during Tuesday’s Wauconda village board meeting for winning the Canine Olympics in August. They finished first in individual and team contests.

It marked the second time the duo has won the olympics – the first was in 2008.

The Canine Olympics include events meant to test the handler and the dog working together in all areas of police work. Some events are physically challenging while others, such as a 10-element hidden evidence event, are mentally strenuous.

“Everything we do on the job is tested,” Combs said.

That includes shooting, driving and obedience. Combs said there may not be any way to prepare for the events aside from job training and experience.

“It’s physically demanding for the officer as well as the canine,” he said

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