Sgt. Cooper, Unix demonstrate canine police work

Unix detects the smell of drugs behind this closed door.

The police dog successfully locates a packet of illicit drugs that was hidden by the police prior to the demonstration.

Sgt. Cooper explains the reward system that is an integral part of successfully training dogs to perform police work.

Sheriff's Sgt. Keith Cooper and Unix, an eight-year-old German Shepherd, demonstrate their drug seeking techniques for children at the Whitman County Library in Colfax April 19. Cooper and Unix attended 16-week training in Shelton before working together since 2011. Unix is trained to go to the source. His sense of smell creates a cone and he triangulates the source. Sgt. Cooper said they train every week and train eight hours once a month to conduct searches of homes or vehicles. Unix will be adopted out when he retires after two more years of service.