San Benito County Deputy Sheriff Matt Soto’s new partner has
pointy ears and a really big nose.
Hollister – San Benito County Deputy Sheriff Matt Soto’s new partner has pointy ears and a really big nose.
Dix, 15-month-old black and tan German Shepherd raised in the Czech Republic, is the department’s new K-9 unit. The department’s previous police dog, Jack, was retired in May after seven years of service during which he helped in making 79 felony arrests.
Though Soto – who will go through a month of training with Dix before they hit the streets in November – just met his new partner, he said he anticipates the two will have a good relationship.
“We’re pretty good together,” he said. “We’re just waiting to get through the academy and start taking care of business on the street.”
Police dogs are used to find suspects that might be hiding in a particular area and to disperse crowds, according to Sheriff Curtis Hill. Often, he said, the mere appearance of a dog on the scene takes the fight out of a suspect.
“People have a real fear of dogs trained like this. Just bring the dog out, and it’s over,” he said. “They’re great tools, great partners. It’s basically a second deputy.”
And when he’s not busy taking a bite out of crime, Dix will have the chance to show off his training for local school kids, Hill said.
Soto has two German Shepherds of his own at home that he trains and enters in competitions. He said he hopes to eventually enter Dix in Police Olympics competitions.
“We’re going to butt heads, because he’s just a pup, but that’s what we’ll work through in training. I’m ready to accept the challenge.”
Dix will live with Soto, who will be the dog’s sole handler and caretaker. Dix will have his own kennel and be kept separate from Soto’s two other pets as well as his own visitors and family. He wants Dix to keep his edge.
“I don’t want him getting associated with too many friendly people, because I want him to do his job,” he said.
Though police dogs are law enforcement tools, Soto foresees forming a strong bond with Dix.
“If anything happens to him, I’ll probably shed some tears,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Department paid $7,500 for Dix. Jack, Dix’s predecessor now lives with his handler, former Deputy Adam Lobdell.
