DENVER, Ind. (AP) — An Indiana police dog training facility and three of the state's police departments will star in a new National Geographic reality television show that will begin airing in January.
Vohne Liche Kennels owner Ken Licklider told the Kokomo Tribune (http://bit.ly/OVfbTm ) that filming on the series titled "Alpha Dogs" began four months ago and should wrap up in about a month.
The series examines how the dogs are trained to detect drugs, weapons and improvised explosive devices. A number of episodes will focus on police officers using the trained animals in real-world situations, like a drug sweep at Peru High School.
"This series is showing every aspect of what we do," Licklider said. "They're covering everything. That's the best part."
The Kokomo, Peru and Logansport police departments will be featured in the 30-minute weekly show, which will air on the Nat Geo Wild cable channel.
Ari Hyman, a producer for the series, said the show will examine the handlers' lives as they train and live with their dogs.
"We're trying to film not only the training of these dogs, but also the practical application," he said.
Footage from Kokomo, Peru, Logansport, Terre Haute and Rochester will be included. Filming also will take place in Yuma, Ariz., where Vohne Liche dogs and their handlers receive special training before heading overseas to Afghanistan.
Licklider said episodes will show the dogs searching the Miami County Jail for hidden cellphones and detecting drugs at a checkpoint set up by the Logansport Police Department.
The series also will show some lighter moments, he said.
"We went 'turtling,' just to show some levity. I've never stuck my hand in water to grab a snapping turtle before, but I think people will enjoy watching it."
Licklider hopes the show draws people to Peru and areas where it was filmed.
"I want to show off Peru. It's my home town," he said. "I'm telling you, when this thing is done ... we're going to get an influx of tourists."
Hyman said the show will cast the communities in a positive light.
"This isn't going to be 'Real Housewives of Peru,'" Hyman said. "At the end of the day, the idea is that everybody comes out looking really good. The police department looks really professional and diligent, and Ken's guys look professional."
Vohne Liche Kennels has trained police and military service dogs for more than 5,000 law enforcement and government agencies, including the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon police department, according to its website.
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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com
