Service dogs face off in narcotics detection contest in Jõhvi

A competition for service dogs and their handlers specializing in narcotics detection was held on Monday at Viru Prison in the Estonian town of Jõhvi. The event brought together 17 dog-and-handler teams from various agencies.

Viru Prison handler Markus Romov said the dogs clearly sense when competition day arrives — when a larger number of dogs and handlers gather in one place, the animals understand they need to raise their game.

Chief judge Riho Rannamäe explained that this year's contest assessed both the cooperation between each handler and their dog, and how effectively the dog could locate prohibited substances across different scenarios.

Teamwork behind the results

Ahto Uue, a handler from the Ida Prefecture who competed with his German shepherd Karu, said success doesn't come from training specifically for competitions but from consistent everyday practice. As a patrol officer, his dog training happens alongside his regular patrol duties. He noted that while a dog can accomplish a great deal on its own, the handler still needs to be able to read the animal correctly.

Romov, who competed with his Labrador Alaska, dismissed the idea that a familiar setting gave his team an edge. He suggested the opposite could be true — a location associated with past positive experiences can become a slight disadvantage when the pressure of competition sets in.

Tax and Customs Board takes top spot

The overall win went to the Tax and Customs Board team, handler Birgit Vana and her dog Kira. Vana described the competition environment as demanding and unlike anything the teams typically face — participants had to run, dogs had to clear obstacles, and teams also had to conduct a search in a darkened room using only a flashlight. She called it a genuinely exciting challenge for both dogs and handlers.