MOA's Bomb-Sniffing Dogs Work Hard To Keep Shoppers Safe
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Security at the nation's largest mall is a huge job, and Mall of America works around the clock to make sure shoppers stay safe.
One of their strategies involves a team of four-legged officers.
Chuck is a 9-year-old Springer Spaniel who knows Mall of America better than even the savviest shopper.
"We actually brought him into the mall when he was just a tiny, little puppy, and he walked around the mall all day," said Neil Throndsen, Head K-9 Trainer at Mall of America.
Chuck is part of a 15-dog K-9 team, tasked with keeping the mall safe.
"Our dogs are always on the floor walking around, checking trash cans, unattended items, vehicles," Throndsen said.
The dogs go through extensive training to earn their United States Police Academy Association certification.
It is a full-time job for the dogs and their trainers. In one exercise, K-9's sniff backpacks, looking for the one containing explosives. When they think they've found it, they sit or lay down. If they are right, their reward is a toy and some serious praise.
The Mall of America K-9 Explosive Detection Unit is one of the top-five largest in the country. They often get called upon for big events outside the mall.
"Today we did the Minnesota State Fair sweep with the St. Paul Police Department. They were kind enough to ask us to assist in that," Throndsen said.
While these elite dogs are working hard to keep the mall safe, they sure have a way of charming shoppers and their handlers.
"It is a serious job, but working with dogs is absolutely unbelievable. We work with them all day long. The dogs come home with us at night, so they're part of the family at home," Throndsen said. "He is my best friend."
He says the number-one question he gets asked is if people can pet the dogs. They prefer you do not if the dog is working, but if it is on a break, go right ahead.
If you would like to meet some of the Mall of America K-9 Unit, they will be doing a meet-and-greet at the State Fair Tuesday. They will also be giving away their trading cards.