K-9 Tyler is filled with a certain joie de vivre. On a sunny Thursday afternoon, Tyler and his partner, Maryville Police officer Trever Nix, were going over some obedience drills. Vibrating with excitement, Tyler let out several high-pitched whines while Nix got situated. At one point, Tyler even began to bunny hop as his anticipation grew.
Once Nix gave the command though, it was all business and laser-focus for Tyler. This is one of the things Nix loves about him, he said. K-9 Tyler is a mix of joy and discipline.
Nix, who has been with MPD for seven years, became a K-9 handler in 2020. He graduated from Alcoa High School and attended South College where he majored in criminal justice. While in college, Nix knew law enforcement was the right direction.
Having always been an animal lover, Nix thought that becoming a handler would be the best of both worlds — he would get to do his job with MPD and be able to do it alongside a canine partner.
A bond begins
Nix and Tyler began their journey together at Shallow Creek Kennels where handlers and their K-9s undergo six weeks of intensive training. Before training began, Nix, along with MPD Sgt. Steven Wickert and Sgt. Travis Brown, traveled to Shallow Creek to pair Nix with his K-9.
Because Wickert and Brown had worked with K-9s, Nix said he thought they would be selecting the dog for him, but they told Nix that the K-9 he would spend at least the next decade with would have to be his choice. They observed a few of the K-9s to see how they worked, and while Nix said they were all great, Tyler’s excitement stood out to Nix.
The day he chose him, Nix took Tyler out for a walk. Nix, a little nervous at the time, said Tyler turned to Nix, jumped on him, placed each paw on either side of Nix, and just wagged his tail with his tongue lolling out. That’s when Nix said he knew Tyler was the one.
“What it (the bond) is now is not what it was then, but I think there was something at the very beginning before we ever knew each other,” Nix said.
Nix said training at Shallow Creek, while fun, was also very difficult and stressful at times. He explained that during the training if a hopeful handler doesn’t put in the work, they aren’t going to make it.
“It was very, very difficult, but I’m glad that it’s that way. It should be that way,” Nix said.
Nix explained that taking on a partnership with a K-9 is a tremendous responsibility.
“You’re that dog’s voice,” he said.
All in
During training at Shallow Creek, K-9 officers learn that their emotions transfer down the lead to their canine partner. If you doubt yourself, Nix said, the K-9 will sense it, which can affect their work. He said it was very important to be consistent and invested.
“If you’re not fully in, they’re not going to be fully in,” Nix said.
During the training, the bond begins, Nix explained, but he said a handler has to grow and nurture the bond through training, play and just spending time together.
Nix explained that the intelligence of the K-9s isn’t just due to their breed — it also comes with work.
In Blount County, K-9 officers attend training with their K-9s every two weeks, but Nix said training really happens every day. He said you’re going to be with your dog more than your family — and Nix can’t imagine a life without Tyler.
A sweet side
Nix said his favorite thing about Tyler is his personality — Tyler has a wealth of big excitement. Still, Nix said he knows the task at hand, and when it’s time, Tyler is all business. At the same time, Nix said Tyler also has a sweet side and loves getting attention and being friendly with people. Nix and Tyler have visited schools to perform demonstrations for the children, and Nix said Tyler is all about the attention the children give him.
Tyler would also never turn down a pup cup or some shaved ice, Nix said.
On the job
While Tyler excels at his job, Nix said Tyler’s favorite task is performing building searches.
“He’s always amped up for anything — to the roof, but with building searches, he takes it to that next level,” Nix said.
During a building search, after announcing themselves and instructing any suspect to come out, Nix and Tyler will go in. Tyler will go in room by room and use his nose to inspect the area. If there is no human scent in that specific area, he moves on to the next. Tyler will repeat this until he finds the suspect. If the suspect refuses to come out at that point, Nix would command Tyler to apprehend them. Luckily, Tyler has never had to apprehend anyone, Nix said.
Nix said when a K-9 comes into play, people are more likely to comply. If they hear barks, they’ll usually come out. “That’s the goal,” Nix said. Just the presence of Tyler can help neutralize a situation.
Nix said that every day is different on the job and that it’s comforting to know that if things go wayward, Tyler is by his side.
“It’s a good feeling knowing that I have him,” Nix said
Nix said a special quirk of Tyler’s is that he’s extremely vocal. Nix said when he’s working, dispatch knows it’s Nix over the radio because of Tyler’s barks. Whenever Nix queues up to begin work, his car will start beeping.
“That’s his cue to start barking,” Nix said.
Family
At home, Tyler relaxes a little more and gets along with Nix’s other dog, a 10-year-old German Shepherd named Jerry Lee.
“I can’t imagine working without him or being without him. He’s definitely like family,” Nix said.
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