Officer Striker and his handler Constable Dan Skillings take first at Iron Dog Challenge
WOODSTOCK - Officer Striker has won the Iron Dog Challenge hosted by the London Police Service Canine Unit.
Striker and his handler Constable Dan Skillings competed in the Over 39 division with ten other dogs and handlers. The dog completed the intense course in just sixteen minutes and twenty seconds - good enough for first place, a shiny trophy and bragging rights. Skillings tells Heart FM he was super happy with the race.
"That's kind of what the race is about; it's not about 1st, 2nd, 3rd or anything like that. It's really just a bonding exercise with your dog. Striker has come a long way and he is only going to get better I hope. It's just a fun day, it's a little bit of camaraderie I guess with other services, other K-9 guys and yeah, you get a little bit of bragging rights for the year until next year when you do it again. "
The course was four km in length. Striker ran through 150 metres of a river, engaged in a bite scenario, was involved in a target shooting scenario, ran over fences and logs and engaged in a simulation of chasing a suspect. Skillings carried Striker up a hill for 50 meters to simulate an injury to the dog. He said, "It was obstacle after obstacle".
Striker completed and graduated from his training in early September. Striker's first day on the job was October 1, 2015. Skillings says, "This type of competition solidifies that Striker is ready for all challenges of working as a police dog".

SWOX Candidate Profile - Peter Ypma
Stormy Forecast Sparks Special Weather Statement
Maple Leafs Hire New Coach
Impaired Driver Charged on Rest Acres Road
Plattsville to Celebrate 175th Anniversary
Trevor Birtch Mistrial Daily Recap
Norfolk OPP Investigating Serious Collision
Vandalism Reported at Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese
News Poll: FIFA World Cup 2026
ERTH Charity Golf Tournament Raises $45,000
A Positive May for Local Real Estate
Pride Community Rallies in Norwich
Oxford OPP Briefs - June 16th, 2026
Norfolk OPP Briefs - June 15th, 2026
Tillsonburg Candidate Profile - Ron Gasparetto
Interview with the Acting Mayor - June 15th, 2026
Wienerfest Back in Burford Next Weekend
Two Championships, One Weekend
Five Children Killed in Mapleton Township Crash
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Dave Bloxsidge
Comments
Add a comment