The LAS Explosives Detection K9 Unit has two new noses dedicated to sniffing out trouble at the airport. 

Handler Rudy Torres’ dog Dodi retired over the summer after 10 years working at the airport. But Torres is still hard at work with his new partner Boomer, a 2-year-old black lab. 

Boomer loves taking walks and exploring the environment, and his favorite snacks are turkey and peanut butter flavored bits. Like Dodi before him, his reward for a job well done is a tennis ball. 

Also new to the unit are handler Rogelio “Rocky” Magbual and his pup Riso. Riso is a chocolate brown, 2-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer who loves treats, squeaky toys and chasing birds. His reward for hard work is a Kong toy.

Like all the LAS K9s, Boomer and Riso are effective tools for detecting explosives, one of the greatest threats to the aviation system. Both came to Las Vegas through the TSA canine program at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where handlers go through an intensive training to form a bond with their four-legged partners. They spent additional training time acclimating to the new environment at LAS. 

K9 teams handle thousands of unscheduled calls for service each year, responding to requests to inspect unattended vehicles and bags, and assisting with special baggage screening. They also support security details for traveling dignitaries and VIPs. Dogs and their handlers work in shifts to provide 24/7 protection year-round.  

Passengers might see the dogs around the airport, but remember, don’t pet them – they’re working dogs and shouldn’t interact with the public.