HomeMy WebLinkAboutLou Therapy Dog CertificationContact: Kate Heimel, Communications Intern
Phone 952-826-0304 • commintern2@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Police Therapy Dog Lou Passes Certification
Edina, Minn., April 1, 2025 – Detective Morgan Piper and her K-9 partner, Lou, passed their Therapy Dog Certification test Friday, March 21.
Lou, an 11-month old Whoodle, began his training when he was just nine weeks old.
The training began with basic obedience and progressed into obedience and control in public settings. Training was done as Scheels, Eden Prairie Center, Menards and Caribou Coffee. Throughout
training, Lou learned to be friendly with people of all ages that he interacted with. To practice this, people were encouraged to pet him and give him treats.
“Lou needs to be under control and desensitized to many new people, settings and situations so that he is not easily startled or distracted,” explained Piper.
The certification was an in-person assessment at Eden Prairie Center done by the head trainer at Soldier’s 6. Lou had to follow all the commands that he was given and needed to stay
under control as he walked through the aisles of Scheels and around other parts of the mall. After this, he was tested on his ability to remain calm in the busy atmosphere of the food
court while Piper ate lunch.
After being tested in these environments, Lou passed the certification test and is now ready to be an important asset to the City where he will provide emotional support services immediately
to the Police Department staff and to the community in the future.
“I am excited to see what he can do for Edina officers and potentially Edina residents as his career progresses,” said Piper.
Lou’s training is ongoing and he will test for recertification every year that he is working with the Edina Police Department.
For more information about the Edina Police Department, visit EdinaMN.gov/Police.
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