Police K-9

 

I feel lots of police dogs shouldn’t be police dogs. Over the years, I have seen some inferior dogs wear an undeserving badge.  I pride myself in only showing dogs truly capable of police work to all departments.  I know the importance of a dog truly having all the necessary drives and courage to do the work.  It is in my experience and belief that an inferior dog can and will put the officers life in danger at some point.  I will only have a few dogs available at any point.  You will never find more dogs here than my small staff and I can handle and truly prep properly.  Please read some of the testimonials of the selected handlers I have provided dogs for.

The Stamford Police K-9 Unit

I am very proud to be one of Stamford's K-9 trainers. Being able to have gained the trust of the K-9 handlers and to be able to work under Sergeant Reida of Norwalk police department gives me great pride.  I have watched the officers of Stamford K-9 unit grow and evolve into competent dog handlers over the last two years.  I am very confident to say that these handlers have developed their dogs to the true highest level demonstrating high control under demanding circumstances and absolute reliability under realife situations.  The senior handlers, Officer Seth O'Brien and Officer Dave Dogali both show rare untiring work ethic and have devoted themselves to truly becoming the best handler possible.  Unit coordinator, O'Brien also actively seeks out new training areas and ideas to further the units knowledge demonstrating relentless passion. The unit also partakes in  attending seminars to further their learning.  It must be noted that these are not mandatory acts and show great dedication and drive not found in all K-9 units.   The newer members to the unit have also shown a strong dedication to learning and are doing well. We as a unit always strive to keep our training street wise, non routine and realistic to the environment of the handlers.  Going above and beyond is what SPD's unit is all about and I am proud to be a part of it.

Officer Seth O'Brien

I should admit that my testimonial will be biased because I consider Erich Grasso one of my few, very close friends.  This relationship began over seven years ago when I asked the vet for a reference for a “dog trainer” who could assist me with my then 10-week-old German Shepherd. The girl at the desk handed me a business card and said, “Trust me, don’t call anyone else.” Thank God I took her advice.

When I first met him, I immediately knew I was in good hands as I watched him interact and appear to effortlessly “connect” with my pup.   The real test came a few months later when my wife threatened to get rid of the dog if he didn’t stop chasing and trying to eat the cat.  So, I called Erich about this new problem and one session later Erich had taught my puppy to stop chasing the cat, but more importantly, taught my wife and me how to reinforce this behavior ourselves.  It was then that I became a believer in Erich Grasso and I knew I had met the real dog whisperer, before that other guy ever appeared on TV. [read more]


Officer Douglas Deiso

I am a new K-9 Handler for the City of Stamford Police department. I have been under the guidance of Erich Grasso since the day I received my new partner “Turbo”. Erich is not only patient, but very detailed in assisting myself and our unit in trouble shooting behavioral issues with my K-9 and others in the unit. Erich is also willing to share all of his knowledge and does not hold back his opinion on our handling skills. He is also honest with any limitations or weaknesses that need to be addressed with each of our K-9’s. Erich is a no nonsense trainer and sets the bar extremely high for police handlers and there partners. 

 

Officer David Dogali

Talk about making a first impression, Erich proved himself within the first few minutes that I met him. His experience and fast thinking actions were both impressive and effective as I witnessed him he spring into action to help another person.  He is extremely professional, respectful, and is always willing to offer advice and assistance to others.  


Officer Louis Scarano

I am a Stamford Police Officer and also a Decoy for our K-9 Unit. Erich has played an instrumental roll in the progression of our unit since it began and attends just about all of our training sessions. His vast knowledge and ability to read each of our handlers’ dogs is truly amazing.


Officer Mark Tymon

I have only been a K-9 Officer for a short time, but with the guidance of Erich Grasso, I feel much more confident with my partner " Titan". Whenever I feel like i'm having an issue, Erich is able to come up with a quick excerise to overcome it. I highly recommend Erich and Travis if you are considering a German Shepard, or are in need of a little guidance.

 

The Bridgeport Police K-9 Unit

It has been an honor serving Connecticut’s largest K-9 unit. Led by a highly dedicated and motivated Sergeant, this unit includes some distinguished dog handlers who recognize the achievement and reward gained through hard work. I personally enjoy watching the officers evolve into competent handlers as they work the streets and learn to read their dogs as their dogs learn to read them. The unit includes a two time handler Joe Morales, who is known for his exceptional K-9 work record and handling skills. Providing quality, intense, stable dogs to the K-9 unit of Bridgeport gives me great pride as I know my canine will perform to the highest standard while working in the line of duty.  An officer can confidently place his/her trust in the partnership they share with their chosen canine. I look forward to working with the City of Bridgeport for many years to come. Erich Grasso


Erich has sold dogs to state of Michigan, Florida, New Jersey and Connecticut

newtown department

 

 

Dear Erich Grasso,

Assistance with Canine Program

On behalf of the Newtown Board of Police Commissioners and the Newtown Department of Police Services, I wish to extend to you, much gratitude and thanks for your assistance to the Newtown Police Canine Program.

I am also pleased to write this letter in behalf of canine Baro and Officer Andy Stinson.  Your recent police canine training assistance on November 3, 2005, held in Newtown, as an instructor was truly appreciated.

We feel that our canine program is top notch and through your knowledgeable efforts. The program will continue to thrive. Thank you once again. If this agency or I can assist you in any way in the future please do not hesitate to call upon us.

Michael K. Kehoe
Chief of Police


k-9 Decoy

Instructors:

 
Erich Grasso K-9 Breeder and K-9 Trainer
Andy Stinson & K-9 Baro Newtown Police K-9 &
Certified K-9 Decoy
   
K-9 Handlers:
Ofc. Andy Stinson and K-9 Baro of the Newtown Police
Ofc. Steve Martins and K-9 Thor of the Ansonia Police
Ofc. Robert Joy and K-9 Roscoe of the Stratford Police
Ofc. Tom Clements and K-9 Zak of the Stratford Police
Ofc. Dennis Bradshaw and K-9 Justice of the Monroe Police
   

Course Outline:
This will be a one day course to teach those attending how to properly decoy for a Police K-9. This course will cover identifying and wearing the different pieces of K-9 Decoying Equipment, such as the hard bite sleeve, soft bite sleeve, hidden bite sleeve and the bite suit. This course will also teach different techniques of how to “catch” the K-9 with the least amount of risk to the decoy and the K-9. This course will further teach the attendees the proper techniques for Muzzle fighting, as well as, learning to read the different behaviors in the K-9. Click here for more


Officer Mark Martocchio - Bridgeport K-9

dogI have known Erich Grasso for years and have trained with him on several occasions. Erich has a wide knowledge of dog training and has been an asset to me personally. As a K-9 handler, I have trained with Erich and he has been very helpful and is very dedicated to the people he works with. I recommend Erich Grasso, owner of Grasso's Shepherds, for the purchase of a purebread line German shepherd, or for training of your German Shepherd.


Officer Justin Rigney - Police K-9 - breeder/trainer

German ShepherdWhat sets Erich apart from his competitors and peers is his deep insight of the dogs instinctual drives and functions. This ability provides an intangible element that allows a trainer truly connect with an animal. It is what I call "Touch". Many trainers possess the skills to teach a dog, but they are very mechanical in their delivery, lacking a true connection with the dogs spirit. Erich possesses this "touch" not only with his skills as a trainer, but in the crucial area of puppy raising. Click here for full testimonial

 

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Sergeant Kevin M. Gilleran - Bridgeport K-9

Titus German Shepherd

"In the past, Erich Grasso has provided the Bridgeport Police Department K-9 Corps with excellent quality German Shepherds. It is important that all canines assigned to our unit have the top qualities needed for police work. The prospective handler and his canine are required to endure a rigorous 15 week program that many do not complete. Most recently, in December of 2008, Officer Daniel Gomez Jr. and K-9 Cooper graduated from the Connecticut State Police K-9 Academy. Cooper was provided by Erich Grassos Shepherds.  This K-9 team is currently working in the City of Bridgeport. 

Erich's excellent knowledge of working dogs has made him a credible and reliable provider. He is a professional with German Shepherds that come highly recommended". Sergeant Kevin M. Gilleran

Click here to view the video


Officer Joe Morales - Bridgeport K-9

MoralesIf you are looking for a top of the line German Shepherd look no further!

As an 11 year K-9 handler, I am lucky and honored to have met Erich. He has helped me become a better dog handler with both my police dogs; retired K-9 Brix and currently working K-9 Riko. I can only speak highly of Erich’s work ethics and dedication not only because I know Erich personally, but to my knowledge he has always had a great animal instinct, and love for animals. He is a true dog whisperer and he is the real deal. He is very personable, very dedicated to his job. He has great dog sense, excellent knowledge of behavior aspects of dogs, and exceptional knowledge on their diets. My K-9 Riko has been on a raw meat diet recommended by Erich. It has resulted on excellent health and great performance.

Erich is a Great German Shepherd breeder of work line and show line Shepherds. I can attest to seeing both lines. Erich is dedicated to finding the right match for a dog handler or pet owner. He will go above and beyond to meet your expectations.

He has rode along with me numerous times while I’m patrolling, he has great understanding of police dogs, he show great interest observing police dogs in their work environment. Erich is very dedicated to the Bridgeport Police Department K-9-Unit. I have come across other dog breeders and trainers and Erich stands out as one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable one I have ever known.

I feel very confident recommending Erich and know you will be totally satisfied with your new dog.


Trooper Jason Cassavechia - State Police

k9 German Shepherd

New Recruites

"I raised him and after this program I trust him of being my best backup. Obedience, obstacles, aggression work, tracking, you have to be able to motivate them to do all these things." Trooper Jason Cassavechia

Click here to view Channel 8 News video

Watch Full Report

Gomez

Erich with Trooper Cassevechia and
K-9 Luger on graduation day




Newest K-9 graduate - K-9 Trace BPT Police

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Nike - Yonkers Police K-9
Rush - New Jersey Police K-9
Nenja -New Jersey Police K-9
Trace - Bridgeport Police K-9
Bane - Greenwich, CT Project Safe

 

Meet Our Retired K-9s

The beginning of a K-9s career is always the focus, the end of the career is just as important...

Retired K-9 Luger Bridgeport K-9 Police Unit, Handled by Officer Mark Martocchio

dogK-9 Luger of the Bridgeport Police Department  recently retired in 2011 due to injury.  Luger handled by a exceptional handler, Officer Martocchio.  I still remember the first day Luger and Martocchio were matched up.  Senior Handler Officer Morales and I met Luger and Martocchio at 90 Acres park.  An eager Martocchio was filled with questions as the pair got acquainted.  Little did they know that was the beginning of an exemplary career.  Luger and Officer Martocchio are a recognized team statewide.  Their accomplishments on the street over the last 6 years have exceeded most teams.  Luger's retirement due to injury was sudden and a relentless Martocchio and I were lucky enough to find an exceptional vet, Dr. Angela Erickson.

After a few sessions with Dr. Erickson, Luger improved immensely and lives a comfortable life here with me for his retired years.  Having the opportunity to see the teamwork on the road many of times over the last 6 years has created a huge amount of respect and loyalty on my part.  For the record, some vets told Martocchio that Luger couldn't be helped.  It was he that didn't accept that and seeked out alternative methods.  If anyone ever has any spine related injuries occur to their K-9 or pet, please check into Dr. Erickson for chiropractic & acupuncture treatments.

           


 


Retired Police K-9 Stoki

Stoki retired from Stamford police K-9 unit at the age of 5 due to injury.  Officer Seth O'Brien worked extremely hard with K-9 Stoki right from the very beginning. I know that K-9 Stoki taught Office O'Brien a lot in his years and he will carry it with him forever.  Officer O'Brien also ensured that K-9 Stoki would retire with a supreme quality of life. He and I were able to find a forever retirement home on a 13-acre farm in Indiana where Stoki now resides. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Retired Police K-9 Brix

Retired K-9 Brix, Bridgeport police K-9 unit, handled by Sergeant Joe Morales. A truly famous K-9 team in CT, Sergeant Morales and Brix were an amazing team. Brix was nearly human as I have seen him work on the road on many calls. Joe has the natural ability with dogs to communicate and create a K-9 partner that can rationalize beyond belief. Joe also made sure Brix enjoyed his retired years in a loving home he deserved.