Three "F's" handlers, trainers, and canines live by are firm, fair, fun.

That's according to long-time dog handler Gene England.

Apprehension, searching for narcotics, and obedience are tests new canine officer's and their new partners train for at Gene England's Advance K-9 Academy in Scottsville.

Jamie Lampton with the Hopkins County Sheriff's Department says this is something he has always wanted.

"I'm learning to trust my new partner. If he indicates there's dope in the car, it's there," Lampton explains.

His new canine partner is Kane.

The new team graduated from an eight week course at the academy.

"I can wait to put what we've learned into action and get some stuff off the streets," Lampton says.

England has been training handlers and dogs for the past 30 years.

"The major thing we have to push through is partnering the right dog with the right human," England says.

For the past 8 weeks England and one of his trainers, Dustain Vance, have been creating real life scenarios for officers from Ohio, Hopkins, Graves and Butler Counties.

"I've always told all my officers, 'these dogs will make a hero out of you,'" England says.

Vance says at the end of a course it's evident a bond is formed.

"We always see that relationship grow and develop," he says, "they need to be united."

These dogs become more than just partners at work, but also, companions in life.

"I have a wife and two kids. My six year old loves to play with him. I haven't had any problems," Lampton says.

If you would like to get a first hand account of what new canine officers and their partners learn over an eight week course check out the video.