POST FALLS - The newest addition to the Post Falls Police Department weighs just 75 pounds.

He stands about 3 feet tall.

He doesn't carry a gun, Taser or pepper spray, either.

One look, one bark, one growl, is all that's necessary, and suspects quickly calm down.

Meet Andor.

"He definitely has an effect to the positive to de-escalate a lot of situations," said Post Falls police officer Jason Hunt.

The 2-year-old Andor and 33-year-old Hunt form the department's second K-9 unit. Along with officer Frank Bowne and Koda, also a German shepherd, they give the city 24-hour K-9 coverage.

Post Falls Sgt. Mark Brantl said the K-9 units are double the work, but the benefits are many for the city.

"Without a canine there, people don't give up as easy," Bowne said. "It puts a little pause in their mind."

Hunt agreed. He said Andor is a great deterrent when it comes to crime.

If, for example, police are searching a building, announce they have a police dog and call for a suspect to come out, they usually get instant cooperation.

"People give up," he said.

Bowne said few want to fight a ferocious German shepherd.

"That's exactly what you want," he said.

There are other benefits.

"We have these belts of guns, Tasers, we can send him, deploy him, the suspect surrenders I can call him back," Hunt said. "You can't call a bullet back. You can't call a Taser dart back."

"This is the only tool we have that can't be used against us," Bowne added.

It's another level of protection for police, too.

"By sending the dog, we keep officers out of harm's way," he said.

Hunt and Andor were recently certified for patrol and will be sworn in during tonight's City Council meeting at City Hall.

They met at Adlerhorst International Inc., police K-9 dog training academy in Riverside, Calif., where they trained for six weeks last year. There was a bonding period for handler and crime-fighting companion.

"It was just a good match," Hunt said. "We got along right off the bat."

Andor, valued around $10,000, was selected from about five canine candidates.

Hunt said little bothers Andor. He had the temperament, social skills and obedience they were looking for in a police dog. He didn't flinch when guns were fired. When asked to enter dark rooms, he went.

"He didn't hesitate to engage the decoy," Hunt said.

Because Andor was raised and trained in Germany, Hunt gives commands in German. He also has learned to read Andor's body language as he sniffs for evidence or people.

Andor can search buildings and track and take down suspects when necessary.

During a recent training exercise, he quickly sniffered out Brantl, hiding and wearing a protective suit. Seconds later, he clamped his jaws on Brantl's protected arm, holding him as he would a suspect.

He'll be trained later to find narcotics. He'll also be an ambassador of sorts for the city, visiting schools and being at community events.

Only about 5 percent of a police dog's work is involved in apprehension. The other 95 is spent looking for people or evidence, thanks to their highly sensitive sniffers.

When on duty, Andor can be fierce if the situations call for it. He'll snarl, bark and lunge. Most suspects want nothing to do with him.

"He tends to de-escalate situations just on the psychological factor alone," Hunt said.

When on patrol, Andor rides in the back of their Dodge Charger.

"He's pretty relaxed in the car," Hunt said. "He'll lay down until I either slow down, stop or turn. He'll stand up to see what's going on."

Andor lives with the Hunt family and at their home is calm, social and friendly. Tail wags, tongue hangs out and he loves to play.

"Especially when there's a toy involved. He's motivated to get that toy," Hunt said.

Andor gets along well with Sergeant, their other German shepherd, and follows commands of Hunt's 7-year-old son, too.

"He knows the difference between when we're here and when we're at home," Hunt said.

Hunt, a former Press photographer, is a Project CDA graduate. The four-year Post Falls police officer loves being partners with Andor, but admits it's not easy. There is grooming, continued training, feeding Andor six cups a day and looking after him 24/7.

"It is a ton of work, but it's well worth it," Hunt said. "He's awesome."

Support the K-9s

The second Leashes and Laces is 10 a.m. March 18. The 5K fun run/walk is at the Greyhound Park and Event Center. It is a Post Falls police K-9 fundraiser.

The entry fee of $25 includes a T-shirt and medal. Trophies will be awarded to the top finishers. There will be a PF police K-9 demonstration and best-dressed dog contest.

Race day registration is welcome. Forms are available at Post Falls City Hall and www.postfallspolice.com.