Ranger Rex has joined the law enforcement ranks at Grand Canyon National Park/Courtesy of Grand Canyon Williams News/Erin Ford

Grand Canyon National Park has a new addition to its Visitor and Resource Protection Division, K9 Ranger Rex. A Belgian Malinois, Rex is a police dog trained and certified in narcotics detection, handler protection, building and area search, object and person tracking, patrol work and suspect apprehension.  

Originally from Holland, Rex was chosen through a highly-selective process carried out by NPS Canine Program Director Todd Austin. A seasoned ranger, Rex previously worked at Lake Mead National Recreation Area before joining his new handler, U.S Park Ranger David Robinson, at Grand Canyon National Park in June of this year. Before arriving to the park, Ranger Robinson participated in an intensive six-week training program to bond with Rex. That training involved spending large parts of the day together eating, walking, playing and training for the specific needs of Grand Canyon.

"Each park is so different that you can't really copy and paste programs over," Ranger Robinson said, noting that Grand Canyon's program follows guidelines set forth by NPS and customizes the program to fit the park's particular needs. "There's a big difference between Lake Mead, Grand Canyon, and, say, Yosemite, in the needs of the dog and the needs of the program."

Visitors and community members can expect to see Ranger Rex on patrol throughout the Grand Canyon area and participating in public education programs at schools and community events.  When Ranger Rex is on-duty he is treated as a law enforcement ranger and should not be treated as a pet. When you see the K9 team, don't hesitate to say hello, just make sure to check with Ranger Robinson before interacting with Ranger Rex.

Through positive reinforcement, Rex recognizes Ranger Robinson as friend and handler. Similar to other law enforcement dogs, Rex exhibits both a calm demeanor and quick response to his handler's commands, which are in German, the language Rex is most familiar with.  Ranger Robinson is constantly training and monitoring Rex to ensure he performs to the best of his best abilities. In addition to surveillance and detection, Rex is also trained to provide backup for Ranger Robinson. The two travel in a specially equipped law enforcement vehicle adjusted to fit Rex's cage, monitor temperature inside the vehicle. It also is outfitted with an automatic door. After work and training, Rex relaxes in Ranger Robinson's household, where his kennel is located.

Law enforcement dogs require someone who knows how to handle them after they retire. At 4 years old, Ranger Rex has a few years of work at Grand Canyon before he enjoys retirement and joins the Robinson household as their pet.