Fort Providence (Feb 14/03) - Isaac's keen sense of smell could make drug dealers break into a sweat.

The Labrador retriever put his training on display for students in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program at Deh Gah school last week.

Students at Deh Gah school had a chance to get chummy with Isaac, who, like most dogs, loves attention. - photo courtesy of Fort Providence RCMP

Accompanied by handler Staff Sgt. Tom Steggles, of RCMP headquarters in Yellowknife, Isaac showed off his flair for uncovering hidden drugs. While the Grade 5/6 students sat in the gym, Staff Sgt. Steggles introduced himself and talked about his background. He also discussed Isaac's training and said the two of them have been together for three years.

Then Isaac was brought in to find a bag with the scent of drugs on it.

"He was smelling stuff, like the walls," said Shelly Sanderson, 12. "It was a good dog."

When Isaac discovered the bag he sat still. Steggles rewarded Isaac by giving him a reward -- his favourite tennis ball -- and praising him.

Student Gavin Head, 12, said the dog was "nice."

Teacher Chris Pyke was equally impressed by the canine.

"The kids could see that animals have a positive role to play in drug detection and even bomb detection and things like that," said Pyke, who added that there was clearly a strong bond between Steggles and the dog.

Const. Darren Ruben, the DARE instructor in Fort Providence, requested that Steggles and Isaac make an appearance.

"They (the students) couldn't wait for the dog to come in," Ruben said. "After he (Steggles) did the demonstration with the kids and their backpacks, he gave them a chance to pat Isaac and play with him."