Roll over, Lassie. Make way, Rin Tin Tin. Sorry, Benji. Scooby Doo, get lost.

Tazer is top dog. Among show dogs and police dogs, the frisky canine is the best at what it does.

Mower County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Ellis and his canine partner, Tazer, swept the top awards at the 2002 U.S. Police Canine Association national field trials at Plant City, Fla. held Oct. 4-12.

Tazer and his handler came home with first-place awards for apprehension, region team competition, overall performance and search.

In addition, Tazer was named recipient of the "Top Dog" award for most outstanding canine among the 128 canines competing.

"He was great," said Ellis. "Just great. I'm really proud of him."

Tazer is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois breed dog, who was trained and certified for public safety duties with the sheriff's deputy last spring.

He is Ellis' second canine partner. The first, Cleo, was "traded" to another law enforcement agency in return for the new canine partner of Chief Deputy Terese Amazi.

Two months ago, the Ellis-Tazer tandem finished first in regional field trials. Tazer was named the top rookie or first-year canine and best overall canine in the competition among 60 dogs.

The successfully performances mean the dog and its handler are an unbeatable combination.

Ellis also credited Austin Police Department patrolman Ryan Leif with Tazer's success. Leif joined the handler and his dog at the national field trials and worked as a "runner" in the apprehension skills contests.

Chief Deputy Amazi praised Tazer and other canine units, saying, "They can do things officers cannot do. They're an invaluable resource to law enforcement." Amazi and her canine partner will be placed into service sometime later this year for the Sheriff's Department.

According to Ellis, weather conditions were hot with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s -- and humid at the national field trials.

Despite the weather, Tazer dominated and Ellis said he wasn't surprised. "He has a high-play drive and a high level of confidence," the deputy said. "He wants to do whatever he can do to please me and he wants to have fun. And, he thinks he's the best at what he does.

"All working police dogs think what they do is play and not work and Tazer is just like that," he said.

Florida dogs, used to the heat and humidity, were among the top placing dogs behind Tazer.

Only seven points separated Tazer's top overall finish from the second-place canine.

Tazer and Ellis returned to duty for the Mower County Sheriff's Department Monday night.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com