Help name OSP’s newest La Grande K9!
By Terry Murry on Friday, June 5th, 2026 in Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
SALEM – The Oregon State Police’s newest K-9 recruit is in need of an official name. The 1-year-old red Labrador retriever is training to help protect Oregon’s natural resources as part of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation K-9 program.
Up until now, he has called Good Dog, and OSP says they’ll probably continue that, but it’s time the dog which will be based in La Grande was given an official name. OSP has decided to launch a dog naming contest for children aged 9-17.
Because the K9 will be a part of the Fish and Wildlife Division, his new name should be something that is suggestive of wildlife, fish, or the outdoors world. There are currently two dogs assigned to the division. Scout and Drake are stationed in Bend and Springfield.
The deadline for entries is June 14 and they must be submitted using the OSP online entry form. OSP will accept only one entry per youth aged 9-17. Finalists will be selected from the submitted entries and then statewide voting will be held to determine the winner.
The young person with the winning entry will have a chance to meet the K9 and receive recognition items from the Oregon State Police.
OSP’s K9 program began in 2018 with Buck, who recently retired. Fish and Wildlife K9s receive specialized training in wildlife detection, human tracking, and area searches. They support investigations into the illegal taking of birds, wildlife and fish.
The dogs are trained to detect deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl, salmon, and sturgeon. They also can detect firearms, shell casings and other items containing gunpowder residue. These dogs have been instrumental during investigations into poaching, missin persons, and other criminal activities.
OSP photo of Good Dog, who needs a name
