MARYSVILLE, Ohio — Tucked behind the Ohio State Highway Patrol post in Marysville is a facility where some of the state’s most important law enforcement officers begin their careers — four-legged ones.

Police canines from departments across Ohio come to this quiet training ground to prepare for roles that include drug detection, tracking suspects and even finding missing people.

The training program, which runs 10 weeks, starts with the basics and builds up to specialized skills.

“They learn everything it takes to start from ground zero, not even knowing their name, all the way up to patrol work, area searches, narcotics detection, obedience and even a bit of academic instruction,” said Sgt. Matt Ruth, one of the canine trainers at the facility.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol used to ou

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