Your Town Minocqua: Law Dogs Driver Education pairs students with cops

When kids are old enough to begin driver's ed, they're excited just to get behind the wheel of a car. But a driving school in Minocqua offers a teaching experience like no other.

Law Dogs Driver Education pairs students with law enforcement officers, who, through their own experiences, teach them the rules of the road.

"So we started Law Dogs about five years ago. We were looking for how can we give back to the community with the skill set that we already have," said Ty Peterson, Owner of Law Dogs Driver Education.

Peterson is currently a full-time police officer, but still helps teach young drivers the rules of driving.

"Being a police officer for over 20 years, we thought we have the skill set of knowing the laws, knowing the area, why don't we try to put that to good use? So my wife and I sat down and we created Law Dogs," said Peterson.

All of the instructors are full-time officers, retired law enforcement officials, or people that have a law enforcement background.

"We just felt that most parents find that it would be a good fit to have a police officer sitting next to their student as they were learning how to drive," said Peterson.

"We can actually share those experiences with the students, and let them know some of the things we've seen throughout our careers that they need to look out for as they begin their driving," said David Gardner, a driving instructor with Law Dogs.

Those going through the course learn how to drive while also learning the rules of the road directly from officers. It also establishes a unique connection between kids and cops.

"The students are fun. They listen well, and we've had great success with them passing," said Gardner.

"I think it's a very smart idea because they already know all the rules and laws when it comes to driving, and they can help you a lot better," said Logan James, a student learning through Law Dogs.

The organization makes sure students are prepared before hitting the road on their own.

"We're really able to stress the important skills that they need to drive safely. And that's what it's all about is really getting them that foundation. That solid skill set of doing everything by the book," said Peterson.

Law Dogs Driver Education serves those in Oneida, Iron and Vilas counties.