DNR Using Dog to Find Invasive Zebra Mussels [VIDEO]

ST. CLOUD -- Brady may look like your typical golden retriever mixed dog, but there's more to him.

"He sniffs out for venison, guns, and ammunition," says Julie Siems Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer and Brady's handler. 

He's got a nose that can detect many things, among that is zebra mussels.

He was surrendered by his owner to a shelter and since spring of 2013, he's become one of two trained zebra mussel-sniffing dogs, used by the Minnesota DNR, in fighting to stop the spread of invasive species in lakes and rivers.

Today six-year-old Brady and his handler Siems attracted a crowd outside of the River's Edge Convention Center, for the second Aquatic Invaders Summit, and in a matter of seconds, Brady went to work.

"They learn over time that, hey if I find this odor, get my nose next to it and sit down. Then I get my ball"

After he's done working, Siems rewards him with what he loves the most, his ball.

"He works for his ball, it's just a big game for him"

The DNR is hoping to get six to ten dogs in the future like Brady, but Siems says it takes time and the right dog willing to work for a ball.