GRAPHIC: K-9 caught being punched by handler in Calif.; police defends training incident A passerby caught a dog handler appearing to strike his K-9, but authorities said it's a part of the K-9 training. By KOVR staff | January 1, 2021 at 8:07 AM CST - Updated January 1 at 10:26 AM VACAVILLE, Calif. (KOVR) - A police department said part of its dog-training program could legitimately involve punching them in the face. It’s defending that practice after a horrified witness captured video of the incident. “I can still remember hearing the dog crying,” Roberto Palomino said. Tucked between two trailers, Palomino saw something he said he’ll never forget.