Some local stray dogs are getting a new ""leash"" on life, thanks to a program offered by a local company that trains working dogs for law enforcement agencies.

KSAT 12 News first reported on Universal K9's grant program in 2013, which rescues dogs from San Antonio area shelters, trains them and then turns them over to police departments free of charge.

Monday was the first day of training for a new class of officers, who start the two-week training program run by Universal K9's instructors.