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Fairchild military working dogs train for success

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Military working dogs and their handlers practice their skills on a daily basis to defend Team Fairchild against all threats. These canines assist their handlers in several tasks such as performing security patrols or detecting explosives.

There are eight dogs currently assigned to the 92nd Security Forces Squadron that go through training just like Airmen. The initial training they go through is conducted at the MWD center at Joint Base San Antonio Lackland, Texas, which is a dog's version of "basic training."

"Once initially trained in the basics, they get sent out to the Department of Defense," said Tech. Sgt. Levi Wilson, 92nd SFS kennel master. "And from there, it's up to the trainers and handlers to advance the dogs."

The working dogs, like our Airmen, also train daily to receive their five and seven skill levels. They are trained to advance by being put in different scenarios and training exercises.

"We always train them in obedience and the obstacle course," Wilson said. "We also train them in detection and patrol work."

According to Wilson, they always take the MWDs out, whether it is detection work or patrol work, as long as they are out doing some sort of training.

"The trainers give different scenarios to the dog team to get them thinking," he said. "They range from bomb threats, booby traps, roadway searches for improvised explosive devices and double decoys for patrol work."

Handlers try to make their training as realistic as possible, so when a situation arises, both the dog and the handler have confidence to perform and be mission ready.

As handlers, they are told to avoid becoming attached to their dogs. In truth, no stronger bond exists than that of a handler and their canine partner, added Wilson.