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Photo: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Timothy Castillo, 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, checks his dog, Axa, for any bites, swellings and abnormal growths that could prevent him from performing everyday duties Aug. 10, 2015, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Military working dog handlers are trained with emergency field veterinary skills to keep the dog healthy while deployed; however, the base veterinary staff cares for the dogs on a day-to-day basis while at home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield/Released)
Posted 9/23/2015 by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield, 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

9/23/2015 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- With ears up, eyes open and not a single movement until a command is given by their handler, military working dogs display great discipline and obedience.

 Military working dogs begin their training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, between the ages of 1 and 2 years old and go through the 60 - 90 day Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program.

 During the program the dogs are taught to detect drugs and explosives. The dogs are bred by the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland and are raised until they qualify for the program. The handlers also receive training through the 11-week Military Working Dog Handler course to learn fundamentals before working with a dog.

 "During the Military Working Dog Handler course, I learned a lot, such as on- and off-leash obedience and patrol, which is searching a perimeter to look for anything suspicious," said Staff Sgt. Sean Davis, 7th Security Forces military working dog handler. "I also learned about detection, which is how we find narcotics or explosives."
 In addition to learning how to work with a MWD, handlers are taught emergency field veterinary care. This veterinary care allows the handler to be fully responsible for their dog and to ensure they remain healthy while in the deployed environment.

 "We are the first responders for our canines," said Staff Sgt. Sean Tice, 7TH SF MWD handler. "We give them the basic care needed, which includes IVs, CPR and splinting. We also perform a daily health check for sores, cuts, abnormal growths and bites."
 While MWD handlers receive their initial training at Lackland, the real training begins when handlers arrive at their first duty station, where they are assigned their first MWD.

 "The training never stops, as there is always something that can be improved," Tice said. "The basics are taught at Lackland, and when they arrive here, it is up to the handler to bring their dog up to standards with the other dogs."

 Training becomes a critical part for the performance level required of the duo to prepare them for deployments, home stations and special duties.

 Deployments can bring unexpected and difficult situations, especially when the dogs and handlers are in locations where there is a greater risk of explosives. The handler and the dog often lead units because the dog can sense the dangers before it's too late.

 "I've been on deployments tasked with special forces and the Army, clearing buildings, roads and doing vehicle searches, "Davis said.

 While deployments pose a much greater risk for danger, there is still a possibility this danger lurks at home. The handler and their partner continue to perform their searches for explosives and narcotics and clearing buildings both on and off-base while at their home stations.

 "I've had to clear a number of buildings off-base." Davis said. "I've had to clear high schools, hospitals, shopping centers and the court house."
 When not deployed, the MWD and their handler may be tasked with a special-duty mission. During big events, such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and other major populous events, security is increased heavily due to the amount of people who attend. MWDs and their handlers help enforce security, by patrolling the area, acting as a deterrent or simply being on stand-by. Theses duties can also serve as an opportunity to create a bond between handler and dog by relying on each other to carry out their mission.

 "My relationship with my dog didn't happen overnight," Tice said. "It took time to form a bond and trust each other."

 The characteristics between the handler and their dog is crucial, a disconnect in personalities can cause an uninspiring friendship between the duo. Learning to work with a partner of a different character is one way to conquer a fragile relationship.
 "Every dog has their own personality, which makes them unique," Tice said. "They know when it's time to work and when it's time to play. My dog is playful at heart and loves to have fun when he is off-duty, and when on-duty, my dog is focused and serious."

 The personalities of both the handler and dog help them become best friends and have a deep relationship.

 Losing a dog, where an endless relationship has been grown, can have a lasting effect on the handler.

 "Recently, I lost my first canine that was assigned to me named Jonny," Davis said sorrowfully. "Losing him was like losing a part of my family. I always thought of Jonny as my son and my best friend. Even though I wasn't his handler at the time of his death, he was still my best friend."

 Throughout their careers, the relationship between the handler and MDWs have made this duo a great asset to the Air Force. They become a deterrent for bases, and with the ability to sniff out narcotics and explosives, they have the potential to save many lives.

 "I would say that we have one of the most rewarding jobs in the Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Daren Marshall, 7th Security Forces military working dog trainer. "It is rewarding to see all of our hard work and training that we put into these dogs pay off, with them being the best source of detection far superior to any machine."

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