Military working dogs go the mile

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Since the new physical training standards came into effect, the military working dog handlers at the 23rd Security Forces Squadron are working to also keep their dogs in shape.

The members of the squadron not only fight alongside their K-9s, they train with them as well. When the handlers train for their PT test ,they are not just thinking about themselves passing but also if their dog will meet the requirements.

One of the most important aspects each handler must focus on is keeping their dog fit to accomplish the mission.

"Our dogs must be in top shape and ready to deploy with their handler," said Tech Sgt. Joseph Boyce, 23rd SFS training manager. "The veterinarians give us strict weight restrictions for the dogs as well as an exact amount of food for each meal. If the dogs are not exercising, they become overweight and have to work that weight off."

The handlers have a regiment they complete with their dog every week in order to maintain a healthy weight.

"The regiment starts off by stretching out the dog's muscles," said Sergeant Boyce. "Just like a human's muscles, a dog's muscle must be stretched out before exercising. There are several methods to exercise the dogs such as an obstacle course which shows the amount of control the handler has with his dog."

Another way they keep the dogs as well as themselves in shape is by running around base with an 80-pound ruck sack. The ruck sacks contain everything from a change of uniform and new boots to medical supplies and food for their dogs.

In addition, the handlers are the main caregivers for the dogs both at home station and in deployed locations.

"We clean the dog cages and provide them food and water," said Sergeant Boyce. "The dogs need to be healthy when they deploy in order to work in the heat and sustain the high tempo of the job they perform."

Other than the physical wellness of the dogs, the handlers also build a bond with the dogs.

"You need to have that 'something special' with your dog in order to trust one another," said Staff Sgt. David Bollin, 23rd SFS MWD handler. "That trust leads to a more effective team."

Sergeant Bollin has been a handler for two years and now works with Ficko, a 5-year-old black German Sheppard. Ficko is a detection dog that is used to track down homemade explosives.

"Having that trust between the handler and his dog is crucial in our job," said Sergeant Bollin. "When you are deployed, you have him for support and you can always rely on him. You have to watch his back and in turn, he will watch yours."

Military working dogs are used in many scenarios to include patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.