Working dogs: keeping MCRD safe

Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Sgt. Andrew Johnson, kennel master, tries to get Sita, military working dog, worked up again to continue bite work training Dec. 1, as Sita's handler Cpl. Christian Gallego holds her back until he's ready for her to attack. Working dogs are breeds that desire to please their handlers and are capable of long periods of training. These breeds usually consist of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois for the military. Since the dogs want to please their handler, it makes it easier for them to build rapport which is an important aspect of the dog-handler relationship.  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

12.09.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Crystal Druery 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego       

SAN DIEGO - Every week Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego has hundreds of recruit families coming through its gates. The Provost Marshal’s Office canine unit works around the clock, sniffing out trouble and ensuring the depot’s safety.

The canine unit searches hundreds of cars each week, upholding the Marine Corps zero tolerance policy on drugs and keeping the depot free of explosive devices and weapons. Six military working dogs in the unit are trained to detect explosives and narcotics while searching vehicles and patrolling base.

“The working dogs provide a resource that no human can do,” said Sgt. Andrew Johnson, kennel master, Headquarters and Service Battalion.

The dogs’ ability to smell narcotics and explosives makes them a valuable asset. When the dogs find something, they sit and the handler can see a change in the dog’s behavior, said Lance Cpl. Christina Hill, canine handler, Headquarters and Service Battalion.

Each dog is paired with a handler. These handlers are military police that are selected from their primary job to advance to canine handler due to their outstanding military proficiency. After on-the-job training, new handlers are sent to a three-month basic handler’s school.

“The school has its challenges because it’s all new and you’re working with multiple stubborn dogs,” said Hill.

Once handlers get back from school they work up to becoming a partner with a working dog. They have a month to build rapport and discipline with the dog before they go out on patrols.

“The handlers are paired up with dogs that have similar personalities. Strong handlers are matched up with strong dogs,” said Johnson.

Working dogs are breeds that desire to please their handlers and capable of long periods of training. These breeds usually consist of German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois for the military. Since the dogs want to please their handler, it makes it easier for them to build rapport which is an important aspect of the dog-handler relationship.

“It’s a partnership, not a working relationship,” said Cpl. Christian Gallego, canine handler, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “In our line of work it’s good to know your partner is reliable. I know she has my back and she knows I have hers.”

To ensure the dogs are willing to protect their handlers under any circumstances, they undergo gun fire training each month, said Johnson. This can consist of gun fire while doing bite work or searching for narcotics and explosives to makes sure the dogs don’t fear loud noises.

While MCRD doesn’t have any significant threats, the base does have a lot of recruit families who try to come on the base with medical marijuana, said Johnson. While this is a concern, Johnson said, they have a higher concern for explosives coming on the depot, so they usually use explosive dogs while searching cars. Suspicious packages are often called in on Thursdays and Fridays from families leaving things behind on accident.

A handler comes in at 5 a.m. to feed the dogs and clean their kennels, and then start their daily patrols. Normal base operations for the canine unit are searching recreational vehicles, buildings and walking patrols.

“My dog and I have a wonderful working relationship. She’s always very excited and eager to work with me every day,” said Gallego, North Bergen, N.J., native.

Gallego has been working the MCRD kennels since January 2009 and said it’s a very unique experience to be able to work with a military working dog, since not many people get the opportunity. It has its challenges though, said Gallego.

“The diversity is challenging. You have to be the best as a Marine, military police and canine at all times,” said Gallego, who believes the rewards of the job outweigh the difficulties.

While the working dogs of MCRD are hard at work keeping the base safe from explosives and narcotics, they do get downtime with their handlers to help build and keep rapport. The dogs are constantly training but enjoy it at the same time.

“Training is constant. There are always new aspects, and the dogs and handlers can always advance,” said Johnson.

• Date Taken: 12.09.2011
• Date Posted: 12.21.2011 19:13
• Story ID: 81651
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US