Partners practive perpetrator pouncing

Photo By Cpl. Joseph Karwick | Military working dog Ronny takes a bite out of Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Watson, a Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron military working dog handler, after being provoked at the MWD obstacle course here Feb. 15. As soon as Watson was compliant to the commands of Ronny’s handler Ronny released him.  

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

02.24.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Joseph Karwick 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Japan - Military working dogs go through constant training and physical
conditioning to perform at the top of their game here. MWDs are put through several training exercises such as patrolling, scouting, detection and basic obedience to help them perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

“It is highly important to keep the dogs performing at their A-game,” said Cpl. Cody J. Bell, Provost Marshals Office canine handler.

Bell’s partner, Ronny, is eight years old and has been working with Bell since Dec. 2010. Ronny has been a working dog here for six years. During a patrol aggression training exercise, the dogs and handlers trained how to maneuver obstacles in an urban environment.

Also, the dogs and handlers went over procedures and tactics to
apprehend fleeing suspects, lead detained suspects, as well as what to do if the detainee tries to escape or resist apprehension.

Putting on the bite suit was Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Watson, PMO canine handler. Watson’s mission in the exercise was to act as a suspect trying to flee from the handler.

After the dog has successfully taken control of the suspect, the handler comes to the dog’s side and calls the dog off so they may
properly arrest the suspect. As the handler leads the suspect away, the dog’s watchful and alert gaze never leaves the suspect.

Should he try to escape again, the dogs are trained to react and protect their handlers by ensuring the suspect remains under firm control.

“The first time I was bit was scary,” said Watson. “It does not hurt too badly and it’s very beneficial to the dogs.”

Suspect takedowns are a common part of MWD training exercises.

“Training like this builds teamwork and partnership between the dog
and handler,” said Lance Cpl. Mikal A. Patterson, PMO canine handler.

Patterson has been a handler for approximately a year with his partner Azra. Azra is a five-year old Belgian Malinois who has been here for two and a half years.

MWDs will perform their duties until they are no longer able to, in which case several options are available to them.

The dogs being out processed will be sent back to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

There, the dogs can become training aids, be adopted by civilian personnel, or depending on medical status, humanely euthanized.

“They take care of the dogs to the best of their abilities and do all they can for them,” said Bell.

The K-9s undergo constant training to maintain and advance their unique skill set. Like their human handlers, MWDs, must be primed, prepped and ready to pounce at a moment’s notice to keep station residents safe.

• Date Taken: 02.24.2012
• Date Posted: 07.01.2012 11:57
• Story ID: 90943
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP