Foto's Military Working Dogs (MWD)

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USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

UNITED STATES
04.13.2017
NORFOLK, Va. (April 13, 2017) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Mitchell Wade, from Handover, Penn., and his K-9 partner Lion standby on the quarterdeck after conducting substance detection drills aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are currently underway conducting a sustainment exercise in support of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer)

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USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

UNITED STATES
04.13.2017
NORFOLK, Va. (April 13, 2017) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Dereck Olsen, from Racine, Wisc., and his K-9 partner Earl conduct substance detection drills aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are currently underway conducting a sustainment exercise in support of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer)

NORFOLK, Va. (April 13, 2017) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Dereck Olsen, from Racine, Wisc., and his K-9 partner Earl conduct substance detection drills aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are currently underway conducting a sustainment exercise in support of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer)

NORFOLK, Va. (April 13, 2017) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Dereck Olsen, from Racine, Wisc., and his K-9 partner Earl conduct substance detection drills aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike). Ike and its carrier strike group are currently underway conducting a sustainment exercise in support of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew J. Sneeringer)

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Exercise Ridge Runner 2017

WV, UNITED STATES
02.23.2017
A canine unit with the West Virginia State Police assists U.S. Special Operations Forces and interagency joint partners with the West Virginia and Pennsylvania National Guard in partnering with special operations forces soldiers from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in an escape and evasion training exercise event as part of Exercise Ridge Runner Feb. 23, 2017 in West Virginia. Ridge Runner is an exercise hosted by the West Virginia National Guard involving U.S. and NATO special operations forces focused on unconventional warfare. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Smith)

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Snapshot: MWD Cuervo retires

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES
04.14.2017
Military Working Dog Cuervo, N622, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Security Forces Squadron, lays in front of Senior Airman Alexander Cormier, 436th SFS MWD handler, during Cuervo’s retirement ceremony April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Lt. Col. Dana Metzger, 436th SFS commander, was the officiating officer for the ceremony, which paid special tribute to Cuervo’s faithful and dedicated service to the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

At his retirement ceremony, Military Working Dog Cuervo, N622, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Security Forces Squadron, sits next to his MWD handler Senior Airman Alexander Cormier, April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. MWD Cuervo retired from active duty after serving more than seven years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Military Working Dog Cuervo, N622, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Security Forces Squadron, retires from the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Between April 2, 2010 to April 14, 2017, MWD Cuervo performed admirably both on the installation and during two deployments in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel. While stateside, he searched over 60,000 commercial vehicles, conducted over 1,500 Random Antiterrorism Measures, and over 6,000 hours of patrol. During his deployments, MWD Cuervo searched a combined total of over 6,000 vehicles and over 120 buildings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Military Working Dog Cuervo, N622, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Security Forces Squadron, was presented the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. As a member of the Department of Defense’s MWD Program, Cuervo entered the Air Force on Sept. 21, 2009 and spent more than seven years on active duty. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Lt. Col. Dana Metzger, 436th Security Forces Squadron commander and Senior Airman Alexander Cormier, 436th SFS Military Working Dog handler, present MWD Cuervo, N622, with his Honorable Discharge from active duty April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Cuervo was also presented the U.S. Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and Certificate of Retirement during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Military Working Dog Cuervo, N622, assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, 436th Security Forces Squadron, lays by the boots of Senior Airman Alexander Cormier, 436th SFS MWD handler, during Cuervo’s retirement ceremony April 14, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. In his seven years-plus on active duty, MWD Cuervo went on 20 U.S. Secret Service missions worldwide and conducted searches ensuring the safety of the president, vice president and foreign dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

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Security Forces ups their game

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, CO, UNITED STATES
04.21.2017
Members of Buckley Air Force Base’s Emergency Services Team train with an Adams County Sheriff Department K-9 unit Apr. 21, 2017, on Buckley AFB, Colo. The K-9 handler gave the 460th Security Forces Squadron members a presentation to highlight the important benefits of adding a K-9 unit to the bases team. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Holden S. Faul/ Released)

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Coast Guard, local agencies conduct joint maritime training in Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA, UNITED STATES
05.02.2017
Boomer and his handler, members of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, hone their explosive-ordnance detection skills at Berkeley Marina in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Federal, state and local explosive-detection K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event, Bomb dogs by the Bay, that included luggage and vehicle sweeps, passenger screening, and boat familiarization. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Loumania Stewart

Robert Santiago and his explosive-detection K-9, members of the San Francisco International Airport, conduct a passenger screening at Berkeley Marina pier in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Federal, state and local explosive-detection K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event that included luggage and vehicle sweeps, passenger screening, and boat familiarization. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Loumania Stewart

Explosive-detection K-9 Bell, and her handler, members of the San Francisco Police Department Airport Bureau, hone their explosive-ordnance detection skills at Berkeley Marina in Berkeley, Calif., Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Federal, state and local K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event, Bomb dogs by the Bay, that included luggage and vehicle sweeps, passenger screenings and boat familiarization. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Francisco explosive-detection K-9 Ricky and his handler, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Brosowsky, prepare to board a police department small boat to familiarize Ricky with the noise, movement and vibration aboard a vessel. Federal, state and local explosive-detection K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event that included luggage and vehicle sweeps, passenger screening and boat familiarization. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard explosive-detection K-9 Feco and his handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Sumner, prepare to transfer from the Hornblower cruise boat to a police department small boat after conducting interior vessel sweeps in the San Francisco Bay, Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Federal, state and local explosive-detection K-9 teams participated in a joint maritime training event that included luggage and vehicle sweeps, passenger screening and boat familiarization. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Loumania Stewart

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Military working dog: An Airman’s best friend

ABILENE, TX, UNITED STATES
04.12.2017
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sergio Mihai, left, and Senior Airman Brennen Fletcher, both 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handlers, are assigned to military working dogs Ddewey, left, and Puky at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 12, 2017. The 7th SFS provides multiple MWD teams to a variety of missions, which include national defense and general safety issues for the public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brennen Fletcher, 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, tests his dog’s obedience with a ball at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 12, 2017. MWDs are trained to protect their handler while working to detect explosives or drugs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Mayfield)

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Looking Good Tuxx

UNITED STATES
05.09.2017
Photos by Lance Cpl. Jacob Pruitt 
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
PACIFIC OCEAN—Military working dog Tuxx practice and gets some off leash exercise from Cpl. Ronald Ringgold, a dog handler with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Law Enforcement Detachment practiced various commands with Tuxx during Composite Training Unit Exercise aboard USS America (LHA 6), May 9, 2017. Tuxx, 3, is a loyal team-member who plays an important role in helping keep Marines and Sailors of the MEU safe. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Pruitt)

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Military working dog detection exercise

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR
05.04.2017
379th Air Expeditionary Wing
U.S. Air Force military working dog Roy sniffs around a case left on the floor of a C-17 Globemaster III during a detection exercise at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. The exercise is designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

U.S. Air Force military working dog Aramis sniffs inside a wall compartment on a C-17 Globemaster III at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. Aramis and his handler, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ryan Rayos, a military working dog handler assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, are taking part in a detection exercise designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Louis Diaz-Garcia, a military working dog handler assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and his military working dog Roy take a walk under the runway lights at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. Diaz-Garcia and Roy are unwinding after participating in a detection exercise designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

U.S. Air Force military working dog Beta chews on her treat inside a C-17 Globemaster III while resting during a detection exercise at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. The exercise is designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kara Greene, chief of wing plans and programs with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, explains the objective of a detection exercise to Staff Sgt. Christopher Kench, a military working dog handler assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and his military working dog Beta at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. Kench and Beta participated in an exercise designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Kench, a military working dog handler assigned to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and his military working dog Beta, walk toward a C-17 Globemaster III during a detection exercise at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 4, 2017. The exercise was designed to give the K-9 teams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the general layout and specific challenges associated with detection aboard an aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradly A. Schneider/Released)

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CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT
04.24.2017
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (April 24, 2017)— “I’m not just that Marine that says, ‘every Marine a rifleman.’ I can actually say ‘I’m a rifleman,’” said Cpl. Sunsette Winsler, a military working dog handler assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). “I knew I was going to be a Marine when I was 12 years old,” the Poplar Grove, Illinois native said. But her mother didn’t exactly envision her daughter joining the service. Winsler pursued law enforcement until she was about 19 and enlisted in the Marines. “I didn’t tell my mom for about two months,” she admitted. She volunteered to go to Infantry Training Battalion, a roughly two-month military occupational specialty school to become a basically trained rifleman, after recruit training. She said the school opened her eyes to the way the infantry worked, and that the experience has informed the way she operates in her job now as a dog handler. As far as being a handler, Winsler and Bella, her military working dog, have been together “since day one,” Winsler says. “I got to train with Bella for six weeks, certify her, bring her to the fleet and stay on her. I am her first handler and she’s my first dog. I have to rely on her for my life and she has to rely on me for everything else.” The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Matthew Callahan)

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (April 24, 2017)— “Caesar has taught me to love life,” said Lance Cpl. James Nemger of Phoenix, Arizona, a military working dog handler assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Caesar is Nemger’s military working dog. “We can be in the field working on no sleep, out all day in the hot sun doing patrols and Caesar is always having a good time.” The 24th MEU is currently deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Sgt. Matthew Callahan)

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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES
05.11.2017
436th Airlift Wing
Senior Airman David Bischoff, 436th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, watches MWD Terry attack Senior Airman Alexander Cormier, 436th SFS during a demonstration, May 11, 2017, on Dover Air Force Base, Del. Fifteen members of the Philadelphia Police Department, Philadelphia, Pa., watched various scenarios showing how a handler and MWD are capable of neutralizing a hostile threat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

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Tosca explosive detection K-9 receives Coast Guard Commendation Service Ribbon

CHESAPEAKE, VA, UNITED STATES
06.02.2017
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area
Tosca, an explosive detection K-9, retired today after seven years of honorable service in Chesapeake, Virginia, June 2, 2017. Her handler Petty Officer 1st Class Nick Beane and Tosca both retrieved the Coast Guard Commendation Service Ribbon to recognized their hard work the last seven years. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Stanton

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Seeing Eye Dogs Meet Fleet Week Devil Dogs

NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES
05.25.2017
A Marine pets a puppy with the Seeing Eye Dog Puppy Raising Program aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), May 25, 2017. U.S. Marines and Sailors displayed various weapons systems, ground and aviation vehicles for the local New York community to visit and learn about the Navy-Marine Corps team during Fleet Week New York, May 24-29. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)

A puppy with the Seeing Eye Dog Puppy Raising Program sits by a weapon system aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), May 25, 2017. U.S. Marines and Sailors displayed various weapons systems, ground and aviation vehicles for the local New York community to visit and learn about the Navy-Marine Corps team during Fleet Week New York, May 24-29. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)

A puppy with the Seeing Eye Dog Puppy Raising Program shows his affection for a Marine aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), May 25, 2017. U.S. Marines and Sailors displayed various weapons systems, ground and aviation vehicles for the local New York community to visit and learn about the Navy-Marine Corps team during Fleet Week New York, May 24-29. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Olivia McDonald)

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‘Workhorse’ MPs train for deployment

WAIALUA, HI, UNITED STATES
05.24.2017
Photo by Staff Sgt. Taresha Hill 
WAIALUA, Hawaii- Military Working Dog Handler, Pvt. Sarah Grills and her K-9 partner Baron, a patrol explosives detector dog with the 520th MWD Detachment, 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, conduct a route clearing mission during 58th MP Company’s, 728th MP Bn., validation exercise (VALEX) May 22-26, at Makua Military Reservation, here. The VALEX was conducted as part of the company’s training for their upcoming deployment to Guam.

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Marine, K-9 earn certification

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES
05.23.2017
Military policemen conduct military working dog bite training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, May 23. The MWD handlers conduct bite training to keep their dogs proficient and ready for any situation. The military policemen are with the Provost Marshal’s Office, MCAS Beaufort.

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Politiehond ontslagen omdat hij te lief is

We weten dankzij Bumper de politiehond dat wanneer je als hond bij de politie wil, je wel een stoere hond moet zijn. Gavel, een Duitse herder uit het Australische Queensland, was dat helaas niet en werd daarom ontslagen.
Gavel was namelijk te vriendelijk en daarom heeft het Australische politiekorps de hond uit zijn functie gezet.

Gelukkig werd Gavel opgevangen door gouverneur Paul de Jersey en zijn vrouw. Hier kreeg de Duitse herder een nieuwe functie. Gavel mag zichzelf nu de officiële trouwe viervoeter van de gouverneur noemen. De hond verwelkomt en speelt nu met alle bezoekers van het stadhuis van Brisbane. 
Ook neemt Gavel deel aan speciale ceremoniële gelegenheden. Hiervoor krijgt hij een op maat gemaakte hondenjas aan waarop zijn officiële titel 'Vice-Regal Dog' staat. 
"We hopen dat Gavel nog lang, heel lang bij ons blijft in de toekomst", vertelt gouverneur De Jersey aan 7 News Brisbane.

 

https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/polit ... j-hem-past

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ANDERSEN AFB, GU, GUAM
06.06.2017
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Devine, 8th Security Forces Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, rests beside his military working dog, Nex, during the second annual Security Forces Advanced Combat Skills Assessment June 7, 2017 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Over 100 Airmen and Soldiers throughout U.S. Pacific Command’s area of responsibility gathered to compete in the weeklong challenge. Service members were assessed in five different categories: weapons, tactics, combat fitness, mental and physical challenge, and military working dog handling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Cooper, 354th Security Forces Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, pulls a simulated casualty over a hill during the second annual Security Forces Advanced Combat Skills Assessment June 7, 2017 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Over 100 Airmen and Soldiers throughout U.S. Pacific Command’s area of responsibility gathered to compete in the weeklong challenge. Service members were assessed in five different categories: weapons, tactics, combat fitness, mental and physical challenge, and military working dog handling. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis)

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CJTF-HOA security, MWDs protect, defend base

DJIBOUTI, DJIBOUTI
06.09.2017
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms and a Camp Lemonnier military working dog (MWD) handler and his MWD take a rest after attempting to detect improvised explosive devices during a training exercise on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms provide security while U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, and his dog, Koko, attempt to detect improvised explosive devices during a training exercise on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, rewards his dog, Koko, for detecting improvised explosive devices during a training exercise while Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms provide security on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, and his dog, Koko, attempt to detect improvised explosive devices during a training exercise with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms while on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

Koko, a four-year old German Shepard military working dog, takes a break while under the protection of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, during a training session at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. Green and Koko serve to detect improvised explosive devices, while members of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) conduct security force assistance to support aligned regional efforts and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

Koko, a 4 year-old German Shepard military working dog, signals to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, that he has found an improvised explosive device during a training exercise while Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms provide security on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, and his dog, Koko, cool down between detecting improvised explosive devices during a training exercise on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) masters-at-arms provide security while Petty Officer 2nd Class Victor Green, Camp Lemonnier military working dog handler, and his dog, Koko, attempt to detect improvised explosive devices during a training exercise on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 9, 2017. CJTF-HOA personnel conduct security force assistance to counter violent extremist organization operations, support aligned regional efforts, and protect U.S. interests in Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Lindsay Cryer)

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Londense brandweerhonden doen zwaar werk op hun sloffen

17-06-17 - De Londense brandweer heeft bij het onderzoeken van Grenfell Tower drie heel bijzondere helden ingeschakeld: Sherlock, Roscoe en Murphy.
Met hun geweldige reukzin kunnen zijn meer en sneller gevaarlijke en brandbare stoffen ruiken.
Een enorme hulp voor de brandweerlieden die het afgebrande flatgebouw nu moeten doorzoeken.

Aan hun voeten zitten speciale schoenen. Op maat gemaakt voor de honden die dagelijks in verschroeide ruimtes moeten lopen. Waar scherpe objecten, glas en soms nog wat na smeulend materiaal ligt. Zo komen de gevoelige poten van de heldhaftige viervoeters niet in gevaar.

Roscoe is al een oudgediende van de brandweer in de Britse hoofdstad. Hij gaat bijna met pensioen, maar deze speurhond heeft zoveel ervaring dat hij bij de nasleep van de enorme brand van afgelopen woensdag toch is ingezet.

De speciaal opgeleide honden weten precies hoe verschillende ontvlambare stoffen ruiken. ,,Onze viervoetige vrienden helpen ons bij forensische onderzoeken, bijvoorbeeld om te zien of een brand opzettelijk is aangestoken.''

Met hun speciale reukzin, die geavanceerder is dan speciale technologie, hebben de brandweerhonden het Fire Investigation Team al vaker geholpen. ,,Sterker nog: het aantal mensen dat berecht wordt vanwege het aansteken van een brand, is dankzij de honden toegenomen'', aldus de trotse Londense brandweer.

De brandweerhonden worden al op zeer jonge leeftijd gescout. En waar dan naar gekeken wordt? Naar hun speelsheid, aldus de brandweer. ,,Ze volgen een speciaal positief trainingsprogramma waarbij ze steeds met een tennisbal worden beloond als ze een ontvlambare vloeistof ontdekken.''

Terwijl ze hun brandveiligheidsopleiding doorlopen, worden de honden getest op verschillende disciplines. Ze moeten vloeistoffen vinden in een kamer, in verschillende kamers op een aantal verdiepingen en in brievenbussen en onder trappen. Op het moment dat ze iets bespeuren dat gevaarlijk is, blijven ze bij hun ontdekking zitten totdat ze verdere instructies van hun baasje krijgen.

,,Het klinkt gevaarlijk, maar we stellen onze viervoeters nooit bloot aan gevaarlijke situaties. In de tien jaar dat we met deze speciale brandweerhonden werken, is er nog nooit eentje gewond geraakt.''


De Londense brandweerhonden dragen speciale brandwerende sloffen


Roscoe is al aan het einde van zijn carrière.


Roscoe en Sam


Roscoe aan het werk.


Drie brandweerhonden


Met zijn schoenen naar het werk.

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Ivoorhond Mitch pakt Malinese stropers aan

De Nederlandse cockerspaniël Mitch gaat vanaf eind deze maand op ivoorstropers jagen in het Noord-Afrikaanse land Mali. Het dier is de eerste in ons land opgeleide ivoorhond. Wereldwijd zijn tot nu toe ongeveer tien ivoorhonden actief, zegt dierenarts Roeland Wessels uit Nijmegen.

Ivoorhonden kunnen de sporen die stropers van ivoor achterlaten ruiken en volgen. Mitch gaat op de motor mee met parkwachters. Zodra zij een afgeslachte olifant vinden, kan de hond de rangers naar de plek brengen waar het ivoor is verstopt. ,,Ivoorhandelaren hebben daarvoor uitgekiende bergplaatsen, die heel moeilijk te vinden zijn. We hopen dat er 'grote jongens' worden betrapt om de ivoorhandel een flinke slag te kunnen toebrengen'', aldus Wessels.

,,Ivoorstroperij is big business. Er worden enorme bedragen aan verdiend. Het is serieuze criminaliteit, te vergelijken met wapen- of drugshandel. Mali is een centrum van ivoorjacht. Stropers schieten de zeldzame woestijnolifanten dood en zagen de slagtanden af.''

Wessels heeft Mitch samen met zijn vrouw en collega-dierenarts Astrid gekocht en stelt het kostbare dier belangeloos ter beschikking aan de Afrikaanse natuurbeschermingsorganisatie Chengeta Wildlife. Ze vieren daarmee het vijftienjarig bestaan van hun dierenartsenpraktijk.

De cockerspaniël is door hondentrainer Wesley Visscher uit Hoofddorp opgeleid. Visscher heeft veel ervaring met zulke trainingen. Hij leidt bijvoorbeeld ook drugs- en explosievenhonden op voor politie en leger.

Visscher kwam in contact met Rory Young, oprichter van Chengeta Wildlife. Wessels: ,,Rory vroeg zich af of een hond ook ivoor zou kunnen ruiken. Mitch is een jaar getraind en kan het nu als de beste.''
 
Zo'n jaar training is voor de hond een groot spel, vertelt Wessels. ,,Mitch moest kleine stukjes ivoor zoeken, dat overigens niet van stropers kwam. Als hij het ivoor opspoorde, werd hij uitgebreid beloond met een snoepje of een aai. Zo maakten we het zoeken steeds iets ingewikkelder. Voor Mitch is dat alleen maar leuker." 
Volgens Wessels is Mitch een bijzonder getalenteerde hond. ,,Hij heeft een heel goede neus. Daarnaast werkt hij hard: het is vooral belangrijk dat het dier er plezier in heeft."

De hond komt uit een nest met enorm goede neuzen. Zijn broer is onlangs verkocht voor een militaire taak in Irak. ,,Cockerspaniëls zijn klein genoeg om mee te gaan op expeditie", zegt Wessels. ,,Ze passen achterop de motor van een ranger."

Als Mitch succes heeft, staan er in Hoofddorp al twee andere honden klaar voor een ivoortraining. Het is de bedoeling dat de spaniël vijf jaar in Mali blijft werken.

,,Maar het is spannend, want stropers zullen Mitch niet leuk vinden. We lopen kans dat ze hem iets aandoen'', zegt Wessels.

Het Nederlandse echtpaar blijft eigenaar van de hond, zodat ze het dier altijd kunnen terugeisen als het in Afrika te gevaarlijk wordt. Mitch ondergaat de komende dagen in Nijmegen de laatste gezondheidschecks. Op 28 juni vertrekt hij met zijn trainer en een vaste, vrijwillige begeleider naar Mali.

Video:

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K-9 trains to fight

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WA, UNITED STATES
04.28.2017
Photo by Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson 
92d Air Refueling Wing
The 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog section prepares for deployment with mental and physical exercises such as ruck marches. When deployed, the handler is not only carrying more than 50 pounds of their own equipment, they are carrying their K-9’s equipment and at times, their K-9. A dog’s stamina will be tested when for hours on end, they sweep for explosives in 100 degree weather. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

Senior Airman Kyle Wentz, 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, and MWD Brenda sweep a room during detection certification April 28, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Maintaining detection and deterrence certification is a top priority to ensure K-9s and their handlers are deployable. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

Staff Sgt. Jacob Diers and Senior Airman Ivan Mendez, 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handlers, sweep a roadway with MWD Rosso during a ruck march May 10, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. When training, the unit conducts detection sweeps of roadways and villages, ruck marches with simulated explosives and gunfire and challenging physical training in order to prevent injury. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

Senior Airman Kyle Wentz, 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, and MWD Brenda assess the best way to sweep a forested area during deployment training May 10, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Keeping handlers on their toes and observant in all situations ensures for a successful relationship with their K-9s. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

Staff Sgt. Brian Brady, 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler, rests with MWD Bety during a ruck march May 10, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. When deployed, the handler is not only carrying more than 50 pounds of their own equipment, they are carrying their K-9’s equipment and at times, their K-9. A dog’s stamina will be tested when for hours on end, they sweep for explosives in 100 degree weather. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

The 92nd Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog section ruck marches to prepare for their upcoming deployments May 10, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. MWD focuses on detection of explosives and narcotics and deterrence of individuals at home, in training and while deployed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Mackenzie Richardson)

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Against All Odds: Reuniting a Retired Military K-9 with her First Handler

June 26, 2017
When Monica Rodriguez first walked into an Air Force recruiter’s office in 2009, she pointed at a poster of a K-9 handler on the wall and said, “I want to do that.” Becoming a K-9 handler is not an easy job to get -- before she could even be considered for the position she’d first have to put in three years at her primary job, Security Forces, which involved law enforcement and several six month deployments to Afghanistan as part of security operations. In 2012, she was accepted into the K-9 training program, but before attending the handlers course - a 13 week program in San Antonio - she had to complete another deployment to the middle east. In April of 2013, she finally left Keesler Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi and was stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea where she met her first partner, a German shepherd named Stella.
“The dogs are assigned to the base,” Monica says. “So wherever we go, that’s where we meet our dogs.” This is different than what you might think, considering the bond that has to be formed between a handler and a K-9 to work together. “A bond between the handler and K-9 can ultimately be lifesaving. "In Korea, I was only with Stella for one year, but I formed this strong bond with her and to leave her behind with someone else was very, very
difficult.”

Their work in South Korea was mainly doing perimeter security. Stella was a patrol narcotics detection dog. “It’s a lot of walking through dormitories,” Monica explains. “Just like anywhere else, people are going to be people. There are drugs everywhere -- we weren’t really focused on the anti-terrorist aspect, we were policing the base.” Drugs are a bigger problem on military bases than the public realizes, ranging from marijuana to opiods to methamphetamine. For Stella and Monica, the job was to make the base safer for everyone, whether it was a bomb threat or the removal of drugs from the dorms.
As if Stella wasn’t talented enough, she's also trained to detect people from up to 250 yards away and has a higher than usual sense of hearing and seeing at night. What’s so great about this? “Let’s say our base were to be invaded,” Monica says. If it was the middle of the night, she and Stella can post on the perimeter and detect the enemy well before anyone else. Sentry dogs date back to WWII when they were used to detect the enemy. Again -- the safer the base, the better.
Just a year into their work together, Monica noticed that Stella’s legs would sometimes give out. She learned Stella had a degenerative disease that eats away at the muscles in her spine, meaning she will eventually be unable to walk. By 2016, Stella's base knew it was time to retire her -- and she would hopefully be hanging out on someone’s couch for her retirement. Monica wanted to be that somebody.

“The thing with me and Stella, is she was my first dog - so she left a huge imprint on my heart. You never forget your first dog,” Monica says. “She was there for me when I thought I was at an all-time low and, yes, she's just a dog, but the love and selflessness a dog can give you is unforgettable. You only feel this with certain dogs. It’s what I felt with Stella.” When Monica had to leave Korea, she felt like she had lost a big part of herself in having to leave Stella behind. “The only regret I had leaving Korea was not hugging her a little longer or spending just a little more time with her.” She kept in contact with the handlers at the base to try to ensure she would be able to have Stella when she was up for retirement. “There was an article published that I saw on Stella that said she was going to someone else for retirement -- I was so hurt.”
Against the odds, Monica was able to reverse the situation and secure Stella to come home to her, but it wasn’t an easy process. “I was separated from her for over two years, and the retirement process took about six months.” The six months consisted of paperwork and getting Stella medically ready to retire. According to Monica, it can be a very lengthy process to adopt a dog when its their time to retire. 
“I thought my husband and I were going to have to empty our savings to go to Korea and get her,” Monica remembers. But for her and so many others, this is where the amazing work of organizations like Mission K-9 Rescue and the US War Dog Association can step in and help out. They paid for all the expenses to bring Stella back, something Monica still can’t express enough gratitude for.
“When I first saw her, it’s like when you haven’t seen somebody in years and they’ve aged so much.” But Stella immediately popped up when she saw Monica. “It was like we were both in shock. I was crying my eyes out, it was such an amazing feeling to see her again.”
To have been through so much together, and to be reunited with your first working partner, is an experience most of us won’t have. But all of us who’ve had a special dog in our lives knows what Monica describes -- “They’re not just dogs, they're family.”

These days, Stella still tries to get up on the couch, but her legs are getting worse, so stairs and big jumps aren’t as easy on the now 10-year-old. Knowing the inevitable may only be a couple years away, Monica makes the most of every moment with her pup. “She’s still so spunky and full of life, it’s a matter of how long her body will keep up with her.” And when the time comes, Monica knows she isn’t going to let Stella suffer. “We’ll be giving her steak and celebrating her life and selfless service to our great country, I’m already mentally preparing for it.” But for now, she’ll keep curling up right beneath Monica’s feet, gnawing away at her favorite toys, reunited with her best friend.

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Never leave an Airman behind

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM
06.06.2017
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Dames, a 35th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, carries MWD Elvis during the second annual Security Forces Advanced Combat Skills Assessment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 6, 2017. The Defenders Challenge provided Airmen with invaluable interaction with other security forces members by exchanging tactics and skills between those in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Gerald R. Willis)

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Life of MWD Aslan honored

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, UNITED STATES
06.30.2017
Senior Airman Keith Retuyan, 341st SFS military working dog handler, pays his final respects to MWD Aslan during a remembrance ceremony at the Grizzly Bend June 30, 2017, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Retuyan was Aslan’s handler at the time of his passing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam)

A flag is folded during a remembrance ceremony at the Grizzly Bend June 30, 2017, for MWD Aslan who passed away in early June. Taps was played during the folding of the flag as guests were able to pay their last respects. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam)

Staff Sgt. Glenn Holden, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, rings a bell during a remembrance ceremony at the Grizzly Bend June 30, 2017, for MWD Aslan who passed away in early June. The bell was rang three times to signify bringing a dog home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam)

Senior Airman Keith Retuyan, 341st SFS military working dog handler, and MWD Aslan, pose for a photo at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Aslan was a German Shepherd, born in January 2008 who was certified as an explosive detection dog on June 8, 2010. Aslan was assigned to the 341st SFS in December 2010 and performed more than 9,500 hours to installation security as well as serving the state of Montana with more than 25 responses to bomb threats and a deployment to Iraq. Aslan also supported federal and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in numerous explosive missions supporting presidential, foreign and domestic dignitaries. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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2017 DoD Warrior Games Open

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES
07.01.2017
A skydiver jumps with his dog in tandem during the 2017 Department of Defense Warrior Games opening ceremonies at Soldier Field in Chicago July 1, 2017. The DoD Warrior Games are an annual event allowing wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans to compete in Paralympic-style sports. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

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Deze pup wordt bermbom-jager

11 jul. 2017 - Veteraan Marco gaat labrador Odin opleiden tot een echte bermbom-hond.

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Who's a good dog!?

AUSTRALIA
07.06.2017
Photo by Pfc. Alec Dionne 
122nd Public Affairs Operations Center
An Australian Army soldier tends to his military working dog as they demonstrate working dog tactics and procedures at Rockhampton Airport, Queensland for Exercise #TalismanSaber 2017. More than 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel are participating in the biennial military training exercise.

Video Talisman Saber 2017: Military dogs practice tactics:

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Prachtig! Maar die bunk beds... je zou er maar in moeten slapen! Pfff

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ITX 5-17 MAGTF 8 Military Working Dog Demonstration

UNITED STATES
07.16.2017
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Harris, left, military police dog handler, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), gives a brief on the various capabilities of military working dogs as part of a demonstration during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

Dude, a military working dog, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), demonstrates his search and asses capabilities during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

Dude, a military working dog, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), returns to his handler U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Harris, MAGTF-8, as part of a search and asses demonstration during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

Dude, a military working dog, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), demonstrates his search and asses capabilities during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan Simpson, military police dog handler, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), gives a brief on the various capabilities of military working dogs as part of a demonstration during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan Simpson, left, military police dog handler, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), prepares to demonstrate the aggressive capabilities of his dog Endy during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan Simpson, right, military police dog handler, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), prepares to demonstrate the aggressive capabilities of his dog Endy during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)

Endy, a military police working dog, Marine Air-Ground Task Force-8 (MAGTF), attacks Lance Cpl. Christopher Gama, motor transport mechanic, MAGTF-8, as part of a demonstration during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 5-17 on Camp Wilson, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2017. The purpose of ITX is to create a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Christopher A. Mendoza)