Military Working Dogs: Training and Challenges from Air Force Handlers

To become a dog handler, individuals must first train at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. There, they learn basic commands, the dogs' history, health evaluations, and various training techniques, which include obedience, detection, and aggression training. The process lasts approximately 120 days. Dogs used in the military can be bred at Lackland or sourced from vendors both overseas and within the U.S.

Robertson reflected on the challenges of being a new handler, particularly with obedience training. He emphasized that working with these dogs requires not just physical commands but also a significant mental focus. "People think it's physical, where you're just telling the dog to do the commands or pulling them to that point. It's a lot more mental than you think," he stated.

Johnson agreed that gaining the dogs' trust is vital. He indicated that handlers must be able to identify when a dog is not performing correctly and need to balance praise and correction.

Both handlers noted the evolution of the breeds used in military service. Originally, Dobermans and Rottweilers were common, but the military has shifted towards breeds like the Belgian Malinois for their speed and agility. However, Robertson cautioned that regardless of breed, the individual dog's temperament and desire to work are crucial for success.

Upon retirement, military working dogs usually transfer to their last handler or go through an adoption process at Lackland if no handlers want them. Johnson shared a light moment about a retired dog, MDVD Flex, enjoying life in Hawaii.

Both Robertson and Johnson currently do not have personal dogs, as they find the demands of their work too taxing to manage another animal at home.