A new course

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shawna Keyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Splinters littered the ground around every obstacle. Weather and hard training took their toll over the years. When the 4th Fighter Wing veterinarian came out for a monthly inspection she determined the obstacle course needed an upgrade.

With safety at the forefront of the minds of 4th Security Forces Squadron leaders, they installed a new and improved military working dog obstacle course to prevent injuries and enhance training.

There are 10 MWDs at the kennel and according to Tech. Sgt. Brent Reimers, 4th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, on average, six dogs complete the obedience (OB) course each day. As part of their everyday training, the OB course builds confidence in the dogs through various training obstacles that simulate barriers they may face while on duty.

"(The old course) lasted six years and we had to redo it because there were pieces that were broken off," Reimers said.

Planning began in August 2013 for an upgraded course. By November, all new obstacles were installed, which included three obstacles the dogs had never seen before.
The new obstacles are a three-tiered system of ladders and a ramp, an underground tunnel and a chain-link fence.

"A dog gets accustomed to doing certain things in certain places," said Staff Sgt. Alexander Baron, 4th SFS MWD handler. "So, when we build a (new) course it throws them a bit, but it allows us to expand our dog's confidence so they can (overcome anything) no matter the environment."

According to Staff Sgt. Barton Gonzales, 4th SFS MWD handler, both he and his dog are a team. Together they need to be well-versed with any adversities they may face out in the field.
If a dog has difficulties getting through the OB course with his handler then the team cannot perform to the fullest of their abilities to support the mission.

"(The new OB course) is going to make that team a lot more of an asset then a liability," Gonzales said in regards to supporting the mission both in garrison and in a deployed environment.

The OB course is important because it's not only trains the dogs, but also builds a working relationship with the handler. Whether that's jumping over fences, through windows, or traversing ladders, the team needs to be a well-oiled machine.

According to Reimers this new course will allow the dogs to receive enhanced and improved training that will build their confidence to face any challenge while on patrol.