MWD bites for demonstration

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - --  The 86th Security Forces Squadron conducted a military working dogs demonstration for students 27 March, 2015, at the 435th Construction and Training Complex here.

The demonstration was one aspect of a field trip for intermediate students and showed how a military working dog handler controls his dog in varying situations involving a possible perpetrator.

"We have the military working dogs come out to make it more fun for the children," said Staff Sgt. Tania Darder, 435th Construction and Training Squadron engineer contingency instructor. "It's something entertaining for the kids instead of just watching slides."

Staff Sgt. Brett Christensen, 86th SFS military working dog handler, and
Kick, 86th SFS military working dog, demonstrated how they work together to deescalate varying scenarios involving cooperative and uncooperative perpetrators.

"It's a very exciting, fast-paced demonstration," said Christensen. "The kids love it and it's exciting for them to watch."

Senior Airman Taylor Medeiros, 86th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, acted as the perpetrator and acted out different responses to being confronted by Christensen and Kick. They demonstrated how to react to a suspect that cooperates, one that tries to run away and one that runs away but then stops to cooperate.

"My primary goal in this job is to keep Kick at his highest proficiency level possible to keep this base safe," said Christensen.

He went on to further explain that participating in events such as this not only brings enjoyment to the children, but also allows Kick to work in varying environments and become used to situations that are unfamiliar to him.

"We patrol the base at night and don't have a lot of interaction with children," Christensen said. "Kick didn't use to like being around children, but after coming out for a few of these demonstrations he has been doing much better. He takes the same notice of children now, who are usually louder and tend to make quick movements, as he would an adult."

The benefits from the demonstration are not limited to sharpening a canine's skills, but also help to bring them and their handlers closer together.

"It makes the bond and the obedience stronger," Christensen said. "Anything that
improves work as a team is always welcome and appreciated. On my days off I sometimes come in to walk and play with Kick to keep our relationship strong."

The 86th SFS and their military working dogs are a strong team that works to keep Ramstein safe. When each team spends time together, gives demonstrations of their abilities and continually sharpens their skills they are an example of how Airmen can go above and beyond to always be ready for whatever may come.