Thread by @CIA

The Recruit(s): K9 and Human Partnerships
bit.ly/2AKp9cL

Pups transition from working w trainers to their new handlers can be a challenge for both.
Handlers are used to working w their soon-to-retire dogs.
Pups are used to the trainers.
It’s like changing dance partners & can take a while for the new partnerships to get in sync.

Lead #CIAK9 Trainer:
“Watching an experienced K9-handler team should look like a dance. Handler should move through search area w a smooth, fluid, rhythmic motion, presenting w their hand productive areas for dog to search”
It helps w pace of search & keeps pup interested/focused

Having a dog for a partner is a unique experience – different than working w a human partner & different than having a pet dog.
“You literally take them everywhere you go: into every establishment you go in to, on planes next to you, into war zones. It’s an amazing experience.”

For #CIAK9 officers, working side-by-side w a dog, doing work they’re passionate about & that makes a difference for our nation, is an honor. Gravity of the work our teams perform daily in order to protect CIA & our country makes the job rewarding, but also extremely challenging.

Training exercises get more difficult as teams prep for final tests & graduation.
Trainers create simulated exercises for pups & handlers to practice & refine skills searching in different environments.
Recently, teams practiced a variety of vehicle & room searches.

It can be challenging for pups to transition from searching can-lines, cement blocks, & luggage to larger items & arenas.