What is a Military Working Dog Handler?

I've heard about military working dog handlers and it sounds fascinating. Can someone explain what this role involves and what it's like to work with service dogs in a military setting?

Sure, a Military Working Dog Handler is responsible for the care and training of service dogs, which contribute to combat operations abroad and installation security at home by providing targeted odor detection (explosives/drugs). These dogs undergo rigorous training alongside their handler to detect explosives or narcotics accurately and perform various patrol duties.

The working dog handler deploys and operates alongside the dog, taking care of its health and welfare, maintaining the dog's skills, and keeping records of the dog's behavior and training. The handler may also inculcate new training techniques depending upon the needs of the mission or post. Additionally, they are often tasked with teaching other military members about effectively working and dealing with dogs. Handlers and their dogs may be deployed overseas in war zones, or they could work in the United States with local law enforcement, conducting security sweeps for large events or for certain federal facilities.

While it's an incredibly rewarding position, being a Military Working Dog Handler also comes with emotional challenges. Bonding with the dog is crucial for this role as it increases the efficiency of the tasks performed by the dog. However, due to the nature of the job and the risks involved, there's the possibility of losing one's canine teammate, which can be a heavy emotional burden. Also, handlers rarely get to stay with their dogs after the dogs retire, as there is usually a long list of adoption requests, including former handlers.

Importantly, these handlers also receive intensive training themselves including obedience training, security of large areas, foe identification and other tactical trainings which typically happen during a Military Working Dog Handler course. It's a highly skilled and demanding role, requiring dedication, mental fortitude, and a love for dogs.