FORT A.P. HILL, Va. -- More than 40 law enforcement K-9 and military working dog teams from federal, state and local jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia came to Fort A.P. Hill May 4-8 to participate in the Street Tactics Advanced Techniques Seminar at the U.S. Army Asymmetric Warfare Training Center.
Led by the U. S. Army Military District of Washington Provost Marshal's Office and the Charles County Sherriff's Office, the Street Tactics Seminar's goal was to build advanced skills for the K-9 teams through a series of tactical scenarios.
Paul Ludwig, of Iron Dog Canine, the sponsor of the seminars, said the experience the multi-agency teams brought to the seminar provided ample opportunity to share knowledge and techniques.
"This time we had a handler ask us to help him communicate with his canine once it was around a corner out of sight," Ludwig said. "We had time in the schedule, so we used our combined experience and came up with a solution for the handler that worked well."
Handlers usually have a dog that is specialized in bomb or drug location. The advanced course allowed the U.S. Army military handlers to learn patrol handling techniques in which law enforcement dogs excel.
U.S. Army handler Pvt. 1st Class Devin J. Michael said his dog, Spc. Donna seemed eager to learn from the other dogs.
"She is one of the few female dogs here. When she noticed what the patrol dogs were doing, it was like she wanted to follow their lead," Michael said. "Getting patrol dog experience from handlers who patrol with their dogs every day, outside the wire, is invaluable."
The Military District of Washington sent teams from Fort Meyer, Va., Fort Meade, Md. and Fort Belvoir, Va.
MDW's contingent included Canine Program Manager David Reiter and several military working dog teams. The handlers and their dogs (respectively) who attended were: Michael and Spc. Donna, Sgt. Joshua J. Stiles and Staff Sgt. Nina, Pvt. Kameron N. Goodin and Sgt. Lanny, Pvt. 1st Class Hunter L. Vickrey and Sgt. Luma and Spc Nathen Baker and Sgt. Archie.
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