Department of Defense Military Working Dog Training Center
Stewart Hilliard, PhD FLT Chief, MWD Evaluations and Breeding 341st Training Squadron, JBSA San Antonio
341 TRS Kennels– One of largest working dog training facilities in the world
Lackland Kennels
Approx 1,100 kennels, average 850 dogs
Medina kennels
341 TRS MWD Breeding Program Current dog supply: • • • • •
Vast majority sourced in Europe A century-old tradition of police & working dogs International working dog trade and market-place Four to six buy trips per year by DoD Dependent upon foreign source of supply • •
Market disruption due to political, economic, or epidemiological forces Strain on market because of increased competition (Morocco, Sri Lanka, Nigeria)
341 TRS Breeding Program Reason for being of program: • •
• •
To augment procured MWDs (47 in FY13, 33 so far in FY14– 10 to 15% of DoD need) Provide contingency plan in event of adverse developments in global working dog market -- Geopolitics -- Epidemic; or incidence of health problems -- Marketplace competition -- Humane concerns and conditions in E Europe Furnish younger K9 recruits– longer service life Furnish K9 recruits tailored for DoD use -- DoD MWD R&D Laboratory (food reinforcement)
341 TRS Breeding Program History: • Since 1998 in different incarnations– • Research and Development • Contractor • Oct 2010 became civil-service • 1019 puppies whelped to date • Belgian Malinois the breed of choice • Specialized police working dog • Valued for function, not appearance • NRW prgm obtained best results w Malinois
Four Stages 1. Select males and females mated together 2. Puppies raised in whelping facility to 6.5 weeks 3. Fostered out to homes in the community until 7 months of age Best environment Least expensive labor and boarding
4. Housed at Lackland AFB and Pre-Trained from 7 to 12 months Give DTS “head-start” w final response, out, & finish MWD Training Research & Development
MWP Foster Volunteers: “Fosters” •
Must pass screening process • • • • • • •
• • • •
Secure fenced yard No children < 5 yrs; no more than 3 other dogs Within 2 hours’ driving time of Lackland Fort Hood “satellite” a possibility Able to keep monthly appointments f/ medical and training Conducive lifestyle Site visit
All needs provided by 341 TRS Obtained through advertisement and public appearances; PA plays major role In tight supply– Local media “done that story already” Substantial number of repeat fosters
Business Strategy •
Approx 50% of pups born succeed as working dogs
•
First age at which performance testing reliably predicts adult performance is 7 months
•
Minimize investment in all pups prior to 7 months
•
Maximize investment in selected pups post-7 months
The Breed: Belgian Malinois
Stud Dog
Arnold du Comte d’Hoffmann Sire of the 2010 RR-Litter and many other DoD working dogs
Next-Gen Sire: MWD FFalcor
Brood Bitch
Kogel v. Schoenmaakers Daughter of: Cody Huijs X Raya Pelders
Rearing Stage-Birth to 6 weeks
MWD Lexy nurses her VV3 litter
Whelopng Technician Solange Lewalski and AAlbert
Foster Stage– 6 weeks to 7 Months
Senigo girl and AA 4 pup
Senigo family and AA4 pup
OOlaf with his uncle Screech
Foster Familyand RRomano
Gutierrez family and PPadraic
Pre-Training Stage– 7 to 12 months
Operational MWD searches a rubble pile for IEDs
MWD TTroy and handler take a break from overseas ops
MWD CChance and SSG Wienke
MWD IIndy at US Wardog Memorial
MWD Xxenia and SGT Wanyee, USMC
MWD SSteffey and SPC Sampayo, USA
MWD Mission “The capability [MWDs] bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our [military] would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource." GEN DAVID H. PETRAEUS 9 FEB 2008
MWD Mission Requirements • Healthy, vigorous MWD recruits ready for training, require: • Safe, sanitary housing • Exercise, stimulation, and continued engagement with handlers • Motivated, qualified kennel care workforce operating in safe, efficient, well-planned physical plant
341 TRS Kennels– One of largest working dog training facilities in the world
Lackland Kennels
Approx 1,100 kennels, average 850 dogs
Medina kennels
MWD Kennels: Human Welfare Concerns • Aged, weathered wiring and conduits • Shock hazards and night-time low lighting hazards
• Inadequate shelter from weather • Potential for employee slips and falls
• Cracked, porous, permeable surfaces • Zoonotic diseases (MRSA/P)
• Antiquated and problematic sewer systems • Disease potential and dismal working conditions
MWD Kennels: K9 Welfare Concerns • Inadequate sewers, incomplete sanitation • Unsat protection from elements—H20, cold, heat • No facilities for exercise near kennel yard • Mold, water damage, and intractable vermin in foodpreparation areas • Kennels with foot- and leg-trap hazards, peeling paint, rusty metal, sharp corners, etc. • Caretakers too busy with sanitation to engage in husbandry
Kennel
History of Dogs Breaking Legs
Prior Successes: Eradication of Decaying Structures
Proposed MWD Investment on LTA Repair drainage/sewers at kennels • •
Mitigate potential spread of disease Time taken away from animal husbandry due to need to deal with backed up sewers
$365K
FY11—Proposed MWD Investment on TA-7 Demo/rebuild 5 kennels
$3.5M
• 2-3 at a time, 180-200 days
(Awarded)
• Same standard as newer kennels
Peeling paint, rusty exposed metal
No roof; unsecured sun shade
Sharp edges
FY14—Proposed MWD Investment $750K Demo/rebuild vet kennel
Sick animals facing each other; mold growing on ceiling, etc.
SGV pursuing funding
A Foster’s View The Story of WWitch Capt Brandy Caffee
Recruit, Train, and Educate Airmen to Deliver Airpower for America
Overview • Pre-Puppy • Training • Going to School
Recruit, Train, and Educate Airmen to Deliver Airpower for America
Pre-Puppy
• Application • Home Visit • Puppy Proofing
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Getting ‘Your’ Puppy • Initial Training / Orientation • Supplies • Community!
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Experience
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At Work
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At Play Soccer Mascot and Scorpions Game
Golf Tournament “Marshall”
Promotion Parties
Rampage Hockey
USAF Day at the Alamo – Fiesta! Breeding Program Representative Honored by El Rey Feo “Ugly King”
Guest of Honor at Retirement Ceremony
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And then ….
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Questions?
Questions?
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