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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.
“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
“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.”
Trainers create simulated exercises for pups & handlers to practice & refine skills searching in different environments.
Recently, teams practiced a variety of vehicle & room searches.