Fairchild dogs show off skills

FAIRCHILD AFB -- In celebration of National Dog Day, Fairchild Air Force Base showcased the skills of both military and morale dogs on Aug. 25.

Airmen based at Fairchild demonstrated both military canines and a support pooch during the presentations.

Trained military dogs like 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, MWD Fanni, are on base to help protect residents and visitors.

Staff Sgt. Raymond Dwoznik said the military work dogs do receive some basic obedience training before being registered and moved on base. That enables an easy transition into the training methods used by handlers on base.

Dwoznik also clarified that everything is tracked and recorded in training.

The kennel master continued to explain while serving and working on base, the work dogs receive excellent veterinary care.

Fairchild only works with two dog breeds, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. Both breeds are well-known for being efficient work dogs and are thought to be genetically optimal for military or police work.

The canines are trained in both narcotics and explosive detection.

That means the dogs can be utilized by law enforcement agencies.

Emphasis is placed on training for utilization in real-world situations.

Built on a base of controlled aggression, the training helps the dogs learn to apprehend and control suspects in a less-than-lethal method.

This was witnessed with Staff Sgt. Christopher Maldonado, as he acted as a training decoy and target for MWD Fanni during the demonstration.

Fanni showed incredible speed, power and determination when charging Maldonado. She also showed fierce intelligence as she redirected her focus when given a command as she was in mid-air.

Fairchild Air Force Base dogs are trained to aid in more than simply catching suspects, though.

They can also serve as what Dwoznik terms as "over-watch".

When positioning as over-watch, the dog will sit and guard the suspect while the handler finishes other tasks such as searching the suspect. These four-legged defenders can also help escort those detained to police vehicles, which helps deter the person in custody from running.

These dogs can also be deployed.

Regardless of the work they face, these determined dogs are ready to get the job done. These canines aren't the only dogs working on base though, as a very casual canine helps alleviate mental, emotional, and stress related issues.

Upon entering the chapel on base, visitors can expect to be greeted by 1.5-year-old Eli, a Blue Heeler mix rescued from Heaven Witha D Rescue out of Deer Park.

Sr. Airman Desiree Cober said Eli was adopted and has undergone some training to become the Morale Dog for Fairchild Airforce Base.

Cober said as a rescue, Eli was apprehensive at first, but has emotionally grown and bonded with many of the people he helps.

Eli can help people come in and "ground" themselves or find a moment of respite during stressful times.

Eli helps Cober advise and counsel anyone struggling with their mental health.

Visitors can go to Eli whenever they need to and find he carries supportive and resource-based literature along with a mini med kit and snacks in his vest.

He is always greeting guests with a smile, and gently reminds folks he is always trying his best in the form of a patch on his vest.

At times, Fairchild residents may find even themselves missing family, or potentially feel lonely. Eli's services can help alleviate stress and feelings of isolation. The young dog's skills have been proven to be extremely valuable during the pandemic, with isolation being stressful for many.