JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas — Cadre members from the 341st Training Squadron’s K-9 Handlers course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland showcased the training military members undergo to become military working dog handlers during a virtual demonstration held for members of the San Antonio Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, June 3.
According to club treasurer, Bobbe Barnes, at least half of her chapter is former military, so the demonstration held a special significance for this group.
“My husband was career military, and he has told me stories about how they used these ‘war dogs’ in Vietnam and the Middle East,” said Jane Burton, the Rotary Club secretary. “His second career after retiring was to teach middle school, and each year he would take his students from McNair Middle School to Lackland to see the dogs put through their paces.”
After general introductions, the demonstration started with a show of basic obedience capabilities. Three dogs were instructed to sit, go down on all fours, stay, run in circles, perform facing movements alongside their handlers and more. Service members also showed the dogs being rewarded for their successful execution of each command with their beloved toy and some play time.
Next, there was a controlled aggression demonstration.
