Behind the scenes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Profession dog handler: how to train dogs from the Guard of the Offensive
Maxim is a senior trainer of the second platoon of the canine company of the Brigade of the Guard of the Offensive “Bureva”. With his service dog Odin, he serves at the checkpoints. Their main task is the inspection of vehicles and the detection of weapons, ammunition, hazardous substances. There may also be filtering and search activities in interaction with various power structures.
Maxim's duty as a dog handler is to always improve the dog. Every day, they and Odin actively train, developing a variety of skills. An important stage in the training process is the monthly tests, during which the dog handler and his dog demonstrate the results of the training.
“At first they learned to look for the aporetic itself. Aportive object. He has a toy, a ball. When he had already learned how to find this toy in the boxes, an odorous substance was still put in the box. That is, either gunpowder or explosives. It already depends on how and with what the dog handler starts. And gradually removed the smell. Cut the ball and make it smaller. Until they removed completely,” - the dog specialist shares the secret.
Odin has a rather difficult fate and it is with the current master Maxim that he serves not so long ago. Before the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the dog was a pet of his brother Maxim - a soldier under the pseudonym “Musician”. They held the defense in Mariupol, but due to massive rocket attacks and heavy aerial shelling, the dog was evacuated from the city. Then Maxim took Odin under his care.
“For a long time, his former master and I served and Odin began to perceive me as a friend,” says dog trainer Maxim.
Now Maxim with his brother “Musician” is serving in another unit. Each of the dog trainers spends time with Odin, but now the “Musician” has a new ward. Maxim from time to time helps in Odin's training:
“Training methods have not changed. If a dog is taught a skill, it is not necessary to supplement or change something. It will be better if the base that the dog has remains.”
Dog experts note that Odin is extremely motivated and passionate about his work. In just half a year, the four-legged “guard” found more than 20 thousand rounds, more than 10 pieces of weapons, more than 60 grenades and many other dangerous items. For his valiant service, Odin was awarded three medals from the Main Directorate of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Maxim emphasizes that the secret of their successful operations with Odin is trust in each other and dedication to work.
“We have to love dogs. Constantly need to spend time with the dog. Also take him home. He then begins to trust and gives himself completely to work,” concludes the military.
For more details - see the material.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
