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Raise The Woof
by U.S. Space Force Senior Airman Andrew Garavito
October
5, 2021
Teamwork is defined as the work and
activity of many persons who individually contribute toward the
efficiency of the whole, but teamwork isn’t defined by the number of
“persons”, it’s defined by the number of individuals, whether they
be human or any other species.
Bonds are formed when two or
more individuals are working side by side, every day to accomplish a
goal. These bonds can last a lifetime and the goals for Senior
Airmen Josue GonzalezRubio, a Military Working Dog handler from the
460th Security Forces Squadron, and Military Working Dog Sego, can
go far beyond the mission.
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Senior Airman Josue GonzalezRubio, 460th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handler and MDW Sego, prepare to begin their routine confidence building training on Buckley Space Force Base,
Colorado on September 24, 2021. The process of getting assigned an MWD is looking and matching personalities that will bind perfectly with both dog and handler. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Garavito)
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“The process of getting assigned a
MWD is looking and matching personalities that will bind perfectly
with both dog and handler,” said Josue.
With any new
relationship, there could be a rocky start. There is a long process
that comes with starting a new working relationship. The more
challenges and struggles the pair faced head-on, the more
unbreakable their bond became.
“As a new handler I was faced
with the challenge of adapting to a new dog, getting used to his
work pace, and getting to know the MWD all around,” said Josue. “I
had a difficult time at first, but with a lot of training and time
management dedicated to Sego, we overcame and eliminated our issues
and became validated and certified together.”
One of the main
challenges that a dog handler faces is getting to know the
personality behind the dog, and learning to adapt to that to perform
their duties. There’s a long learning period for both the dog and
the handler where they both have to trust and rely on each other to
showcase their compatibilities. This is crucial to protecting the
Department of Defense and its assets.
“The training scenarios
we go through include explosive detection training, intruder
detection training, and controlled aggression training,” Josue
explained.
MWD are extremely hard workers and Sego is no
exception to that. He works hard to please his handler and Josue
works hard to please him. Josue explained how Sego is a sweetheart
but can switch up instantly to perform his duties.
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Senior Airman Josue GonzalezRubio, 460th Security
Forces Squadron, Military Working Dog handler, and MWD Sego,
run through the kennel’s tunnel at the obstacle course on
Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado on September 24, 2021. The dogs are immediately rewarded with their toys after completing a task correctly. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Garavito)
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They
continue to work together every day whether it's performing
obedience obstacle courses, grooming, or arming up and performing
simulated training situations.
Josue said he always wanted to
be a dog handler, and thanks to his and Sego’s effort, hard work,
and determination, that dream will continue to flourish.
“The
relationship between MWD Sego and myself is something best friends
share,” said Josue. “He is family.”
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