According to Shires, the explosive dogs are vital to the base at this time and when the threat condition is elevated, the dogs are worked more and need to be rotated out because of fatigue. This new dog will help with the workload.
The dogs rotate constantly in patrol shifts to ensure base security.
The dogs are very attentive to what is going on in their surroundings, according to Shires.
The ability of the handler and dog to work together is displayed in demonstrations to groups such as Boy Scouts, police explorers, future Marines and high school students. Two to three times a year, they may go to high schools and conduct demonstrations.
"I like it when the young children come here on field trips to see demos," said Shires. "They are the best question askers." The students always have an endless number of questions, added Shires.
This group of Marines and Military Working Dogs not only accomplish their mission by deterring possible problems with their patrols, but they also educate the public about their capabilities with demonstrations on an average of five times a month.
