Calls need to be answered at any time, regardless of the weather.  Is your team up to the challenge?

Those that desire to avoid apprehension by the law or become lost and disoriented most often never do so on a perfect spring day.  Why is it that most teams then only train in the best weather conditions and avoid going out in the rain, snow, and weather of all types?  We should train in the conditions in which we'll be deployed, be it in the middle of the night when its raining to the hottest times of the day.

I remember us answering the call late at night, pushing through the thickly wooded areas, spider webs wrapping around you that you couldn't see, sudden swamps you wade through, thorns ripping at my skin as we pursued many an armed suspect.  We really don't notice all these elements because we're caught up in the mission completely focused on our K9 partner and the area around us.  After the mission is complete and the bad guy in the bag is when we notice the thorn marks, the torn uniforms, and just how wet and muddy we are.  How do we stay so focused?  Because of all the training we've been through and continue to do.  Devoted to the work we always trained no matter the weather, time of day, or the lack of sleep from the previous calls.  Our training is tougher than the actual call and hence why we never really flicker at the obstacles others refuse to cross or endure.  Out there we have, and sure you have too, met many teams that say they train only in good weather and don't overcome some of the obstacles placed in their way because of their K9 partner and what's best for them.  One University we were invited to speak at is doing research for the government and they found that it's the human element that is the greatest hindrance with the K9 team performance.  That University heard of our daily work including work at the WTC and wanted to hear our story.  After hearing our presentation they showed us their research and facilities which proved a point we had been saying for a long time, the human partner is the weakest link in the team.  Baden K9 has known this for years and when we found them their approach to training and missions mirrored our own.  At Baden K9 we were put to the test, on the verge of collapse and we came out as even a stronger team.  Our daily training had already been tough and we continued to turn it up a notch all the time.  There have been times that it has gone through my head why submit myself to this extreme training, most of which is in our off time, but that quickly silences at the next call when you see how the training pays off.

So here are some tips for preparing yourself to weather that next call.

Train at all hours, all temps.  Each week assign a different team member to call the team out at any time they wish for a training mission and into different and difficult terrain.

Storming outside and feel like staying in to watch some TV?  Grab that lead, time for some training.

Remember to dress and carry all your gear just as in a real mission.  Too many teams train in T-shirts but then suffer at a real mission when having to wear body armor.  Even though its training you never know what you'll encounter.  Some of our training sessions have turned into true missions.  Also, you may encounter something, wild or human, where you will need to protect yourself and your K9 partner.  When you go out, no matter if a public relations event, training session, or whatever, always gear up.  The lives of your team, which includes your K9 partners, depend on this simple rule, ALWAYS GEAR UP.

Don't forget to always include water as part of your gear.  Those running from you or that are lost, don't stop after a mile or so and neither should you.  We have answered calls where we tracked for miles and miles.  Our K9 never gave up and never would we.  This is where the human factor is the greatest and where many teams blame having to stop on their K9 partner.

Don't over cool or heat the response unit.  Most great teams transport their K9s in boxes outside of the patrol unit.  One state agency we worked with did just that and they were a great team as we all tracked a suspect for many, many miles in the hottest of GA weather through swamps, thorns, and more as he tried hard to lose the teams on this trail.  You and your K9 partner need less AC or heat so the bodies of you and your K9 partner are prepared.

Use a GPS!  It's a great tool to track the distance you went during training.  During missions, it helps locate roadways, rails, and is better than any map.  Just be sure to keep it updated for the areas you respond to and upload on the way for areas farther out. Always bring the GPS, it's part of our belt, but it should not be used on every call.  At night when tracking an armed suspect the light of the GPS is the last thing you want.

On any mission, you should always have two handlers and the K9.  Great teams don't violate this rule of three.  One handler works with the dog, the other watches everyone's back and scans the area (which you both should be doing), and can work with tools like the GPS, radio, etc.

Train in complete darkness.  It's sad how many use flashlights.  The suspect is not using a flashlight but can see your light for a long distance and what a great target it makes.  Very compact flashlights should be on your belt but only when absolutely needed.  You are trained, under control of your actions versus the suspect or lost person.  This is where night training really pays off for we have surprised many suspects knowing how to track without making much noise, using no light, but still moving quickly.  Not sure how to be better with night tracking skills?  Attend a great school like Baden or contact us for assistance.

Keep a complete log of training and missions.  It should reflect what was learned.  Remember if we don't learn from history we are forced to repeat it.

Now log off and get out for some great training.