Bomb-detection dogs

BAGHDAD – The highly-trained Iraqi K-9 bomb detection teams have experienced measurable successes in Baghdad and surrounding provinces, but Iraq does not have enough teams to meet the staggering need for their services here.

Iraqi officials have asked the U.S. for 145 more trained dogs, with the first shipment of 25 scheduled to arrive, Feb. 5. The additional 120 dogs are slated for delivery over the next 12 months.

Advisors have worked hard to overcome cultural and training obstacles to get more K-9 teams formed. Iraqi security forces are generally inexperienced with the animals as they were not widely used before 2003.

Baghdad Police College currently has 67 dog teams, with 47 dedicated to Baghdad alone. The remaining 20 used in surrounding provinces, consist of 12 bomb detection teams and eight narcotic detection teams.

"We have more requests than we have dogs and handlers," said Brig. Gen. Mohammad Mesheb Hajea, director of the BPC K-9 Training Unit. But, as many as 1,000 dogs will be needed in the future, he added. This number will allow increased opportunities for the dog teams to work in more public venues.

Hajea and his team have made great strides to break down the cultural and psychological barriers that exist between man and canine in Iraq. "The handlers are encouraged to pet and hug their dog every day to develop a rapport," said Hajea, who is also a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience with dogs. "The public can trust that the dogs are not ferocious and are there to complete a job."

Handlers on the K-9 teams are all volunteers and they must spend at least 45 days working and training exclusively with their dogs to form the necessary bond to form a team.

"If handler and dog do not develop a rapport," Hajea stated, "the handler will be assigned to another dog so that a rapport can be developed."

Once a K-9 team has been established it remains together for the duration of each members' career.