366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Brandon Esparza, Meridian Police Department officer, secures his K-9, KB, as he prepares to release it to deter the decoy in the bitesuit during a K-9 demonstration and competition on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. A primary way the working dogs are motivated to learn is through the use of playtime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

Brandon Esparza, Meridian Police Department officer, releases his K-9, KB, to apprehend a decoy in a bitesuit during a competition with the 366th Security Forces Squadron K-9 team on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. The competition was designed to show off the K-9s’ capabilities and how they accomplish their missions, and it provides the chance to learn from one another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Griz, a Meridian Police Department K-9, bites a decoy in a bitesuit on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, during a working dog competition between the Meridian Police Department and the 366th Security Forces Squadron K-9 teams on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Onlookers attempted to distract the K-9s by throwing chew toys onto the field, but the K-9’s training ensured their sole focus was deterring the ‘perpetrator.’ (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Arco, a Meridian Police Department K-9, bites a decoy in a bitesuit on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, during a working dog competition between the Meridian Police Department and the 366th Security Forces Squadron K-9 teams. The working dogs go through rigorous training with their handlers to enhance their focus and ability to understand and obey commands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Dak, a 366th Security Forces Squadron K-9, charges a decoy during a working dog competition between the Meridian Police Department, ID, on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The working dogs go through rigorous training with their handlers to enhance their focus and ability to understand and obey commands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Staff Sgt. Robert Gust, 366th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, and his K-9, Yyankee walk through the field where the Meridian Police Department and 366th SFS participated in a K-9 competition on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. In his experience, Gust finds that training and competing with outside agencies enhances his team’s capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)

366th SFS working dogs compete with Meridian K-9 team

Published May 20, 2022
By Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Brandon Esparza, Meridian Police Department officer, secures his K-9, KB, as he prepares to release it to deter the decoy in the bitesuit during a K-9 demonstration and competition on May 19, 2022 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID. A primary way the working dogs are motivated to learn is through the use of playtime. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Anne Ortiz)