Sgt. Stacey Collins of the 8th Military Police Brigade began her journey as a military working dog handler with her partner, Hugo, under challenging circumstances.
Initially struggling to bond with Hugo, she quickly realized that working with a military dog required patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of canine behavior.
Collins had previously served as a mechanized infantry Soldier, but the physical demands of the job led her to explore other roles.
When the opportunity to become a military working dog (MWD) handler arose, she seized it, despite having no prior experience.
She trained at the Military Working Dog Handler Course at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, preparing for her new role. However, working with Hugo, a seasoned seven-year-old dog, proved far more challenging than anticipated.
At first, Hugo would not respond well to Collins’ commands. Despite his experience, Hugo would often run away or hide when corrected during training exercises.
This lack of connection left Collins frustrated, especially as she saw junior Soldiers effortlessly bond with their dogs. It wasn’t just about training—it was about trust.
But Collins refused to give up. She sought advice from her peers, applied new techniques, and over time, her bond with Hugo began to grow. With patience and persistence, Collins earned Hugo’s trust.
They eventually passed the handler team certification test, a critical milestone that confirmed their ability to work effectively together.
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Conclusion
The journey of Sgt. Stacey Collins and Hugo is a testament to the perseverance required to form a solid partnership between a handler and their military working dog.
Through determination, training, and trust-building, Collins and Hugo have become a successful team, exemplifying the unique bond between humans and their canine counterparts in the military.
FAQs
- What inspired Sgt. Collins to become a military working dog handler?
After serving as an infantry soldier, Collins sought a role that was less physically demanding and found the rare opportunity to become a K-9 handler. - What challenges did Sgt. Collins face while working with Hugo?
Initially, Collins struggled to bond with Hugo. He was unresponsive to her commands and often ran away during training sessions, leaving her frustrated. - How did Collins overcome the difficulties with Hugo?
Collins sought advice from peers and applied new techniques. Over time, with persistence and patience, she earned Hugo’s trust, leading to a successful working relationship. - What is the handler team certification test?
The certification test evaluates both the handler and the dog’s ability to work as a team, ensuring they can operate effectively in timed, controlled environments. - How important is trust between a handler and a military working dog?
Trust is essential. A handler must rely on the dog for safety, and without trust, the team’s effectiveness in dangerous situations is compromised. - What is Sgt. Collins’ relationship with Hugo like now?
After months of training and overcoming challenges, Collins and Hugo now have a strong bond. Hugo remains a calm and reliable companion, but he is also recognized as a vital military asset.
