Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Diesel carried the heavy rubber arm back to the car as a reward, though his enthusiastic
growling and head shaking would probably tear a hole in the precious arm, and Steve would
have to make a new one. That was the price of rewarding solid aggression work.
Perhaps it was the wind, perhaps the humidity, perhaps beginner's luck. Whatever it was,
Steve didn't want cockiness coming out of this exercise. He looked at the three rookie hand-
lers.
“Remember, when you go out into the street, don't think it's going to be just like this.
There are three of you, and the dogs have been smelling you for twelve weeks, so they know
the odor. They're very confident. You get out on the street, it's a whole different thing. People
are yelling, music playing, different odors. You all wear the same style of boots and uniforms.
All of that comes into play. It's going to be different.”
The handlers were nodding obediently and happily. They clearly respected Steve. I wasn't
sure they believed his warning. It was a soft and lovely night. The wind was gentle, the hu-
midity low. It was magical. Steve and I walked back to his patrol car. One final scenario re-
mained before his green dogs and handlers graduated and hit the streets. But only after din-
ner and a bit of rest.
“In the right circumstances,” Steve said with a hint of melancholy, “that's a very difficult
find.”
The dogs and handlers did beautifully, Steve told me later, at their demonstration at gradu-
ation in front of the brass. Lughar's recall was perfect; Diesel was fluid and impressive on
the box work. More important, though, is what happens out on the streets. The twelve-week
foundation course headed the handlers in the right direction. They will keep training and
learning, both on the street and during training. For now, the dogs are doing their jobs. So
are the handlers.
Steve was pleased and, as usual, understated. The dogs are successful. The handlers are
the same.”
