SAFB military working dog training facility offers multiple uses
The SAFB 82nd Security Forces Squadron puts new dog training facility to good use.
- The 82nd Security Forces Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base has opened a $1.3 million military working dog facility.
- The facility provides a dedicated space for training military working dogs in various disciplines, including obstacle courses, patrol work and detection.
- Prior to the facility’s construction, training took place in less suitable locations like empty soccer fields.
Four-legged service members called military working dogs are putting their new space at Sheppard Air Force Base to good use, training with handlers to hone their skills to serve their country.
A little over a year ago, the 82nd Security Forces Squadron at SAFB saw the completion of its newest addition, the Security Forces Military Working Dog facility.
The 82nd Security Forces Squadron houses six military working dogs in a kennel. The kennel is surrounded on all sides by a secured chain fence. Inside the building are six kennels that are kept clean on a daily basis.
The new $1.3 million dog training facility sits right next to the kennel and can only be accessed by a secure gate from inside the chain fence.
The facility has artificial grass and offers covered area for a variety of training, such as obstacle course training, patrol work, explosive/narcotic detection, in-building and vehicle detection and more.
Justin Capulong, the 82nd Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, has been working with the dogs for three years. His military working dog is a 7-year-old, 80-pound Belgian Malinois named Kevin.
“We do training for all our MWD’s,” Capulong said in an interview, “and throughout the year we work with our partners throughout the base either patrolling, searching, or just showing presence — making sure everybody knows they’re safe around us.”
Before the construction of the new facility, training was taking place on empty soccer fields or any other available place on the base.
Handlers and their K-9s continue practicing bite work and protocols. The training time differs for each handler and K-9. Once certified and ready, the military working dog has the chance for deployment.
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