News: Mick and Marty - Part 2, week 5

Release Date: Friday, November 05 2010, 10:52 AM

The final National AFP Canine recruit course for 2010 is almost half-way to completion, with trainee handlers and canine recruits currently undergoing their first major assessment. 

This week Federal Agent Mick Simmons and his canine partner Marty have been working through a series of scent association activities to develop their firearms and explosives detection skills.

National AFP Canine Instructor Jayson Mesman said the intensity of the training had increased this week and that the performance of the trainee handlers and canines was high.

“Today the guys and the dogs have all performed really well considering we’re at week five and onto their third target odour,” he said.

“The guys are being a bit hard on themselves, but I think the dogs and the handlers are enjoying themselves.”

Federal Agent Simmons admits the physical demands of being a canine handler are challenging, in particular keeping up with Marty.

“It is difficult sometimes to keep up with the dog because the speed of the dog is a lot different to a human,” he said.

“We’re working with dogs who have a lot of energy and want to work at top speed. You’ve got to be able to keep up.”

Being a canine handler is among the most physically intense policing roles with the AFP, and handlers will typically run up to 10 kilometres every day exercising and training their dogs.

You can follow Mick and Marty on their journey as they train to join the ranks of the National AFP Canine Unit.