Page 7 - Chiron Calling Spring 2017
P. 7

1st Military Working Dog Regiment Canine Biathlon
42 Military working dog teams recently competed in a 7.5km canine biathlon. Teams made from the two squadrons based in Germany were up against each other in order to win prizes for the fastest dog team.
The Biathlon was split into two categories: Protection and other speci cations. There was also a prize for the fastest 4 man team overall between the two squadrons. A time penalty system was in place for anyone missing or failing to complete any of the tasks.
Over the route of the course, both dog and handler had to negotiate many obstacles; helping to build up the bond, trust and teamwork between the two. The teams set off in four minute intervals, with the  rst task being an agility obstacle crawling underneath a scrim net. It was then onto a short run before hitting the next obstacle: a 300 metre long run through a freezing cold river, then under a bridge and a scramble up the bank back onto dry land. Met by a marshal at the next check point, the handlers had to then lift their dogs and slalom around a course of cones; a task well known to the handlers and used daily when working their dogs. After another run through more water back into Chiron lines, the teams were met by the canine agility course; an A frame, cat walk and tunnel over which all the dogs were required to complete without gaining any added penalty time. The  nal task for the Search handlers was the 6ft wall, where both the handler and dog had to get over, after a 7.5km run as well as being cold and wet this proved a struggle to a few. Unfortunately for the Protection dog teams it wasn’t over just yet. The protection route  nished with a full release onto a baiter whilst having to negotiate an obstacle between the two.
With an overall average time of 36minutes it was safe to say both members of the dog teams were exhausted, cold and
Pte Morris with MWD Bracken
deserved a well-earned hot drink and a nice warm meal.
Once the times had been added up and  nalised, the winners were then announced the following day at the Halloween Function organised by 102 Squadron. The awards and prizes were presented by OC 102 MWD Sqn to;  rst place in the Other Speci cation Category, Pte Clarke (102 MWD Sqn) and  rst place in the Protection Speci cation, Pte Gayton (102 MWD Sqn). The fastest team competition was also won by 102 MWD Sqn represented by Cpl McAllister, LCpl Darbyshire, Pte Sutcliffe and Pte Clarke. All of the winners and runners up were awarded
trophies or medals and certi cates for their efforts.
Once the award presentation was over, everyone had an enjoyable night at The Den whilst enjoying Halloween themed games organised by LCpl Wilson. Prizes for best carved pumpkin and best in fancy dress also brought entertainment to both
squadrons still based out in Germany.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the event, both squadrons are
looking forward to the next one and will no doubt be working on both their soldiers’ and dogs’  tness and ability to carry out another biathlon.
Pte Phillips
Private Sutcliffe
Pte Abbs and MWD Indie
CHIRON CALLING 5


































































































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