PUPDATES

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 06777767
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: December 9, 2019
• Case Number: F-2018-00155

Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Pupdates
Pupdate: A Pup Leaves the Class
For our K9 trainers, it's imperative that the dogs enjoy the job they're doing.
Sometimes, even when a pup tests well and they successfully learn how to detect
explosive odors, they make it clear that being an explosive detection K9 is not the
life for them. Such is the case for one of the fall 2017 "puppy class" pups.
We are sad to announce that Lulu has been dropped from the program.
A few weeks into training, Lulu began to show signs she wasn't interested in
detecting explosive odors. All dogs, just like most human students, have good days
and bad days when learning something new. The same is true during our puppy
classes. A pup might begin acting lazy, guessing where the odors are, or just showing
a general disregard for whatever is being taught at the moment. Usually it lasts for a
day, maybe two.
There can be a million reasons why a particular dog has a bad day, and the trainers
become doggy psychologists trying to figure out what will help the dog come out of
its funk. Sometimes the pup is bored and just needs extra playtime or more
challenges, sometimes the dog need a little break, and sometimes it's a minor
medical condition like a food allergy requiring switching to different kibble. After a
few days, the trainers work the pup through whatever issue has arisen, and the dog
is back eagerly and happily ready to continue training.
But for some dogs, like Lulu, it becomes clear that the issue isn't temporary. Instead,
this just isn't the job they are meant for. Lulu was no longer interested in searching
for explosives. Even when they could motivate her with food and play to search, she
was clearly not enjoying herself any longer. Our trainers' top concern is for the dogs'
physical and mental well-being, so they made the extremely difficult decision to do
what's best for Lulu and drop her from the program.
When a dog is dropped or retires from our program, their handler or handler's
family is given the chance to adopt them. Every handler, of course, chooses to do so.
The dogs are their partners and have become members of their family, even after
just a few weeks of training together. Lulu was a adopted by her loving handler, who
had the chance to work with her during imprint training. She now enjoys her days
playing with his kids, sniffing out rabbits and squirrels in the backyard, and eating
meals and snacks out of a dog dish. We'll miss Lulu, but this was the right decision
for her. We wish her all the best in her new life.
PHOTO of Lulu happy at home
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Lulu was adopted by her handler, but he still needs an explosive detection K9
partner at work. Check back tomorrow to meet the newest addition to the fall
2017 puppy class.
If you miss any of the articles in this series, visit "Follow CIA's New Puppy Class!"
main page, where we are chronicling the puppies' progresses throughout their
training.
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Pupdate: A New Pup Joins the Class!
Yesterday, we announced that Lulu was no longer with the CIA Explosive Detection
K9 Training Program. Her handler adopted her and she's now living the life of a pet
dog, being spoiled by him and his family.
Lulu's handler, however, needs a K9 partner for explosive detection work. The
puppy class was still in the imprint stage of training when Lulu left the program, so
our K9 instructors decided to bring on a new pup and try to catch her or him up to
the rest of the class.
We'd like to introduce you to the newest member of CIA's fall 2017 "puppy class"...
Meet Heron!
PHOTO
Heron (aka "Harry") is a male black lab from Susquehanna Service Dogs. He's a
goofy, high energy fella who loves to jump and play. At just over a year old, he's the
youngest pup in the class, but has an incredible drive to learn and is super smart.
Harry's got a lot of work to do to catch up to the ladies, but our training staff is ready
to put in the extra time and attention it will require.
3-4 PHOTOS of Harry
Follow Harry and the rest of the class's progress, as they finish imprint training
and start advanced training with their new handlers.
If you miss any of the articles in this series, visit "Follow CIA's New Puppy Class!"
main page, where we are chronicling the puppies' progresses throughout their
training.
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
Pupdate: Training the Handlers
The pups have finished their imprint training and have officially been paired with
their human handlers!
The CIA handlers in this class are all "retreads" - handlers that have had a previous
K9 partner. In fact, the handler's current K9 partners are retiring on the same day
their new K9 partners graduate! As always, our handlers or their families adopt the
veteran dogs, who will live out the rest of their lives as treasured family pets, being
pampered and spoiled by their human families.
The first week of classes for the new K9-handler teams are spent in the classroom.
The handlers take advanced classes on subjects like firearms and explosives, as well
as emergency veterinary care for dogs. The classes are taught by experts in their
fields, and provide hands-on experiences for the handlers.
Caption: Boston, a senior yellow lab belonging to a guest lecturer, keeps a close eye on the new handlers as they
practice K9 CPR on fake dummy dogs. This is just one of the many things the handlers learn during their
emergency K9 crisis care classes.
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Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767
What's next for the new K9-handler teams? As the pups begin their advanced
training, they'll apply everything they've learned so far in simulated exercises.
If you miss any of the articles in this series, visit "Follow CIA's New Puppy Class!"
main page, where we are chronicling the puppies' progresses throughout their
training.
Approved for Release: 2019/12/02 C06777767