The Art of extraction using a K-9 is one of the true lost arts in the Tactical world of dog-man teams.
For extraction work to be carried out the dog must not only identify and engage one single target,
he must do so passing all the other humans and animals that might be in his path while carrying out his task.
The term "extraction" means to literally remove or extract one single target while chaos is the rule of the day.
Many different exercises come into play before the extraction can be made successfully.
Target discrimination must be part of the dogs training.
The handler must be able to not only communicate, but also redirect his K-9 partner on the move.
Just this one capability often discourages most trainers as they consider this an impossibility. Yet when we think
that this exercise is being used to cut out one cow from a herd or one sheep from a flock, we deem it possible.
It is only when humans replace livestock we lose our faith in the dogs ability to work.
Imagine the value of such a dog and handler to the Military or ERT teams of Federal or State Law Enforcement agencies.
I will tell you this is very possible and was once used by the most elite K-9 teams the world has ever known.
The fact the dog can out manoeuvre a man means the possibility of using new and unknown tactics in hostage situations
giving more advantage where it is needed.
Today we consider our technology to be our strength in this the computer age. The incredible gifts the dog possesses
are of an even greater value to man today, than ever in history.
Just as man has learned he needs the dog for many things other than companionship, it is also man in whose company
the dog truly shines.
Written by Mike McConnery, Taken From the Working Service Archives 12/03/90
