Sgt Joe Prado
Marine Corps Military Working Dog handler 2002-2006
Hometown: Orange, California.

DOG HANDLER EXPERIENCE:

• MWD School 2002
• MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina 2003/ MWD Remco,
• Camp Pendleton 2004/ MWD Brik,
• F.O.B. Al Taqqadum Iraq 2005/ MWD Brik,
• Dept. Of Defense MCLB Barstow, Ca. 2006/ MWD’s Aron, Bak, Rambo, Rek

favorite dog: Brik

How/Why did you become a handler?

The biggest reason I became a handler was I loved dogs and growing up we always had dogs in our family.  I always loved the bond that one could have with a canine. When I was going through MP school they announced that they had some positions open for canine, it just seemed natural for me to put myself in for the position which I ended up getting. Best decision I ever made!

What was MWD school like for you?

School definitely had its ups and downs. From waking up at zero dark thirty to scorching hot days in San Antonio. It was an experience I would do over again in a heart beat. Working with dogs everyday for three months was difficult but absolutely rewarding.

I had so many great memories of living with my fellow marines in the barracks and hanging out on the weekends. It was difficult from the stand point of having to leaving my wife and little girl back home in California while I attended school. It was definitely made easier having the support of my amazing wife.

Tell us about your favorite dog you handled and how you two built rapport-

My favorite K9 was MWD BRIK. I received him in July of 2004 while at Camp Pendleton, Ca. He was actually an Air force reject that had been sent back to Lackland AFB from an AFB in South Korea. From what I was told they could not get him to certify in detection. The Marine Corps picked him up and sent him to CPEN where he did not get a handler until I arrived. Building rapport comes in a lot of different ways but the most important one is time. Time working on leash is imperative but playtime was even more valuable for me and my partners. My favorite canine Brik had an incredible personality. I could look at him and know how he was feeling that day. Spending eight months in Iraq, enduring some of the worst conditions possible, grew our partnership to a level that, even till this day, I have never had with another canine. The only way I could explain it would be the bond soldiers and Marines feel when they are in battle together. It was exactly the same if not stronger. I will never forget the times we spent out on patrol or just hanging out on our off time. By the end of our second month in country Brik had received a letter from the army, who we were attached to, for his efforts in finding an IED and saving Americans lives.  He was an awesome partner.

What makes a good handler and dog team?

In my opinion rapport between a canine team is the most critical in the growth of a team. But a handler must also be able to be patient and not, as we say in the dog world, let things go down leash.

What was it like having to give up your dog, did you do anything special before you gave them up?

Giving up Brik was one of the saddest days of my life! I will never forget having to say goodbye to my partner who kept me safe and let me return home to be with my family. In July of 2010, I happened to be in San Antonio and heard that Brik was at Lackland AFB receiving treatment for cancer in his one of his hind quarters, which he is now cured of. I ended up making a trip to go visit him and was able to see him again. It was a very emotional visit. At first he kind of looked at me but didn’t have the strength to lift himself off the ground to get any close to the edge of the kennel. After a few words I could tell that he remembered me and my voice. Mustering all his strength he got up turned away from me picked something up and started walking, very slowly, towards me. It was his toy. He drop it right next to the kennel fence and look up at me.  I was able to visit him a few more times and even got to take him for short walks and a little play time. Our last visit was just as hard as when I left him from Camp Pendleton.

What advice would you give to those wanting to become handlers or are brand new handlers?

For those wanting to become handler I would tell them about how much hard work is needed in becoming a good dog team. It is a lot harder than people think. But the rewards are well worth it.

For those who are new handlers, again be very, very patient and most importantly “Don’t Let It Go Down Leash!”.

DEPLOYMENT

What was your routine? Kind of missions you commonly went on?

My mission consisted of Snap vehicle check points, cordon knocks, cordon searches, and my favorites “snatch and grabs.” These where some of our basic missions in country.

How was everyone else’s attitude toward your dog?

Everyone absolutely loved my boy Brik. He let guys kind of forget where they were for a little bit. Dogs have that ability to let you think back when you were a kid going up and playing with your family dog.

Now that you are out of the military do you still have any involvement with dogs?

I have been handling dogs going on nine years now, first in the military and now as a civilian, and love my career. Someone once said “ If you love what you do, you will never work a day of your life”.  I haven’t worked since 2002.

Thank you Sgt Joe Prado for the great interview and photos, best of luck to you. Joe Prado offcially has K9 PRIDE!

If you are a professional handler (military, law enforcement, search and rescue, etc.) and would like to be profiled email wardog@k9pride.com and put “PROFILE” in the subject line.