From birth to eight weeks, future military working dogs bred at the 341st Training Squadron, 37th Training Wing are reared at the Military Working Dog Center on JBSA-Lackland, TX in a state of the art whelping facility. Puppy Development Specialists begin working with the pups from birth, imprinting and exposing the pups to a variety of simulations and activities that will prepare them for the next phase of their life.
During the 'foster' period, the pups are raised in secure, nurturing homes that provide learning and play opportunities, as well as outings for the puppies to be exposed to different environments and people to develop a socially sound puppy. A Foster is responsible for a 5 month commitment; from puppy age 6 weeks to 7 months old. (U.S. Air Force video by: Brian G. Rhodes) More