Dux praises his canine companion

In just four months, Private Riley Mayne and MPD Deek developed a bond most dog lovers can only dream of.

CAPTION: Private Riley Mayne and military police dog Deek prepare to apprehend a decoy during the Military Working Dog Handler Basic Course. Story by Major Evita Ryan. Photos by Lance Corporal Luke Donegan.

Growing up on the Gold Coast with his family, Private Mayne always loved dogs but never experienced the kind of bond he now shares with Deek, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois.

After studying a Bachelor of Criminology at Latrobe University and joining Army in September 2022, Private Mayne completed initial employment training and posted to 1st Military Police Battalion’s Bravo Company in Darwin in mid-2023, where he met Deek.

By the time Private Mayne commenced the Military Working Dog Handler Basic Course at RAAF Security and Fire School, RAAF Base Amberley, in April, he already had his heart set on being teamed with Deek.

“I was really surprised to get on course so early in my career but I’m stoked that I did,” Private Mayne said.

During week five of the course Private Mayne was relieved to find his wish had come true when instructors teamed dogs with the handlers.

“We rotated through handling different dogs but Deek was my first preference from the get-go,” he said.

Private Mayne continued to develop his bond with Deek as they trained in basic obedience, navigating obstacles, decoy work, apprehension, human-scent tracking, building searches and clearances.

He said developing a solid working bond took time.

“The more exposure you get, the more you train with the instructors and the more reps you do helps build that bond over time,” Private Mayne said.

“I think aspects of the initial bonding came a little easier with Deek because of his affectionate personality and willingness to work, but it feels like our dogs are bonding more and more with us every week.”

During the field component, Private Mayne learnt to care for a dog and slept beside Deek for the first time.

The students also did canine first aid.

“It was great to learn how to treat an injured dog and all the considerations you need to take,” Private Mayne said.

“We trained on a mechanical dog called Diesel, which is a training aid that simulates the behaviour of a real dog needing medical treatment.

“We could also swap out his limbs to simulate different injuries.”

Graduating as dux of the 17-week course in early August, Private Mayne said the award was a surprise considering he felt a lot of the other students were on par with him.

The course cohort included 12 RAAF members and five soldiers from 1st Military Police Battalion.

“I’m sure Deek carried me through parts of the course,” Private Mayne said.

“He made me look good.

“You have to trust your dog. It’s an awesome feeling when you do and it works out well.”

Now completing a three-week Military Police Dog Handler – Field Operations Course at Swartz Barracks in Oakey, Private Mayne is looking forward to returning to Darwin with Deek to continue their training and learn from the experienced MPD handlers at Bravo Company.

“This is a great career – you get to work with your best mate every day and be around other passionate people who love dogs while providing a specialised capability to combat units and Defence as a whole,” Private Mayne said.

“MPDs are so smart and have a high drive for work.

“They’re pretty incredible and there’s always something to learn with dogs.”

CAPTION: Private Riley Mayne receives the award of dux of the Military Working Dog Handler Basic Course by Commanding Officer of RAAF Security and Fire School Wing Commander Brett MacDonald at RAAF Base Amberley, Ipswich.

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