Check it out - we made the Top 10 last week!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
An Extract in 'The Week'
Click on the pictures to read the extract... it's about Shane's first mission in Afghanistan.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of two Australian soldiers - Sappers Jacob Moerland, 21, and Darren Smith, 26, from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment - who were killed recently in Afghanistan.
A roadside bomb detonated while the men were on a routine foot patrol in the Mirabad Valley. Smith's explosive's detection dog, Herbie, was also killed in the explosion. One of the soldiers died instantly while the other received emergency first aid by fellow patrol officers before being subsequently airlifted to a nearby ISAF hospital. He died a short time later from his wounds.
Lest we forget.
A roadside bomb detonated while the men were on a routine foot patrol in the Mirabad Valley. Smith's explosive's detection dog, Herbie, was also killed in the explosion. One of the soldiers died instantly while the other received emergency first aid by fellow patrol officers before being subsequently airlifted to a nearby ISAF hospital. He died a short time later from his wounds.
Lest we forget.
Radio Interviews
Shane continues to expand his radio repertoire, appearing just this week on Hobart's ultra106five radio and last week on Sydney's Classic Hits WFSM. He's been doing a fantastic job. You can really get a feel for Afghanistan and the dogs that work there. Have a listen and see what yuou think...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Daily Telegraph - Inside edition: An exclusive extract!
Below is a story which featured in Saturday's Sydney Daily Telegraph.
How Ziggy taught me the vital art of sniffing out trouble
HIghly-trained dogs and their handlers are on the battle frontline, writes Shane Bryant in this exclusive extract from his new book.
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Click on the pics to read and see more...
Saturday, May 29th, 2010
How Ziggy taught me the vital art of sniffing out trouble
HIghly-trained dogs and their handlers are on the battle frontline, writes Shane Bryant in this exclusive extract from his new book.
+shane+and+ziggy+%28below%29+shane+and+ricky.jpg)
Click on the pics to read and see more...
Saturday, May 29th, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
War Dogs on TV for real
Here's an interview with Shane Bryant, co-author of WAR DOGS, on Channel 10's 'The Circle' Program on Friday, May 28. Good job, mate!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
War Dogs on TV... well, Youtube
Below is a video taken during Shane's interview with Fran Kelly on the ABC Radio National morning program. Although it's the same content as the radio interview we posted earlier, the video also includes a selection of pictures from the book.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Radio National
Just before seven o'clock this morning Shane Bryant undertook a mission more nerve wracking than anything he's done as an explosive detection dog hanlder in Afghanistan - his first live-to-air radio inteview, in the studio with interviewer Fran Kelly on ABC Radio National.
They chatted about Shane, his dogs and his work in Afghanistan.
There are plenty of stories to be told about the dogs Shane has worked with, including a funny yarn about an encounter Shane's dog, Benny, had with a goat, while searching a compound in Afghanistan.
You can listen to a podcast of the full interview, here.
They chatted about Shane, his dogs and his work in Afghanistan.
There are plenty of stories to be told about the dogs Shane has worked with, including a funny yarn about an encounter Shane's dog, Benny, had with a goat, while searching a compound in Afghanistan.
You can listen to a podcast of the full interview, here.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
WAR DOGS in the Weekend Australian Magazine!
There was a story about our book, WAR DOGS, in last week's Weekend Australian Magazine? If you didn't, see it, click on the picture and zoom in on the text to read it
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
17 Questions - An Interview With Shane
WAR DOGS the book is all set for its official release on June 1, 2010, but there could be copies in Australian book stores from as early as May 28. Below is an interview with author and explosive detection dog handler, Shane Bryant.
1. What’s the most difficult thing about being away from Australia?
The biggest difficulties involved would have to be the lack of exposure and interaction I have with my kids on a day to day basis, and also maintaining a strong healthy relationship with my partner.
2. Why did you decide to write this book?
I was approached by Tony Park regarding the idea of telling my side of the story as a civilian dog handler working close with the military and there really hasn’t been a story told about Afghanistan where dogs play such a big part. I also wanted my children to have the opportunity to understand why and what their Dad has been doing whilst in Afghanistan.
3. Do you have a preference for any particular type of dog? Why?
I don’t really have a preference, although I do have a soft spot for Border Collies. As long as the dog has a huge search/hunt drive – a fanatical desire to look for something – and doesn’t need to be constantly motivated to work then I would be happy with any breed.
4. What is the hardest thing about training/handling a dog?
I wouldn't say there is anything hard about training a dog other then maintaining patience. Repetition and praise is the key to it all. The hardest part of handling a dog would be the day you and your dog go your separate ways. I have had two dogs in Afghanistan and, over a two year period, due to contracts or leaving the company, I have had to leave them behind. However, I do have the satisfaction that both my dogs are still today out working with two good mates of mine, one American and one South African.
5. Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Yes, it’s possible to teach an old dog anything as long as the motivation is still there. Although I think the old dog tends to teach the green handler “new tricks”!
6. Do you think that using these dogs in Afghanistan is cruel? Why/ why not?
Not at all. The dogs are well looked after, well fed, well housed and extremely active. Obviously there is a certain element of danger in a dog’s job but the handler is right with him the whole time. Explosive detection is a game the dog loves and enjoys. Something like dog fighting is cruel, using dogs to save lives isn’t.
7. Why do you choose to work as a civilian contractor?
There are limited jobs back home as a K9 handler in the civilian world or any decent paying jobs to provide a comfortable living. I enjoy the challenge of my job, interacting with Dogs on a daily basis and it pays fairly well.
8. How much of a difference do you think you personally are making? Do you care about the work your company does for the country, or is it more about the money?
My job as a dog handler was protecting the military against improvised explosive devices etc; keeping the soldiers safe was all the difference I needed to make. I care about the quality of work the company provides for our clients. The company’s K9 teams have an obligation and commitment to ensure the safety of our current clients.
9. Do you consider yourself a mercenary? Why/Why not?
No not at all. I consider myself a dog handler. The weapons I was issued were for the protection of myself and my colleagues. I still needed to work under strict contractor/military rules of engagement.
10. Has working with these dogs changed your perspective about the war or about your life?
No. I have been a dog handler for a long time. The only difference now is it’s in a combat role, not a military/police role back home conducting routine searches. Here, I finally get to test my skills in real life operational threats. I see it as a job. Working overseas for a long period of time has changed my life. It takes me some time to adjust when back home and I have become extremely independent and work orientated.
11. What type of people work with dogs in Afghanistan?
We have a vast variety of people working for the company in Afghanistan, from Aussies, Americans, British, Irish, Pilipino, Nepalese and Afghans. Obviously you need to have a love for dogs, patience and a commitment to take care of your dog over everything else.
12. Why did you choose to work with dogs in the first place?
I have always had a feeling of closeness with dogs since I was a kid. They are always happy to see you no matter how bad their day has been. I have a tattoo which would probably explain it much better. It says, “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart”.
13. How do you find adjusting between life in Afghanistan and life in Australia?
I find adjusting extremely difficult. I am constantly on the go in Afghanistan, being available 24/7. When I get home it takes me most of my holidays to wind down and get back in a relaxed state, and by that time I’m heading back overseas again.
14. How do you think you will handle coming back to Australia on a more permanent basis? Will you be back on a permanent basis?
I hope I eventually come back on a permanent basis. I know I have to make that decision soon as my kids are getting older and I need to establish a career back home before I get too old to be able to do so.
15. Overall, what’s the best part of your lifestyle?
It’s not much of a lifestyle in Kabul, however probably one of the biggest satisfactions I get is in recruiting handlers with no dog handling experience and seeing them develop over time in to a competent and professional dog handler.
16. What do you like to do when you’re not working with the dogs?
I enjoy spending time with friends having a beer, bbq and listening to music, and going to the gym.
17. What does a normal day consist of for you?
Now as the Country Director for VCSi lots of paperwork and emails. I need to make sure that everything and everyone is doing their job and the clients have no issues with our services. It’s a managerial role these days, not so much hands on, which I miss a lot.
1. What’s the most difficult thing about being away from Australia?
The biggest difficulties involved would have to be the lack of exposure and interaction I have with my kids on a day to day basis, and also maintaining a strong healthy relationship with my partner.
2. Why did you decide to write this book?
I was approached by Tony Park regarding the idea of telling my side of the story as a civilian dog handler working close with the military and there really hasn’t been a story told about Afghanistan where dogs play such a big part. I also wanted my children to have the opportunity to understand why and what their Dad has been doing whilst in Afghanistan.
3. Do you have a preference for any particular type of dog? Why?
I don’t really have a preference, although I do have a soft spot for Border Collies. As long as the dog has a huge search/hunt drive – a fanatical desire to look for something – and doesn’t need to be constantly motivated to work then I would be happy with any breed.
4. What is the hardest thing about training/handling a dog?
I wouldn't say there is anything hard about training a dog other then maintaining patience. Repetition and praise is the key to it all. The hardest part of handling a dog would be the day you and your dog go your separate ways. I have had two dogs in Afghanistan and, over a two year period, due to contracts or leaving the company, I have had to leave them behind. However, I do have the satisfaction that both my dogs are still today out working with two good mates of mine, one American and one South African.
5. Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Yes, it’s possible to teach an old dog anything as long as the motivation is still there. Although I think the old dog tends to teach the green handler “new tricks”!
6. Do you think that using these dogs in Afghanistan is cruel? Why/ why not?
Not at all. The dogs are well looked after, well fed, well housed and extremely active. Obviously there is a certain element of danger in a dog’s job but the handler is right with him the whole time. Explosive detection is a game the dog loves and enjoys. Something like dog fighting is cruel, using dogs to save lives isn’t.
7. Why do you choose to work as a civilian contractor?
There are limited jobs back home as a K9 handler in the civilian world or any decent paying jobs to provide a comfortable living. I enjoy the challenge of my job, interacting with Dogs on a daily basis and it pays fairly well.
8. How much of a difference do you think you personally are making? Do you care about the work your company does for the country, or is it more about the money?
My job as a dog handler was protecting the military against improvised explosive devices etc; keeping the soldiers safe was all the difference I needed to make. I care about the quality of work the company provides for our clients. The company’s K9 teams have an obligation and commitment to ensure the safety of our current clients.
9. Do you consider yourself a mercenary? Why/Why not?
No not at all. I consider myself a dog handler. The weapons I was issued were for the protection of myself and my colleagues. I still needed to work under strict contractor/military rules of engagement.
10. Has working with these dogs changed your perspective about the war or about your life?
No. I have been a dog handler for a long time. The only difference now is it’s in a combat role, not a military/police role back home conducting routine searches. Here, I finally get to test my skills in real life operational threats. I see it as a job. Working overseas for a long period of time has changed my life. It takes me some time to adjust when back home and I have become extremely independent and work orientated.
11. What type of people work with dogs in Afghanistan?
We have a vast variety of people working for the company in Afghanistan, from Aussies, Americans, British, Irish, Pilipino, Nepalese and Afghans. Obviously you need to have a love for dogs, patience and a commitment to take care of your dog over everything else.
12. Why did you choose to work with dogs in the first place?
I have always had a feeling of closeness with dogs since I was a kid. They are always happy to see you no matter how bad their day has been. I have a tattoo which would probably explain it much better. It says, “He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart”.
13. How do you find adjusting between life in Afghanistan and life in Australia?
I find adjusting extremely difficult. I am constantly on the go in Afghanistan, being available 24/7. When I get home it takes me most of my holidays to wind down and get back in a relaxed state, and by that time I’m heading back overseas again.
14. How do you think you will handle coming back to Australia on a more permanent basis? Will you be back on a permanent basis?
I hope I eventually come back on a permanent basis. I know I have to make that decision soon as my kids are getting older and I need to establish a career back home before I get too old to be able to do so.
15. Overall, what’s the best part of your lifestyle?
It’s not much of a lifestyle in Kabul, however probably one of the biggest satisfactions I get is in recruiting handlers with no dog handling experience and seeing them develop over time in to a competent and professional dog handler.
16. What do you like to do when you’re not working with the dogs?
I enjoy spending time with friends having a beer, bbq and listening to music, and going to the gym.
17. What does a normal day consist of for you?
Now as the Country Director for VCSi lots of paperwork and emails. I need to make sure that everything and everyone is doing their job and the clients have no issues with our services. It’s a managerial role these days, not so much hands on, which I miss a lot.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Hurry up and wait
Shane and Ricky, taking a break during a search in Afghanistan If you've ever spent any time working in or with the military then you'll know it involves a lot of sitting around waiting for stuff to happen. In the Australian Army we even have a saying for it... hurry up and wait.
WAR DOGS, the book, comes out in a few weeks' time (June 1), and it'll be good once the waiting's over.
Shane's in Afghanistan at the moment, and he's been busy promoting the book as well as doing his job, working with dogs.
He's just done an interview about the book for The Australian newspaper's Weekend Magazine. It'll be in the May 22 edition.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sabi Returns After 14 Months in the Desert
Do you remember the story of Sabi?
In September, 2008, a patrol of Australian, US and Afghan units was ambushed by Taliban militants in the Uruzgan province. A gun fight ensued, leaving nine injured and one dog missing in action (MIA).
Sabi, an Australian Special Forces explosives detection dog vanished amidst the gunfire not to be seen for close to 14 months, despite repeated search attempts.
The black Labrador was rediscovered, however, in November 2009 by an American solder in north-eastern Uruzgan.
Judging by her health, it was assumed that locals had been caring for Sabi. It may never be known, however, what happened to Sabi in the period between her disappearance and her rediscovery.
Sabi's return brought a great amount of relief and closure, particularly to those closest to her. Her handler, Corporal David Simpson, who was also wounded in the ambush, had reportedly never given up hope. Her survival and safe recovery was a terrific morale booster for the troops who knew her.
Click on the video below to see more of Sabi.
Sabi's story is miraculous, but by no means unique. Dogs have been known to wander off, run away and return months later for no apparent reason. In our book, WAR DOGS, Shane mentions a similar occurrence. Daisy, a sniffer dog attached to some Canadian forces, escapes into the desert after hearing one too many explosions. Months later, Daisy returned of her own accord, lean, hungry but alive and demanding to be let back in the base she had run away from.
How she survived is anyone's guess. Like Sabi, Daisy's adventure will probably remain a mystery.
In September, 2008, a patrol of Australian, US and Afghan units was ambushed by Taliban militants in the Uruzgan province. A gun fight ensued, leaving nine injured and one dog missing in action (MIA).
Sabi, an Australian Special Forces explosives detection dog vanished amidst the gunfire not to be seen for close to 14 months, despite repeated search attempts.
The black Labrador was rediscovered, however, in November 2009 by an American solder in north-eastern Uruzgan.
Judging by her health, it was assumed that locals had been caring for Sabi. It may never be known, however, what happened to Sabi in the period between her disappearance and her rediscovery.
Sabi's return brought a great amount of relief and closure, particularly to those closest to her. Her handler, Corporal David Simpson, who was also wounded in the ambush, had reportedly never given up hope. Her survival and safe recovery was a terrific morale booster for the troops who knew her.
Click on the video below to see more of Sabi.
Sabi's story is miraculous, but by no means unique. Dogs have been known to wander off, run away and return months later for no apparent reason. In our book, WAR DOGS, Shane mentions a similar occurrence. Daisy, a sniffer dog attached to some Canadian forces, escapes into the desert after hearing one too many explosions. Months later, Daisy returned of her own accord, lean, hungry but alive and demanding to be let back in the base she had run away from.
How she survived is anyone's guess. Like Sabi, Daisy's adventure will probably remain a mystery.
An Introduction...
G'day and welcome to 'War Dogs' - a blog devoted to working dogs in Afghanistan and other hotspots around the world.
The title says it all don't you think? Or maybe not. Maybe you're already asking yourself, just what is a war dog? Well, it's not some crazed Rambo killer for hire. We're talking about real dogs here, of the canine variety doing a real job.
'War Dogs' - the blog - has been set up by Tony Park and Shane Bryant in anticipation of the release of 'War Dogs' - their book. The book tells the story of Shane's life in Afghanistan, working as a contract Explosive Detection Dog Handler.
This blog will feature anything and everything to do with military working dogs and their handlers and trainers. Keep an eye out for the book, which is due out on June 1, 2010 in Australia, and you can walk a click or two in the boots of Shane and in the pawprints of his canine comrades in Afghanistan.
In coming weeks we'll be posting links to articles of interest about military working dogs, and we'll also put up some extra pictures and war stories that didn't make it into the book.
Got any questions or comments for us? Get typing! We'd love to hear from you!
cheers
Tony and Shane.
The title says it all don't you think? Or maybe not. Maybe you're already asking yourself, just what is a war dog? Well, it's not some crazed Rambo killer for hire. We're talking about real dogs here, of the canine variety doing a real job.
'War Dogs' - the blog - has been set up by Tony Park and Shane Bryant in anticipation of the release of 'War Dogs' - their book. The book tells the story of Shane's life in Afghanistan, working as a contract Explosive Detection Dog Handler.
This blog will feature anything and everything to do with military working dogs and their handlers and trainers. Keep an eye out for the book, which is due out on June 1, 2010 in Australia, and you can walk a click or two in the boots of Shane and in the pawprints of his canine comrades in Afghanistan.
In coming weeks we'll be posting links to articles of interest about military working dogs, and we'll also put up some extra pictures and war stories that didn't make it into the book.
Got any questions or comments for us? Get typing! We'd love to hear from you!
cheers
Tony and Shane.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
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