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.