Chris just friendly advice.  Go to the forum called introductions.. post one of those, and you will recieve a better response to this... Good luck

Chris,

EDCH's are issued a variety of dogs. Sporting breeds are used, i.e. labs, shepherds, vizslas, malinois, and some mixed. Age of the dogs vary as you may get them fresh out of training or they are recycled and have already been out in the field. The instructor will match you with a canine based on your experience and living situation. At no time do you decide what dog you get. The instructors do a pretty good job at pairing dog and handler. 

Wow, I'm impressed.  I'm glad to hear that this a program that makes sense matching a dog with a handler.  I don't know how many government programs that I've been through that can't to make common sense items work.  After all as we say in the government "if it makes sense it can't happen".    Thanks for the input Ed.

itri says ...

Thanks Ed, for your reply!  I'm really interested in the position and I applied when it was open.  I'm afraid that even though I have experience handling animals, I won't be considered because I don't get military preference.  Wish me luck.

 

Chris

Chris,

Don't get your hopes down.  I'm in the opposite situation as you.  Other than having family pets I don't have "professional" animal experience, just the military.  Either way I'm sure they have the "whole person" concept in mind.  If they don't have applicants that has 20yrs k-9 experience or something to that effect they have to hire the next best thing.  Lets first hope we have the foot in the door and get invited to the interview after the written test.  That is where you can shine the best.  Good luck Chris and post your process as it continues.  I'm more worried about even having an opening here in FSD (Sioux Falls, SD) more than anything else to be honest!

Erik