A training program at the School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy Barracks transforms sappers and their canine companions into explosive detection teams.
After a stringent selection process, handlers and their dogs receive intensive preparation before postings to combat engineer units where they become a key capability in larger search and safety mobility teams.
Corporal Andrew Nordling, who instructs trainees on the seven-and-a-half-month basic course for explosive detection dog (EDD) handlers and their dogs, said the relationship between the handler and the dog was crucial.
"The bond and trust developed during the training are vital for their operational success," Corporal Nordling said.
High-energy dogs, often from rescue backgrounds, are chosen for their search instinct and temperament - frequently from the Labrador, kelpie, springer spaniel and Belgian Malinois breeds - and matched with handlers based on personality.
"An independent dog might be paired with a handler that's willing to give them that independence. If we have a dog that needs a little bit more reassurance, we'll pair them with someone who's going to give them that," Corporal Nordling said.
The handlers are paired with one dog for the duration of the course. Trainees and dogs learn to conduct different types of basic searches before moving to more complex scenarios involving actual threats, including vehicle, area, building and route searches.
The EDD training facility at Holsworthy Barracks is equipped with kennels, obstacle courses and a pool.
It also hosts international students, including members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and the New Zealand Defence Force.
Corporal Nordling takes satisfaction in seeing EDD teams become capable of making critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
"At the end, seeing them have the confidence to back their decision-making, confidence to back their dog in situations where they may have not been confident before, is definitely up there for me," he said.
Sapper Shonee Gelhaar, a trainee on the course, became an EDD handler after studying veterinary science and enlisting as a combat engineer.
"I didn't know anything about the dogs," Sapper Gelhaar said.
"When I got to my unit, I expressed my interest and spent a lot of time trying to build my search skills and learn as much about the trade as possible, and eventually got selected for basic course.
"I'm very excited to be paired with my own dog. It's a big game for them. They're just out there to have a good time and at the end of it, get a ball and have a play.
"It's really satisfying to be able to have a dog out with you every day, training every day, getting out and getting the job done. It's a really great feeling, I love it."
