Students in the Fish & Wildlife Management program at Ogeechee Technical College recently got a firsthand look at the power of professional K-9 training, thanks to a visit from Ranger First Class Jack Thain and his K-9 partner, Smoke, along with Ranger Matthew Ubbink.
The visit began in the classroom, where students learned about Smoke’s specialized training to detect a range of items, including game animals like deer and ducks, firearms, and even people or artifacts that don’t belong in the woods. The lesson continued outside with a live demonstration. Students watched as Smoke quickly located a hidden knife in the woods and successfully tracked down a student volunteer who had gone into hiding.
Students got to witness firsthand a dog’s incredible sense of smell. Thain explained that when humans smell pizza, they just smell pizza, but that a dog can smell each ingredient individually all at the same time.
“The hands-on experience left a lasting impression on our students,” said instructor Casey Corbett. “Although class officially ended at 4:30 p.m., many students stayed well past 6, eager to ask questions and learn more from the visiting rangers.”
To learn more about the Fish & Wildlife Management program, please visit www.ogeecheetech.edu/FWMT.
