Canine technique: a work of great patience and dedication.
Although he has a degree in nursing with a nephrological profile, Alain Carrazana Miranda has always been interested in working with dogs.
His tenure at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport, in Varadero, as head of the canine technique for almost two decades is proof of his love for these affectionate and faithful animals.
«I started working at this airport in the ESPA agency and when I saw the work with the dogs, I immediately approached the chief at that time and told him I wanted to participate and join the ranks. I have been here since 2004, first I went through the two specialties as a canine technician, explosives and drugs, then I opted for the instructor course and finally I have been working for three years as head of the canine technique section».
After 20 years dedicated to this work, Alain was awarded the Customs Seal of Honor and Ethics for his hard work and excellent results in the area.
«I feel good. It is a recognition of the effort made for a long time, the dedication and commitment put into these puppies. This is my second profession and one of the ones I like the most.
«It’s a job that requires a lot of patience and dedication. What happens? People see the finished work: the canine technician at the terminal with the dog, with obedience, discipline, with good work performance. But to get there, there is a course of many things that have to happen. In the puppy stage, in the preparation stage and in this process, where patience is the key.»
One of the most difficult aspects is the preparation of the technicians.
«I confess that sometimes I find it more difficult to prepare the drivers than the dogs. Yes, because sometimes it takes a little more work when they arrive new. For example, the technical words, the gestures, the movements, it’s hard work for them, because it’s something new for them.
«However, the dog is an animal that learns by habit and sometimes it is more difficult to prepare the instructors than the dogs themselves.»
The permanence of the staff directly influences the preparation of the puppies.
«The most difficult thing has been the permanence of the personnel, because you have to have specialists prepared, which takes time. Then, after you prepare them, take them to exams and they go through the canine technical school for six more months and start working and decide to quit, that causes frustration and the desire to quit everything. Then you have to start again from the beginning, with new technicians, with new puppies.
«Soon I will be 20 years in the institution and what motivates me and motivates me is the work with the dogs, which I have always liked and the responsibility and the level of importance it has. That’s what I try to instill in the young people who come to me interested in this work: love for them».
Written by Leidys Hernández Pelier.
