Top End K9 Services

Interview with Bron Millins - from RAFF Cook to Dog Handler

Photo: Katja Lehnert of Canines by Katja 2026

Why did you originally enlist into the Air Force?

From an early age, I had two career aspirations: to become a professional golfer or to join the Air Force. I come from a family with a strong Air Force background, so it was always on my radar to enlist. I was fortunate enough to achieve my first goal and spent four years competing on tour as a professional golfer. After completing that chapter of my life, I returned to Australia and applied to join the Air Force. It felt like natural progression and an opportunity to continue challenging myself while serving my country.

What inspired you to start dog training?

My dog training journey began nearly 16 years ago when I was living in Katherine on my first posting. I wanted to do more with my dogs - a Husky and a Beagle Kelpie Cross, so I decided to start working with a local trainer. We tried mantrailing with my Beagle Kelpie Cross, and he absolutely loved it.

When I moved to Townsville, I joined the local agility and obedience club. That’s where I discovered Urban Search and Rescue training, and I jumped at the opportunity. My dog Zacc took to it naturally, and I learned that joining the Queensland Fire AUS-1 Disaster Assistance Response Team was a possibility. That became our goal, and I’ve been a member of that team since 2016 as a canine specialist, first with K9 Zacc, who was still operational at 12yrs old, however, unfortunately he developed cancer and sadly passed last year. I now attend with K9 Ryker and K9 Jaeger.

Along the way, I’ve completed my Certificate III in Dog Training and Behaviour, attended a Detection Dog Trainer course in the United States with Cameron Ford and completed Mantrailing Global Instructors course. 

Could you please give an overview of the training and work that you do?

For pet owners, I provide training in mantrailing, scent work, general obedience and rehabilitation through hydrotherapy (I completed my certification as a canine hydrotherapist in 2023).

On the operational side, I’ve continued my involvement with the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team and, here in Darwin, I’ve built a small team of dedicated volunteer handlers. These handlers have undergone extensive training and successfully certified their dogs as search and rescue K9s. This year, I expanded that capability by certifying a Human Remains Detection (HRD) K9. 

Currently, our team consists of five certified live-find teams, one certified HRD dog, one HRD dog in training, and three live-find dogs in training. We maintain a strong working relationship with the NT Police Search and Rescue Section and provide our services whenever requested.

In addition to SAR work, I’ve developed a conservation detection dog capability over the past five years - I trained two dogs within six weeks to detect Citrus Canker disease in trees using a synthetic training odour developed by the University.

What does it take to maintain the level of qualification that you and your canines have?

Maintaining our qualifications requires consistent, structured training and a lot of dedication. The dogs train daily, which includes foundational skills such as obedience, agility and direction control, especially since all of our K9s work off-lead. We also ensure they are exposed to a variety of environments to build confidence and adaptability.

Physical fitness is equally important. I incorporate hydrotherapy, fitness exercises and running into their routine to keep them in peak condition. In addition, we conduct weekly search training, with the style and complexity of the searches tailored to the dog’s level and the objectives for that session.

On top of that, both the dogs and I undergo annual re-certification to confirm we can still perform at the highest standard and that I’m maintaining my own skills as a handler.

What do you enjoy most about working with dogs?

Watching them grow in confidence and develop problem-solving skills is incredibly rewarding. I also feel privileged to contribute such an important capability to the Northern Territory and Australia. Attending training seminars, exercises, assessments, and courses both nationally and internationally, in places like the United States, Taiwan, the UK, and New Zealand has not only expanded my knowledge but also introduced me to some of my closest friends and mentors - those connections have been a highlight of my journey.

What has been the biggest challenge for you?

One of the biggest challenges has been the level of commitment required to maintain operational readiness for both myself, my dogs and the other members of my team. There’s also the reality that, despite years of work, a dog may not certify, which can be emotionally and professionally challenging. Balancing that commitment with other responsibilities of being a member of the Air Force while ensuring the dogs remain at peak performance has definitely been one of the toughest aspects of the role.

How has your military experience helped you in this role?

My military experience has been invaluable in shaping how I approach this role. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure - qualities that are essential in Search and Rescue operations. The Air Force instilled a strong sense of teamwork and communication, which translates directly into working with K9 teams and coordinating with emergency services during high-stakes situations.

Additionally, the structured training environment in the military gave me a solid foundation for planning and executing complex tasks. That mindset helps when developing training programs for dogs and handlers, ensuring consistency and high standards. Finally, adaptability is something the military emphasizes, and in SAR work, no two scenarios are the same. Being able to think critically and adjust quickly has been one of the biggest advantages I’ve carried over from my service.

Proudest moment in Search & Rescue?

One of my fellow handlers, Fletcher, and K9 Zuko, whom I had mentored and trained from the very beginning through to certification, were called out with the NT Police Search and Rescue Section and deployed near Tennant Creek. They conducted searches over a three-day period, including being flown down to Tennant Creek, and their performance was outstanding.

It was incredibly rewarding to see all the training and preparation come together in a real-world scenario. Fletcher and K9 Zuko’s contribution was greatly appreciated by the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator, and the positive feedback confirmed that our training objectives were effectively preparing teams for deployment. As a trainer, mentor, and friend, I was extremely proud of their professionalism and capability during such an important operation.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to enter SAR training?

Be realistic and ask yourself, Why do I want to do this? The answer should come from a genuine desire to help your community. Search and Rescue work is not for the faint-hearted, it’s a lifestyle commitment. Both handlers and dogs undergo strict suitability assessments before entering any program, followed by benchmark assessments that must be passed in certain timeframes. A great starting point is to volunteer as a support person for K9 teams during training and callouts.

Another entry level option is to join your local NTSES unit. This will expose you to navigation, land searches, radio operations, and the reality of responding to callouts at any time.

Interview by Viv Kleemann

The Top Ender Tri-Services team wishes to sincerely thank Bron for her interview responses and incredible contribution to community.

Photos from Bron Mullins and Katja Lehnert of Canines by Katja 2026