Master-At-Arms 2nd Class Leroy Williams Jr., a military working dog (MWD) handler on board Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor
works with a unique partner. His partner is MWD Zorro an eight year-old Jack Russell Terrier.
“I never worked with a terrier,” said Williams. “I always had German shepherds and the smallest dog I worked with was 80
pounds. Zorro weighs 24 pounds.”
Williams reported to NBK Bangor in March, when he was paired together with Zorro.
“I got Zorro by luck of the draw,” said Williams.  “The kennel master tries to match a handler with the best dog that would
suit him.  At the time, Zorro was available so we were paired together.  Within two days, we were working well together as
if we’ve been working together for a long time.”
Williams finds working with Zorro challenging, since training techniques are different with a smaller breed of dog.
“The training is different between smaller and larger dogs,” said Williams. “You can’t really raise your voice too much at
smaller dogs, especially with Zorro.  If you do, he won’t work for the rest of the day because he thinks ‘Daddy’ is mad at
him. Correcting a smaller dog is a lot different than that of a larger dog. You can hurt a smaller dog with some correction
techniques. 
“Smaller dogs are traditionally faster,” said Williams. “They move and work a lot faster than bigger dogs.  It’s like day and
night.”
Although training techniques are different, Williams still has to ensure Zorro remains on top of his game.
“I train Zorro for about five hours a day,” said Williams.  “In the morning, we’re on the obedience course for about an hour.
The rest of the day is detection training. We train the dogs the same way as we would do something in the field, so we
make training as realistic as possible.”
Williams said that Zorro’s primary mission is detection on board submarines, due to his small stature.  His small frame
also allows him to reach high spots.
“Zorro can find training aides that are six feet high,” said Williams.  “It’s not just small spaces, but he can also hit pretty
tall spaces.  He can jump about six feet high without a running start.”
Although working with a smaller breed of dog has its challenges, Williams enjoys working with Zorro because he is just
like any other dog.
“Even though he doesn’t fit my personality, I like working with him,” said Williams.  “He’s just like every other dog.  He
loves to play and run.  He may not be a pet, but he is a working dog.  To him, it’s not work.  He thinks he’s playing, so
we have to make it fun.”