Detection Dog Spotlight: Jacob Wichman and K9 Ricsi

In a high-volume airport cargo environment, the work moves in a steady rhythm. Packages come in, get sorted, and head back out. In the middle of it all is Ricsi, a German-Shepherd Malinois mix trained in explosive detection, and his handler, Jacob Wichman.

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A K9 team working as part of Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, their role is simple to describe and hard to do well: stay ready, stay consistent, and help support a safe cargo operation every day. Together, they are locked in 

on the job, working as a team to help keep packages secure before they move on to their next destination. 
Ricsi uses his nose to screen freight and packages for specific odors that may indicate a threat. Jacob, a former U.S. Army artilleryman and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer, guides Ricsi through search patterns, keeps him under tight control in a fast-moving work area, and watches for small changes in his body language that can signal a credible alert. If Ricsi flags an item, Jacob follows site-specific protocols so the right people can take a closer look, resolving the alarm or confirming the presence of a threat.

What sets Ricsi apart is his ability to shift seamlessly between high energy and focused precision—slowing down, working methodically, and staying locked in even as activity increases around him.
Jacob describes Ricsi as a “wild man” full of energy, but he also knows how to keep his focus on the task at hand. “When he’s finding what he needs to find, he slows down and becomes very methodical,” Jacob says.

Every detection dog has a drive that keeps them searching. For Ricsi, Jacob says the biggest reward is the work itself. That attitude shows up the moment they arrive on the job. Jacob starts each shift at 4 p.m. the same way, giving Ricsi time to settle in and get focused. As the night moves along and the operation picks up, Ricsi shifts into high gear, getting excited because he knows he has a task to complete, Jacob says.
 

Training That Keeps Ricsi Sharp  

Discipline, consistency, and strong procedures have been the cornerstones of Jacob’s career path from the military to the security field, and he intends to impart those principles on Ricsi as well. Ricsi’s performance on duty is tied to training outside the active work.

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“Training is daily,” Jacob says. “We follow company standards, and I always meet or exceed the minimum requirements.”

But effective training doesn’t have to be monotonous. In fact, it’s better for Ricsi if the training style varies. Jacob changes Ricsi’s routines to keep him vigilant and reliant on his nose. “I constantly move training aids and vary their placement—different heights, depths, and environments—so Ricsi never gets complacent,” Jacob says. “Dogs are smart. If you do the same thing repeatedly, they stop using their nose and start patterning.”

Jacob also works with Ricsi at home on search types and scenarios they don’t always see during a normal shift. “At home, we work on open-area searches, vehicle searches, and scenarios we don’t typically encounter at work,” Jacob says. “It’s all about repetition, consistency, and keeping him honest.”

Trust Built Over Time

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A strong bond between handler and canine takes time to develop. Jacob says the connection with Ricsi grew as they trained, traveled, and worked side by side. There was no single moment that cemented their relationship, Jacob says.

“But about six months into the job, I felt very confident and connected with him,” he adds.

Ricsi also makes it clear he likes being close to his person. “If I’m more than five feet away from him, he lets me know,” Jacob says.

That closeness carries into their professional relationship, too. “We travel together frequently for training. He’ll climb up and lean into me like he’s giving me a hug. He’s my buddy. I spend more time with him than anyone else.”

Off Duty, Ricsi Is a Different Dog

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But when he’s off duty, Jacob says he is calm and content at home. “He’s a completely different dog,” Jacob says. “At home, he’s a big couch potato. He’ll sit at my feet, hang out on the couch, or just relax until I open the door to go outside.”
Jacob says Ricsi loves being outdoors, and he’s the kind of dog who wins people over quickly. “Everyone who meets him loves him,” Jacob says. “He’s friendly, loving, and a big goofball.”

Why Their Work Matters 

Jacob says this role feels different because he gets to do meaningful work with a partner he trusts. He adds that this job has tapped into his true passion in life.
“The work matters, and I get to do it with my best friend,” Jacob says.

Ricsi brings drive, focus, and heart to every shift. Jacob brings steady training, patience, and pride in the work. Together, they are the kind of team you want in a place where details matter and consistency is key.