The Training Of Military Working Dogs

By Lisa Morris


Primarily tasked with the responsibility of fishing out hidden bombs, fire arms and drugs, these are well trained dogs that also ensure that their human counterparts safely get out of dangerous warzones. Additionally, these member of the military similarly would at times be required to take down an identified human target. Since the early 120BCs, military working dogs have been widely utilized in the field of war. However, their functions have continuously become increasingly sophisticated over time. These animals are chosen for such roles due to their athletic build, sharp smell senses, loyalty and their quick abilities to grasp detailed teachings.

Most commonly used breeds includes, retrievers, German Shepherds, and the Belgian Malinois. Such breeds normally are obtained from countries as the Netherlands and German, which have specific breeding programs for such dogs. Before embarking on special missions, they acquire special training that ensures that their sense of smell is perfected and that their take down abilities are strengthened.

There exists specific institutions that offer such training programs for them. In most cases the training schedule would run for a period between 60-90 days. An additional specialization in areas as drug detection, troop protection and explosive detection is also required of them before embarking on serious field missions. Furthermore, they have names for easy identification. Battle protocols identify these animals as of high priority, and are never left behind under any circumstances.

Better still, these animal workers get to have greatly modified gears that would allow them to use parachutes and also ensure that the handler easily communicates to them even over great distances. Such gear usually has a primary goal of ensuring they are well covered against detrimental body injuries. All thanks to technology. Most of them have participated in great historic acts of battle, most notable the taking out of Osama bin laden where Cairo the dog participated.

However, most of these military personnel get mentally traumatized after experiencing the explosions and warfare in the field. Such post-traumatic stress disorders usually comes with symptoms as hypervigilance, a refusal to conduct the designated tasks, the tendency to run away and an overall deteriorating relationship between the dog and its handler. Luckily treatments for such mental challenges are available.

Most of them get disabled in the battlefield and after retirement would need special attention from sensitive individuals. Such normally is enabled through adoption programs where after serving get to be put up for adoption. Better still, the staff working with such adoption programs get to collect regular reports from the adopters. This in order to monitor how the dog integrates with the different environment.

Due respects are paid to them that get killed in action. This through special memorial services held for them. Furthermore, all heroic acts from these four legged military personnel, are honored through an awarding of the much acclaimed PDSA Dickin medal. A most resent awarding ceremony was held in the Capitol Hill area this year.

It would be true to therefore conclude that they are of great importance to the human life, especially during warfare. Additionally, the statement that they are mans best friend is clearly supported by the fact that, such friendship endures between these soldiers and their handlers even during stressful hours in the battlefield.




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