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The Training Of Military Working Dogs

By Lisa Morris


Mostly referred to as MDWs, these are specific breeds that undergo rigorous training in preparation for battle. These military working dogs play a major role in ensuring that concealed drugs, weapons, and bombs are identified before causing any harm. Similarly, the task of ensuring a safe return of the troops is conferred upon these animal professionals. History tells it that they have been used in times of war from as early as 120BC. This due to their athletic nature, loyalty, fast learning capabilities and their strong sense of smell.

The most preferred breeds for such work would include the German shepherd, the retriever and the Belgian Malinois. Such breeds normally are acquired from countries as Germany and Netherlands. Prior to being termed as a full member of the military, they get to sharpen their biting skills and their smelling skills through special training schedules.

Such training normally is provided by specific military establishments as the lack land air force base. The dog gets to go through an up to 90 day training program which normally is overseen by the relevant dog handler. Each of the four legged personnel gets to specialize in one area out of these three main areas. These being, drug detection, explosives detection and troop protection. These dogs, which similarly have names to them, are treated as part of the military group and would not be left behind when injured.

In the 21st century, technology makes better equipment even for these dogs, as they get to wear advanced gear that confers upon them parachuting abilities and the ability to listen in on their handlers. Additionally, such gear plays an important role of protecting these animal workers from external assaults. Dogs as Cairo, have played important roles in the military field, most notable the taking down of Osama bin laden.

Nonetheless, these members of the military in most cases after repeated battlefield experiences, get to suffer post-traumatic stress. Most dogs suffering such mental disorders depict symptoms as, withdrawal, frantic attempts to run or wander away, increased vigilance even when in safe environments, drastic changes in the pre-existing relationship with the handler and an inability to conduct the activities for which the dog were trained to perform.

Adoption programs ensure that they peacefully retire after serving their nation. Such programs would have the staff frequently visit the veterans and similarly extract reports of their current wellbeing. Better still, these programs ensure that those disabled in battle get extra-special attention throughout their staying with the adopters.

For those that do not survive the battle field, respectful memorial services are conducted for them. Additionally, special awards are awarded to those that perform heroic acts in their time of service. Such is the award known as the PDSA Dickin medal. Most recent awards were presented in the Capitol Hill ceremony on the 12th of July this year.

Conclusively, it would be right to state that they are not simple equipment to be used in battle, but are important companions to their human counterparts and deserve their earned respect. This in the light that their loyalty to humans survives the terrors of warfare as seen from scenarios where a dog stands by its handler even under terrifying warfare.




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