Vital Facts On Military Working Dogs

Saturday 20 August 2016

By Lisa Morris


Simply referred to as MWDs, these are specially trained dogs that are tasked with responsibilities such as attacking of the enemy, protecting the military personnel and the identification of explosives, weapons and drugs. These four legged heroes have been used in warfare since the early 120 BC. The of these military working dogs roles in battles have however over time evolved. Their acute sense of smell, loyalty, athleticism and quick learning abilities makes them the best candidates for such jobs.

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.

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.

Having been through the rigors of battle, most of them thereafter suffer post-traumatic stress disorders. Lucky enough, there exists cures that can remedy such situations. Symptoms of these complications would include, withdrawal, frantic attempts to take off, an inability to perfectly conduct the tasks designated to and paranoia.

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.

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.

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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