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Surviving Spouses | Pets and The MilitaryEditor - CyndiSend your pet questions/comments to Cyndi at:
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Canine Heroes
It is commonly known that dogs serve the United States on Police forces and bomb squads. These dogs truly are canine heroes that deserve recognition for their remarkable aid to humankind.
Dogs also serve the United States military overseas in Iraq. These dogs are primarily trained to sniff out and lead U.S. forces to explosives. These canines in the service are treated in a similar fashion as human soldiers; they undergo vigorous physical training for their safety and for the well being of fellow soldiers, as well as being cared for with as much attention as human soldiers in the armed forces. Although these dogs are capable of exceptional acts of courage, they are usually common dog breeds that have received exceptional training and special canine care.
The dog breeds most commonly found in military service are Malinois and German shepherds. Though these two breeds are often chosen because they are smart and strong, the armed forces use many other breeds. Beagles and even poodles are frequently preferred in various situations because they possess an exceptional sense of smell. These smaller breeds are generally used in close spaced areas, such as submarines and ships. Regardless of the breed, special training is required before these dogs are ready for combat related activities.
These soldier dogs are primarily trained at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Upon arrival, a dog first learns to obey its soldier mentor, as obedience is key to the dog’s safety and performance on the job. He or she is specifically trained to run, jump, and crawl through various obstacle courses in order to simulate real-life situations for the dog in the field. The canine also is trained to develop a valuable working relationship with its soldier handler, as this expands into a comradeship with the soldier mentors.
Second, these dogs are trained to become accustomed to loud noises such as gunfire, sirens, helicopters, and explosive charges. A dog that is unable to become accustomed to these noises is deemed unfit for military service, and is sent to serve in a more docile environment.
Once these dogs go through training, they are assessed for the position that best suits their character and personality. For example, a high-energy, aggressive dog may be chosen for sentry work, while a dog that is particularly alert and attuned to his sense of smell may be chosen for additional training to become a scout. Once these dogs complete their training, they are joined with the American troops and are dispatched to various locations worldwide where they will receive the utmost in canine care.
Physical safety and care for dogs in service is extremely important to U.S. soldiers. These dogs become their comrades in operations and wounded soldiers have been known to plead for the care of their canine comrade before receiving medical attention themselves.
Should a dog become wounded in the line of duty, he is cared for with similar attention to that of a wounded soldier. Dog first aid kits are very similar to human first aid kits. These packages generally include medicine, bandages, tape, gauze and even syringes. Sometimes injured dogs are deported to top military veterinary centers for care and rehabilitation. Some of these centers are hundreds of miles away, including Germany and the United States. Many times these dogs have a complete recovery and are returned to the armed forces. Police departments or a retired soldier may adopt other dogs that sustain physical or emotional injury.
Canine Heroes are essential to the function of various U.S. forces. Their expertise is an integral part of military operations worldwide. These dogs truly are heroic soldiers of United States of America.
Michelle Dubose writes articles for the Pet Super Store. A website offering dog beds and raised dog bowl feeders.
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Links
Chase's Ruff House
Getting deployed and need foster care for your pet while you are gone? We offer military/police/firefighter discounts and cage-less boarding for dogs. The Humane Society Offers Tips for Military Personnel on Temporary Pet Care
Military Pets
All too often duty takes us away from our family and loved ones and pets are
no exception. You don’t have to abandon your pet, there are people who can
help.
PetsWelcome.com
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