By Man or Machine

“The capability they (Military Working Dogs) bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our Army (and military) would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource.” (General David Petraeus)

The earliest recorded use of canines in combat was by Alyattes of Lydia against the Cimmerians around 600 BC. War dogs were used extensively by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, and Atilla the Hun even used giant dogs in his campaigns.

It may come as no surprise that military canines play a vital role in the United States (US) military. As warfare has evolved, so has their role. These war dogs have struggled to earn their recognition as American heroes. Here are some facts you may not know about military working dogs (MWD).

1.  MWD’s have fought alongside American forces in every conflict since the Revolutionary War, but only officially noticed since World War II: The military recognized the value canine soldiers could bring, and began using them primarily for reconnaissance use. Dogs were mostly used as message carriers and sentries during earlier conflicts. Today they're trained to perform a wide-range of highly-specialized tasks. An average career for a MWD spans eight to nine years

 

2.  MWD’s are trained in bomb, weapon and drug detection, tracking, and to attack the enemy: Today, more than 1,000 dogs are trained at any given time by a staff of 125 from all branches of military service. The complex training techniques are designed to utilize the dogs’ natural gifts for focus and aggression to their advantage. German Shepherds and Labradors can detect weapons, bombs, gases and drugs more accurately than any available military equipment.

3.  The US military actually has puppy development specialists. They work with the carefully-selected puppies from the time they're born until they begin their training at around six to seven months of age. They help them develop basic social skills and help get the puppies ready for the jobs they will perform later in life.

 

4.  There are about 2500 MWD’s in active service today and about 700 deployed overseas: Military dogs play an integral role in the current overseas conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military canines are among the most effective counter measures against terrorists and explosives.

5.  85% of MWD’s are purchased from Germany and the Netherlands: The bloodlines of these war dogs go back hundreds of years, making these pups literally born for the job. Canines in these countries have been purposely-bred for military service for hundreds of years. This practice has allowed breeders to select ideal traits (such as the appropriate balance of aggressiveness, playfulness, intelligent disobedience and tenacity). The other 15% of working dogs are US born and bred.

6.  MWD’s are extremely valuable: A fully trained bomb detection dog is worth over $150,000. These animals are priceless. With an average of 98% accuracy in their detection skills, the peace of mind they provide to the troops is immeasurable.

7.  Only about 50% of dogs make it through training: Military working dogs are not just chosen for their breeding or the keenness of their sense of smell. They must be free of physical issues like hip dysplasia and be highly reward motivated. Suitable dogs for military service must also be able to attack on command.

Pups have actually been dropped from the program due to extreme stress at having to bite a human. Military dogs must have just the right level of aggression and excitability. Military working dog candidates must undergo a very thorough and selective

8.  Not all military MWD’s are German Shepherds: When we think about military dogs, muscular German Shepherds tend to come to mind. But several different breeds have shown patriotic heroism over the years. Many branches use the highly trainable Labrador Retriever.

The elite US Navy Sea Air and Land (SEALs) use the smaller Belgian Malinois. These dogs are compact and fast with a sense of smell forty times greater than that of a human. Their small stature makes them ideal for parachuting and repelling missions with their handlers.

9.  Dogs can get Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Just like their human brothers and sisters in arms, MWD’s are susceptible to the horrors of PTSD. War dogs experience severe emotional trauma during deployment, and for some it becomes too much. 

Symptoms of Canine PTSD include hyper vigilance, increased startle response, attempts to run away or escape, withdrawal, changes in rapport with a handler, and problems performing trained tasks ( like a bomb dog who just can’t focus on sniffing out bombs any more).

10.      MWD’s mourn the loss of their handler and visa versa: If a dog of war is lost in combat, they are honored by the entire squad. Feeding dishes are symbolically placed upside down and a poem called “Guardians of the Night” [i]is read in their honor.

“War dogs have, indeed, served the nation well and saved many lives. Dogs continue to serve to protect Americans both in combat zones and in homeland security roles.” (General Colin Powell, Retired)

11.      Until November 2000, MWD’s were euthanized or abandoned after retirement: Before this time service dogs were considered military surplus equipment and deemed unfit to adjust to civilian life.

These heroes were either released or euthanized instead of honored. President Clinton passed “Robby’s Law” in 2000 which allows handlers and their families to first adopt military animals at the completion of their service. Over 90% of retired MWD’s are adopted by their former handlers. The Department of Defense (DOD) adopts out 1,312 dogs to individuals and 252 to law enforcement agencies.

Organizations like Saveavet.org place these retired heroes with suitable families and ensure they are given the honorable discharge they deserve.  There are currently long waiting lists of civilians who want to give these veterans a loving home in which to retire.

 

12.      During WWII, the US Marine Corps (USMC) planned to use MWD’s to invade Japan: The USMC began its war dog program in 1942. During WWII, the USMC trained and fielded the experimental dog units across the Pacific theater. There was even a program that aimed to train a battalion of dogs to lead Marines in a possible amphibious assault on the Japanese mainland.

 

13.      MWD’s must work for the reward of a rubber Kong:  War dogs are selected for military service based in part on their love of a ball or a Kong toy, which can be hidden to simulate a bomb or drugs. This is going to be part of their reward for years to come (a handler’s heartfelt praise is the other half). This is crucial in motivating the animal to work as hard as it needs to in order to save lives in combat.

 

14.     MWD’s are ultimate psychiatrists: MWD’s study, predict us, observe, and smell minute changes in the very chemistry of their handlers. They seem to know when their handler is having a bad day. [ii]

“When I came back from the war, my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continued to get worse.  I started suffering from the anxiety attacks; I would get stressed out, and my ability to interact with people just wasn’t there.  I know for a fact that if it wasn’t for my service dog, Sapphire, my depression would have taken over me, it might have even taken my life.” (Sergeant Paul Sasse)

 

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[i] Guardians Of The Night

 

Author - Alan Russell

Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.

Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.

I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.
If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together We
                are guardians of the night.      

 

[ii] Sources adapted from:

“10 Things You May Not Know About Military Dogs” by PinShare on FacebookShare on TwitterDina Fantegrossi

“Dogs of War: 23 Facts You Never Knew About Military Working Dogs” by Brent