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Vital Facts On Military Working Dogs

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.

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.

With current technological advancements, these military employees get to sport state of the art gears that protects them from external attacks and similarly allow for specific activities as parachuting and communication between the dog and the handler. Most of them have become famous due to their heroic acts. Most notable of these heroics is Cairo, a dog that was involved in the take down 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.

These dogs, after years of service, normally are put up for adoption where they get to retire in peace and comfort. To make sure of their comfort, reports on their current conditions usually are frequently collected, and this alongside time to time visits.

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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