MILITARY WORKING DOG: THEIR TASKS, HISTORY, AND HOW TO ADOPT


By bblouin
Military working dog training.

We have plenty of well-trained, dedicated people serving our nation to defend our freedoms but they aren’t the only ones responsible for keeping our country safe. Military working dogs (MWDs) are alongside those brave troops as warfighters in their own right. Although the military working dog has been around for thousands of years, modern uses are much more sophisticated and complex. From saving lives to rescuing those in need and more, MWDs receive much better treatment and are highly respected among all branches of the U.S. military.

What Do Military Working Dogs Do?

Each military working dog has a complex job to accomplish with the help of their handlers. This is after completing months of training at the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. The military working dog commands and tasks differ depending on the canine and the job at hand. Still, these incredible animals learn how to find explosives, sniff out narcotics, perform search and rescue missions, track people, patrol a post, and yes, attack enemies. The United States is known for its extensive use of MWDs in a wide array of missions; however, there are fewer available for operating than at their peak during the War in Afghanistan.

History of Military Working Dogs

The earliest use of MWDs dates back to 600 BC with the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. However, no military has utilized canines quite like the United States of America. In more modern wars, Germany developed its military dog-training programs in the late 19th century. European armies used dogs in World War I to find wounded troops, carry supplies, and deliver messages. However, dogs in the U.S. have worked alongside warfighters since the Civil War. In fact, the first official K-9 corps created on March 13, 1942, during World War II. Today, military working dogs are vital members of the armed forces. They are treated with great respect and care, unlike in ancient times when they were seen merely as weapons. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) now ensures that military working dogs receive proper medical attention in the field, when training, and into retirement. After their service, military dogs can be adopted, transferred to law enforcement, or euthanized, depending on the situation and the canine's health. However, this is a noted improvement from the DoD's previous treatments before 2000. In a darker part of our nation's history, MWDs were simply labeled as "surplus equipment" and were often abandoned or euthanized after serving our nation. Thankfully, our treatment of these furry heroes is much better today with proper healthcare and planning for an improved quality of life. Furthermore, to honor these canine heroes, there is the United States War Dogs Memorial, featuring a bronze statue of a Vietnam War Soldier and his dog in Holmdel, New Jersey.

Why Should I Adopt a Military Dog?

Military working dogs are animals that have been expertly trained to take on whatever task the military throws at them. Their high intelligence and peak levels of training/conditioning has made these dogs go from simply smart canines to adaptable tools to help aid Soldiers in the field. There are many different jobs for military dogs. This includes: sniffing out contraband, finding weapons, sniffing out bombs, and patrolling. This high level of adaptability is only possible due to their inborn intelligence. This makes them the perfect fit for the military. After retirement, most handlers choose to adopt their military working dogs. However, sometimes the situation doesn’t work out that way, and adoption isn’t an option. At this point, many of the dogs are either put into shelters, transferred to the police department to continue serving, or sadly, euthanized. This is the unfortunate reality for a lot of the dogs that serve in the military. If you’re looking to bring in a new pooch into the home, adopting a retired military working dog is a great act of kindness to show.

How to Adopt a Military Working Dog

As it does for everyone serving, life in the military eventually comes to a close for canines in the American Armed Forces. While some military working dogs live with their handlers after retirement, there are many in need of good homes. This is a big undertaking for families as MWDs come with unique needs and challenges. Furthermore, the process of adopting a military working dog can take years in some cases. Here’s what you need to know for a successful adoption.

Find the Right Organization

The 341st Military Working Dog Center helps operate the DoD Military Working Dog Adoption Program, which is a direct pipeline connecting MWDs with families looking to adopt. However, there are times in which the DoD may suspend the program because there are too many applications. Additionally, the DoD isn’t the only organization helping canines find a loving home after serving our nation. Credible non-profits, such as the Warrior Dog Foundation and Mission K9 Rescue provide a service benefiting all parties involved.

Meet the Requirements

Not everyone qualifies for adoptions and you’ll need to make sure your home is a good fit. The DoD and other organizations have specific requirements for households looking to adopt you must maintain in order to qualify. Though the specifics may vary, some things are a bit more universal, including:

  • A home with a fenced backyard where the fence is at least six feet high.
  • You’ll also need to make sure there are no small children in the home. This includes children under 12 years of age for some or under 5 years of age, depending on the organization.
  • If you already have three dogs, you’re unlikely to qualify.
  • Handlers must have a primary veterinarian approved, while also maintaining a health and training plan.
  • In some cases, you might need to be an American citizen.
  • Your documents must be in place before you pick them up. Furthermore, you’ll need a crate, leash, collar, and muzzle before pick up.
  • Specific training to handle a military working dog is necessary for all applicants.

These requirements are in place not only for the quality of life for the MWD and your family but also for everyone’s safety.

Complete the Application

After meeting the requirements and submitting your requirements, you need to complete an application and submit it. It’s part of the paperwork mumbo jumbo necessary to confirm your living situation, personal details, etc.

Prepare Your Home

There are several military working dog breeds utilized but there are some that are more common than others, including Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shorthaired Pointers. Simply put, your home is going to need to accommodate active dogs that are on the medium to large size. You’re going to need to have comfortable, quiet spaces for their size to recharge, while also maintaining plenty of space for activities. Hazards, including exposed or loose wiring, are going to need to be removed from your home to help the dog and your family stay safe. Getting supplies, including food, hygiene items, equipment, etc. are also essential before moving a canine into your home.

Meet and Finalize the Adoption

The final step to adopting a retired military working dog is to meet your family’s newest member and finalize the paperwork. Again, it may take months if not years to get to this point, but once you and your MWD get together, you’ll get to know each other and finish the deal. Besides paperwork, you’ll likely have to cover some costs while also reviewing important information about the animal. Adding a military working dog to your home is a big step but a great way to enrich your life and theirs. Suggested reads:


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