Military K-9 working dogs are highly trained and skilled dogs that can guard areas and detect enemy approaching. K-9 dogs have been used in the military for centuries, but they weren’t officially recognized until 1942 during World War II.
A 120-day training program is required for K-9s and soldiers, which is similar to U.S. Basic Training. They learn many useful skills that will help them in the military.
They are indispensable to their job due to their special abilities and excellent sense of smell. K-9s can detect drugs, weapons, and wounded soldiers by receiving rigorous training.
A second benefit to using military K-9s at the workplace is its positive effect on morale.
Sgt. Jason Dingler, a military dog handler at the 95th Military Police Detachment, (MWD), Joint Base Lewis-McChord said that his military service dog was like a friend. “The name of my current working dog is Greco. Each day I look forward to going to work knowing that we will be working together.
These K-9s will eventually have to leave the Army just like Soldiers. There are a variety of options for military working dogs when they retire.
Many people have the option to be adopted by their current handlers. They can go to various organizations to help them get adopted by other military members or the general population if that isn’t possible due to circumstances, health difficulties, or behavioral problems.
Dingler added, “I’ve been Greco’s handler for four years, and he just started the process to retire. “He’s a nine-year-old German Shepherd that has been sent four times to different countries around the world to support significant military operations with law enforcement and counter-bomb detection.”
There are many challenges involved in the change from military working dog to pet, just as with the Soldier-to-Citizen transfer.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or stress from a new environment) and loneliness when owners are away for work can all lead to behavioral problems in dogs. Begin by being gentle with the dogs to help them integrate.
Dingler says that when I heard Greco was retiring, it was a quick decision to start the adoption process. “I knew his range of motion would be restricted after he was diagnosed with arthritis, but I want to make sure he has the best life possible.
I’ll exert every effort to give him that. In order to spend every day hanging out with my best friend, I’m thrilled to be able to bring him home.
Source:Army.mil
