War Dogs

1. Military working dogs are invaluable assets in modern warfare

Dogs are integral to our efforts abroad as well as to our safety at home and in this role have proven their mettle again and again.

Unparalleled detection abilities: Military working dogs possess sensory capabilities far beyond human capacity, making them indispensable in combat situations. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect explosives, weapons, and enemy combatants with remarkable accuracy.

Versatile roles: These canines serve in various capacities:

• Patrol and sentry duties
• Explosive and narcotics detection
• Search and rescue operations
• Tracking and pursuing enemy combatants

Force multiplier: The presence of military working dogs significantly enhances the effectiveness of human troops. They provide early warning systems, reduce the risk of ambushes, and help clear areas of hidden threats, ultimately saving countless lives in the process.

2. The bond between handlers and their dogs transcends typical military relationships

That bond between a dog and a human can run so deep that it actually gets to the point of what he calls "fusion," where the dog perceives himself in his handler.

Emotional connection: The relationship between handlers and their dogs goes beyond mere functionality. It evolves into a deep, emotional bond forged through shared experiences and mutual dependence.

Symbiotic partnership: This unique connection benefits both parties:

• Handlers gain a loyal companion and protector
• Dogs receive care, purpose, and affection
• The team becomes more effective in combat situations

Lasting impact: The bond often continues long after deployment, with many handlers adopting their canine partners upon retirement. This enduring relationship helps both humans and dogs cope with the psychological effects of war.

3. Dogs' sensory abilities make them irreplaceable in combat situations

According to the Air Force, the average military working dog's bite exerts somewhere between 400 and 700 pounds of pressure.

Superior olfactory capabilities: Dogs possess up to 300 million scent receptors, compared to humans' mere 5 million. This allows them to detect:

• Explosives and IEDs
• Concealed weapons
• Hidden enemy combatants
• Traces of chemical weapons

Enhanced hearing: Canines can hear sounds four times farther away than humans and at higher frequencies, providing early warning of approaching threats.

Night vision: Dogs see better in low light conditions, making them valuable assets during nighttime operations. Their ability to detect movement and identify shapes in darkness complements human night vision technology.

4. War impacts dogs psychologically, just as it does human soldiers

Dogs experience the same heat, the same chaos, the same injuries, the same violence, and the same trauma. War and combat affect all dogs, just the way they do soldiers.

Canine PTSD: Military working dogs can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) from their experiences in combat zones. Symptoms may include:

• Heightened anxiety and nervousness
• Aggression or fearfulness
• Difficulty focusing on tasks
• Physical manifestations of stress

Recovery challenges: Treating CPTSD in dogs presents unique difficulties, as they cannot verbalize their experiences or understand explanations of their trauma.

Retirement considerations: Dogs affected by war may struggle to adapt to civilian life, requiring specialized care and patience from their adoptive families or handlers.

5. Canine therapy proves effective for soldiers dealing with combat trauma

Boe wasn't just popular with the soldiers, but with command as well. While Najera had anticipated resistance to the idea of therapy in the theater of war, the stigma of which still looms large, she found that with Boe, her presence was not just accepted, but welcomed with enthusiasm.

Emotional support: Therapy dogs provide comfort and companionship to soldiers struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Their presence can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety levels
• Improve mood and emotional well-being
• Encourage social interaction and communication

Physical benefits: Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Decrease cortisol levels
• Increase oxytocin production

Breaking barriers: The presence of dogs in therapeutic settings often helps soldiers open up about their experiences and emotions, facilitating the healing process.

6. The US military's use of dogs has evolved significantly since World War II

After all the money spent, and all the tools developed during those years, Oates said the best detection ability US forces had against the threat of IEDs was a handler and his detection dog.

Historical progression:

• World War II: First official use of dogs in US military
• Vietnam War: Extensive use of scout and patrol dogs
• Post-Vietnam: Decline in military dog programs
• Post-9/11: Resurgence and expansion of canine units

Technological advancements: Despite significant investments in electronic detection systems, dogs remain the most effective means of identifying IEDs and other threats.

Specialized roles: Modern military working dogs are trained for specific tasks, such as:

• Explosive detection
• Drug detection
• Search and rescue
• Specialized combat roles

7. Proper training and selection are crucial for successful military working dog teams

The highest qualities—love and duty—have to be appealed to and cultivated. Coercion is of no avail, for of what use would this be when the dog is two or three miles away from its keeper?

Rigorous selection process: Not all dogs are suitable for military work. Trainers look for:

• High drive and work ethic
• Stable temperament
• Physical fitness and endurance
• Trainability and intelligence

Comprehensive training: Both dogs and handlers undergo extensive preparation:

• Basic obedience and socialization
• Scent detection and tracking
• Patrol and protection work
• Simulated combat scenarios

Ongoing development: Training continues throughout a dog's career to maintain skills and adapt to new challenges.

8. Dogs play a vital role in detecting IEDs and saving lives in recent conflicts

During their seven months in Afghanistan, Harding calculated that his dog teams were responsible for finding approximately 500 IEDs.

IED threat: Improvised Explosive Devices have been the leading cause of casualties in recent conflicts. Dogs' ability to detect these hidden threats has saved countless lives.

Statistical impact: The number of IEDs detected by military working dogs is staggering:

• Hundreds to thousands of devices found per deployment
• Each discovery potentially saving multiple lives
• Significant reduction in casualty rates attributed to canine units

Adaptability: Dogs can be quickly trained to detect new explosive compounds as enemy tactics evolve, making them more versatile than electronic detection systems.

9. The legacy of fallen handlers and dogs leaves a lasting impact on the military community

Kathy intuits that they wish to be alone with the dog, to visit with Eli in private. She senses they worry about her, her husband, and their other sons, as if they think somehow the family stopped living too when Colton died.

Honoring sacrifice: The loss of handlers and dogs in combat is deeply felt throughout the military working dog community. Memorials and ceremonies pay tribute to their service.

Lasting connections: Families of fallen handlers often adopt their dogs, maintaining a link to their loved ones and providing comfort to fellow service members.

Inspiration for future generations: The stories of heroic dogs and handlers serve as motivation for those considering joining military canine programs, ensuring the legacy continues.

Last updated: November 20, 2024