Military Working Dogs have been on the news a lot lately, especially Conan, the Belgian Malinois who is serving with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta. But how does a dog become one of these elite members of our military? In honor of Veterans Day, we’d like to share the journey these specialized K9s make from the whelping box to service to retirement.
Through breeding and purchase, the United States Air Force is the executive agent for almost all Department of Defense working dogs, and is responsible for preparing and training Military Working Dogs for duty. The majority of the dogs are purchased from abroad, where they are purposely bred for ideal traits for military service. However, for the approximately 20 percent that are bred in the United States, their journey begins at the state of the art whelping facility at the Military Working Dog Center located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. From birth to 8 weeks, Puppy Development Specialists begin their training by imprinting and exposing the puppies to a variety of stimulations and activities that will prepare them for the next phase of their life.
However, they are too young at this age to determine if they have what it takes to serve our country. Thanks to volunteer foster families, the puppies leave the base at two months old to live in homes, while continuing their training. Similar to other service dog programs, these volunteers are responsible for teaching them the fundamentals of basic obedience, socialization, and play, while exposing the puppies to a variety of different environments. Caring for these puppies is a five month commitment, and they are returned to the base when they are 7 months old.
It is at this time that the puppies are evaluated by trained canine behaviorists. The puppies are given behavioral tests to determine if they have the proper character, temperament and behavior to be effective Military Working Dogs. They are also given a thorough examination by veterinarians. Dogs fit for military service are physically healthy, exceptionally brave, fiercely loyal, and reward-motivated. They must possess a calm disposition overall, but also have the right amount of excitability in order to be assertive in emergency situations, which is referred to as intelligent disobedience.
For those that pass, the 341st Training Squadron provides training to these future Military Working Dogs and their handlers in patrol, drug and explosive detection, and specialized mission functions for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. These dedicated dog handlers come from nearly every branch of the military and have extensive experience with combat situations to better help them train and assess each dog’s individual aptitude and personal drive. Their training consists of developing the dog’s obedience, mental stability in changing environments, and the strength and effectiveness of their biting grip. The program is based on positive rewards, usually a ball or rubber toy, rather than food. It is the role of the trainer to determine each individual dog’s natural ability to further direct it’s training and ultimate role. Once they complete training, most Military Working Dogs serve for 8 to 9 years before retiring at approximately 10 to 12 years old.
However, only about half of all potential Military Working Dogs are able to meet training standards. Those that fail to meet the requirements are made available for adoption. Some of the adoptable canines come from the Military Working Dog puppy foster program, breeding program eliminations and training program. They tend to range in age from 8 weeks to 4 years old. Retired and medically released dogs are also eligible for adoption. It is a common misconception that Military Working Dogs are bred to be aggressive. This is not true. The dogs in the Military Working Dog program are nurtured to be balanced, confident, and friendly with handlers and even strangers, yet are trained to know when aggression is required. Therefore many can make a smooth transition to civilian life. Title 10 US Code 2583 gives priority first to civilian law enforcement agencies, then to prior handlers, and finally to the general public. If the dog’s age or health prevents it from being considered for law enforcement duties, then a former handler is most often selected. While most of the working dogs are adopted by their last handlers, there are some who are eligible for adoptions by the general public. Those who choose to adopt eligible Military Working Dogs must sign an agreement that states they will be responsible for all future medical, food and shelter costs.
Prior to adoption, each dog is given a prognosis primarily based on behavior. Approved applicants interested in adopting these retired heroes or dogs ineligible for the training program undergo a thorough screening process. It is important that dogs are matched with the best suited family, and the process can take up to two years before the applicants can receive their dog at the Military Working Dog Center at Lackland Air Force Base. There is no cost for the adoption, because the US Air Force understands that caring for a large breed dog can be expensive, especially one that is a senior or has been injured on duty. All medical conditions are identified and disclosed prior to adoption. If you would like to learn more about the adoption process, please visit the Canine Adoption Program and 341st Training Squadron.
However, not all K9 Veterans can make the transition to civilian life. The Warrior Dog Foundation is dedicated to serving the special operations K9s who are the top tier of Military working Dogs. Once these dogs have completed their service and for whatever reason, are unable to continue on with their handler, the Warrior Dog Foundation helps to transition them from an operational environment into their state of the art facility in Texas. It is the Warrior Dog Foundation’s mission that each of these K9 Veterans are cared for with the dignity and grace, including both mental and physical rehabilitation, that they deserve for the remainder of their lives. To learn more about this program and how you can donate, please visit the Warrior Dog Foundation.
