Military service dogs are a unique branch of service dogs that work directly with military service members on special tasks. These pups are expertly trained and cared for by designated military members, and they are known to form strong bonds with their handlers.
Our article gives you more information about military service dogs and the jobs they are typically trained for, plus information about how military service dogs can help veterans during the completion of their duties.
Military Service Dogs and Their Jobs
Dogs that work alongside soldiers and in the military have been around since ancient times. Stories of dogs fighting battles alongside their human counterparts date back to Roman times, when dogs were trained as guards and lookouts, and occasionally taken to fight with soldiers.
In the United States, dogs have been used in the military dating back to the civil war, but the first K-9 Corps program was established during World War II in 1943. Since then, military service dogs have become increasingly important members of all branches of the United States military.
In today’s military, strict training programs ensure that military service dogs can complete specific tasks that help their human handlers with patrolling, search and rescue tasks, tracking, attacks, and explosive detection. Military dogs are found in all branches of the military (army, navy, coast guard, air force, and marine corps) and are valued service members throughout their duty and after retiring.
Additionally, some military service dogs serve supporting roles in their branch that differ from the security-related jobs that many are familiar with. These supporting roles include being service dogs for military members that need assistance with specific tasks due to disability (this includes retired military members), acting as therapy dogs, or boosting morale as a mascot.
Are Certain Breeds More Likely to Be Military Service Dogs?
Military service dogs are more likely to be dog breeds that are easily trainable, strong, confident, and alert. Breeds that are most typically selected to be military service dogs include the German shepherd, Dutch shepherd, and Belgian Malinois breeds.
These breeds are working dogs that thrive when they have daily tasks to complete, and they are very loyal. They may also have a level of aggression and drive at times, which makes them perfect for patrolling, attacking, and guarding duties.
Military Service Dogs After Duty
Former military service dogs are eligible to be adopted by law enforcement and military personnel or by a civilian, but most find their permanent homes with the handler they served with while on duty. The bond between a military service dog and their handler is very strong, and the military encourages a ‘no dog left behind’ policy when it comes to the service animals that their handlers entrust their lives to on a daily basis.
The Benefits of Service Dogs for Veterans
Many veterans and those retired from the military can benefit from a service dog if they find that they are suffering from conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or mobility impairment. Service dogs provide veterans with consistent routines that help combat the symptoms of certain mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, and they can help veterans feel safer as they complete their daily tasks.
Service dogs are also trained to retrieve items for their handlers such as medications and water, and they may complete other helpful tasks such as guiding, medical alerts, opening and closing doors or cabinets, alerting others for help, and turning lights on or off.
Scientific studies have proven that service dogs have an effect on lessening certain mental health conditions in veterans, and that calm, less excitable service dogs act as supportive companions to veterans in need. Many military service dogs that have retired end up living with their handlers permanently, as the dog and service member develop a strong bond. That bond often supports the service member after they retire from duty.
Where Can You Adopt a Service Dog for a Veteran?
If you are wondering how to adopt a service dog for a veteran, you’re in luck. There are many different organizations and charity services that work towards providing veterans in need with a service dog at a lower cost than purchasing a service dog outright would be.
Many veterans can utilize organizations such as K-9s for Warriors, which runs the nation’s largest shelter dog to service dog training program. Organizations that train service dogs specifically for veterans are especially important, as the dogs are trained to complete specific tasks that help to combat the unique challenges retired service members face.
Alternatively, any dog from a local rescue organization or shelter can be adopted by a veteran and trained to become a service dog. The process of training a service dog themselves can be more time-consuming for veterans, but it often increases the bond between the owner and their dog, making them a comfortable and confident handler and canine team.
Military Canine Companions, During and After Service
Military service dogs are a unique branch of service dogs that work hard to support each branch of the military. Whether it be completing specialized security duties, patrolling and guarding with their handlers, or using their heightened senses for explosive detection, tracking, or search and rescue, military service dogs are vital members of today’s military forces.
These loyal service dogs are treated with respect even after their duty is completed, and many veterans will adopt a former service dog or give the dog they worked with in the military a permanent home, preserving the strong bond between these pups and the dedicated military members they serve alongside.