Military War Dogs - How to Adopt a Retired War Dog

by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ Blue Star

Dogs have been utilized in the United States Armed Services since World War I, though I found a source that claims dogs were used as early as the 1800s. In the WWI years, families were asked to consider giving their pet to the military if they thought Fido had the right stuff for advanced training to aid US troops in missions only they could do. Using their superior scent, agility, obvious weaponry and speed, the pups were trained to work with a handler to scout, track and maneuver mine fields. There is no question these highly trained dogs saved lives, the estimate being over 10,000 in Vietnam alone.

Their official title is Military War Dog, MWD for short and often referred to as K-9s. These dogs are the cream of the canine crop. Today, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinois dogs are the breeds of choice. Each dog is tested for exceptional physical condition as well as personality. You don’t want a dog who is afraid of loud noises (gun shots) in a combat situation or a dog who has a meek personality relaxing when a search is required. The military has implemented a breeding program at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

The pups are kept at the facility until about 9 weeks then are placed in foster homes where they are trained in the basics until they are about 6.5 months old. Then it’s on to more training until they are about a year old. At that point, they are paired with a handler and begin their testing. If the dog passes all testing, he or she begins a career as an MWD about 12 weeks later.

Currently there are between 600 and 700 MWDs aiding our troops in the Middle East including the countries of Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

What happens when the dog is no longer suitable for service? Up until several years ago, the dogs were left behind or humanely euthanized. Now, Lackland AFB provides a no kill shelter for the retirees until they find a suitable home. Though, not widely known, civilians who meet the requirements may adopt these furry veterans. How? Check out the websites listed below. They are valuable founts of information on MWDs and the process to adopt them. I encourage you to consider this type of rescue, after all, these dogs have saved countless human lives. If you desire to adopt a well trained adult dog, consider bringing one of these dogs into your home.

http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp

http://www.uswardogs.org/index.html

Article submitted Saturday, April 16, 2011 & read 1106 times.

Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:

» left by Dave from az (244 days 18 hours ago.)

I love dogs...period! I have had several including a German Shepard that eventually had to be put down because of displazia....I would adopt a war dog in a second if I knew how to go about it! God bless all involved in saving these heros!
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ (211 days 20 hours ago.)

Hi Dave! Thanks for reading and commenting. I have a White Shepherd that is my baby - they are good dogs. Check out the links in the article - I think you will find the info you need.

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» left by john from Camp Buehring Kuwait (82 days ago.)

Is there any guidance on how to, if at all possible, bring one back from a forward deployed area with you, such as Afghanistan, Iraq or Kuwait? Any info would be greatly appreciated. john.w.tromp at kuwait.swa.army.mil
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» left by Lorrie Davids⁽⁶⁷⁵⁾ (50 days 9 hours ago.)

Hi John. Thanks for reading and commenting. I have no clue how to locate and bring back a pup. Your direct appeals to commanders would probably be more effective than anything I could suggest.

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