We are so accustomed to using dogs in various activities that it becomes difficult to believe - a hundred years ago, no one could imagine four-legged companions on the battlefield. Nowadays, dogs protect their homeland on an equal footing with humans, often performing life-threatening tasks.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
In antiquity and the Middle Ages, battle dogs were not uncommon - they wore armor and took part in large-scale battles. In the service of Tsarist Russia, the first border dogs appeared just over 110 years ago, and in the decree on the use of dogs in the work of Alexander III stressed: "They will be able to facilitate not only the detection of smugglers but also the search for their traces.
Later, during the First and Second World Wars, the dogs performed dozens of duties: pulling out telephone cables, carrying wounded from the front line, and even destroying enemy equipment.
Fortunately, now they do not have to rush under the tank, but the service has not become less dangerous from this.
THEY NOW HAVE MANY RESPONSIBILITIES
Patrol service. A dog's sense of smell is many times better than that of a human being, which means that darkness is not a hindrance and a military dog can easily detect the approach of an enemy that is hundreds of meters away. The task of the dog to give a signal so as not to scare away his enemies - not a single sound, only the correct posture, and carefully trained movements.
Detection of explosives and drugs. Once again, their astonishing sense of smell is used to find even very carefully hidden explosives, including bombs under the clothes of a terrorist. Sometimes dogs are also used to find mines.
Detection of the victim. Search and rescue dogs can find a person in any conditions, including under the debris of the destroyed building, and the flexible spine allows them to reach the victim. Their skills also include the ability to distinguish between a badly injured and a dead person.
Delivery of messages. Messenger dogs move quickly between two places, remaining hidden and elusive.
NOT EVERYONE WILL BE TAKEN ON THIS SERVICE
A military dog must have the following qualities:
Well developed pack instinct.
Fast learning ability.
Excellent sense of smell.
Perfect hearing.
Good vision.
Fast reflexes.
He or she should be able to work in a team, not be too fussy, have a predisposition to learn and meet all these requirements at the same time.
Puppies are prepared for service at an early age, about 2 months, and serious daily work begins when they reach 8-10 months. At the end of their training, the dogs take an exam. The service lasts 7-8 years and after that time they will be sent home to a member of the military to receive a legal pension.
Training is individual for each animal, depending on their specialty. Some dogs are versatile and suitable for more than one service at a time (e.g. patrol and bomb detection), while others are trained to perform one function.
Here are a few known military breeds.
1. HEROIC GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG
German shepherd
Large, strong, dark, disguised dogs with good hair were bred as shepherds, which explains their high obedience, ability to learn and ability to work in a team.
During the First and Second World Wars, German shepherds were used by the armies of many countries, and dozens of dogs even received combat awards. Thus, the dog named Shooter Han saved his master, a young, floating British man, when their boat was overturned. Khan sailed more than 200 meters in search of the guy but was able to find him and get him out on land.
Another shepherd named Chips was able to run under fire in the Italian dot, jump inside and neutralize the attackers, saving the lives of hundreds of Americans. She was awarded eight stars and an honorary ribbon.
2. FUNNY LITTLE ERDELTERIERE
hindelteriere dog
This small hunting dog is the first breed used in the police service in Germany and the UK. Back in 1902, at the Frankfurt exhibition, the Erdelterrier was recognized as the best working dog, suitable for various activities.
He is very active and playful and a little more disobedient than a shepherd. Most often used in patrol service, but during World War I he also delivered mail and served as a nurse.
3. A VERSATILE LABRADOR WORKER
labrador dog
The most popular breed in the world is extremely friendly and in no case can cause harm to humans, and therefore not suitable for security and patrolling. But the labrador is a great lifeguard, capable of detecting and pulling a person out of the ruins.
These dogs confirmed their excellent working qualities during the Vietnam War. Also, Labradors are often used in hospitals for therapy.
Despite the rapid development of technology, the four-legged companions on the battlefield are still indispensable, especially since they not only perform basic service functions but also help soldiers to cope with loneliness and homesickness a little more easily.https://petsfusion.com/news/274/7-porod-voennih-sobak