Memorial Day: Dog Breeds Serving Our Country
by Jessica Remitz | Pet360.com
As technology continues to evolve, our country's military and police operations both at home and abroad become more advanced, making certain tools and equipment that were once seen as crucial seem out of date. But one essential piece in protecting our freedom and service personnel remains constant: the use of dogs as service and therapy animals.
In honor of Memorial Day, we've asked Amy McCullough, the national director of animal-assisted therapy for American Humane Association, to share the most common dog breeds serving our country and how these four-legged heroes use their speed, intelligence, physicality and "never give up" attitude to help our soldiers and policemen at home and away.
#1 - German Shepherd
As intelligent as it is versatile, the German Shepherd was originally developed to guard and herd flocks of sheep, but is used today as a companion animal, military, police, search-and-rescue, guard and guide dog.
One of the most important features of an effective military and police dogs, according to McCullough, is their scenting ability. Police dogs are used for tasks including narcotics and arson detection while military dogs are used to detect explosive devices. Military dogs also do patrol work, and can be trained to work on a leash or off-leash about ten yards ahead of their handler. These specialized dogs are often directed by hand signals or a walkie-talkie that the dog can wear on a vest, McCullough said.
#2 - Belgian Malinois
Similar in appearance to the German Shepherd but more compact in size and lighter-boned, the Belgian Malinois can be used as both a military and police dog and is used for repelling or parachuting into a location. The breed was also used in the takedown of Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, in 2011, McCullough said. The effortless, smooth gait of the Belgian Malinois allows it to work tirelessly throughout the day and its strong protective instincts make it a natural guard dog. The military will also use the breed, among other military dogs, as combat tracker dogs to track both explosive devices and the people responsible for planting them.
"These dogs save the lives of so many of our military, personnel by their amazing scenting ability and dedication," McCullough said.
#3 - Dutch Shepherd
A relatively rare and unknown breed, the Dutch Shepherd excels in agility training, herding, military and police work and as a companion animal. Intelligent, easy to train and hard working, Dutch Shepherds are known for being loyal to their handlers and family. Because military dogs spend so much time with their handlers, the bond between these breeds and their military personnel is truly special.
"These working dogs provide 24-hour comfort to their people and are a source of solace for soldiers," McCullough said. "Because they're under incredible stress, a lot of handlers talk about how being at camp and throwing a ball for a happy dog can help being a morale booster in life threatening situations. There is nothing more bonding than being with someone who can save your life every day."
#4 - Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with a square, compact build, Jack Russell Terriers are known for being active, alert and high energy both indoors and outside. Because of their size, this breed is used for scent detecting on submarines, McCullough said, due to their ability to fit in small spaces and closely cramped quarters under water.
Because these dogs have been trained for such specific duties, it can be challenging for them to "turn it off" after they retire and find a place to be their forever home. These breeds will still maintain their high drive and desire to work, McCullough said, and will fit in among pet owners that understand the tasks these dogs have been trained to do and can help them succeed in a home environment.
#5 - Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular companion and family dogs in the U.S., Labrador Retrievers are also exceptional military, police, service and therapy dogs. Originally bred to help fishermen in Newfoundland, Labradors excel in both land and water retrieval and search-and-rescue missions.
Because military dogs are technically categorized as equipment, if something changes in a soldiers assignment or a dog is placed with a new handler it can become difficult for soldiers to detach themselves or be separated from a dog that means so much to them, McCullough said. The American Humane Association works to bring military dogs back home after their service and reunite them with their handlers, in addition to training them to be used as both service and therapy dogs for soldiers returning from war.
#6 - Golden Retriever
Because of their strong desire to please, love of people and eagerness to learn, Golden Retrievers make wonderful companion animals, service and therapy dogs to retired police officers or soldiers returning from war. Service dogs, which are trained to specifically help one person at all times, can be trained to help integrate soldiers back into society upon their return home and can help those cope with the effects of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because many soldiers are hyper-vigilant when they return from service, a PTSD service dog can provide them with a welcome distraction help keep them calm by standing behind them in public and alerting them when someone is approaching or searching their homes before allowing the soldier to enter at the end of the day, McCullough said.
Learn more about Golden Retrievers by visiting the breed's topic page.
#7 - Your Dog
Any dog that is comfortable in new settings, loves to meet people and is receptive to training can become a therapy dog, which are used to help a variety of people coping with illnesses, stress or recovering from a traumatic event. Volunteering our dogs for therapy work can help soldiers benefit from group sessions with an animal, McCullough said and can provide an important source of comfort for those returning from combat.
"Even if your pet isn't trained as a therapy dog, all of our pets are therapeutic to us," she said. "It's so important just to have the companionship."
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