The soldiers describe how the animals — usually found in pretty rough shape — come to be more than just friends. They’re invaluable at detecting bad guys in the dark while on patrol, though barking can be a battlefield liability during stealth situations. Either way, it must be nice to have a break from explosions and blood and just pet a dog for a little bit. [KitUp!]
olearymo
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 11:01 AMThis is interesting. So they pick up local strays and train them?
I always assumed they were certain breeds, trained in special facilities in the US. Kinda like guide dogs. I mean, these are war dogs. Thought there’d be… I dunno, more official kind of training stuff.
Deb
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 1:20 PMProper military dogs are certain breeds, go through very rigorous training etc.
These are just dogs they find and adopt. Very different but they can be trained to do some basic stuff, especially if one of the guys in the squad is a military dog trainer.
With a good trainer, most dogs can do anything!
james
Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at 1:00 PMdoesn’t take much skill to find a bomb (with their feet)