Top 27 How Much Does It Cost To Train A Military Dog The 17 New Answer

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While the average cost for training a military dog ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, preparing a dog to be an explosives detection expert may cost over $150,000.Training takes time.

Military working dogs, or MWDs, are trained for four to seven months in basic skills before they are officially called an MWD. If your dog isn’t grasping basic tasks, you can’t move on to the more advanced. Basic obedience (sit, down, stay) is the foundation of all further training.The few dogs selected go to Dog Training School, the military working dog boot camp. The dog trainers at DTS are experienced handlers from all military branches, and for many it’s a dream job to get assigned there. The entire mission of DTS is to train and certify dogs in the fundamentals of being an MWD.

Here are a few things the military takes very seriously when it comes to training their dogs:
  1. Patience. …
  2. Repetition. …
  3. Praise. …
  4. Socialization. …
  5. Teach the following obedience commands. …
  6. Generalize Commands. …
  7. Practice with distractions. …
  8. Practice on an obedience course:

Contents

How long does it take to train a military working dog?

Training takes time.

Military working dogs, or MWDs, are trained for four to seven months in basic skills before they are officially called an MWD. If your dog isn’t grasping basic tasks, you can’t move on to the more advanced. Basic obedience (sit, down, stay) is the foundation of all further training.

Can I get my dog trained by military?

The few dogs selected go to Dog Training School, the military working dog boot camp. The dog trainers at DTS are experienced handlers from all military branches, and for many it’s a dream job to get assigned there. The entire mission of DTS is to train and certify dogs in the fundamentals of being an MWD.

How do I train my dog to like the military?

Here are a few things the military takes very seriously when it comes to training their dogs:
  1. Patience. …
  2. Repetition. …
  3. Praise. …
  4. Socialization. …
  5. Teach the following obedience commands. …
  6. Generalize Commands. …
  7. Practice with distractions. …
  8. Practice on an obedience course:

Do military dogs get PTSD?

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, up to 20 percent of veterans who serve in Iraq or Afghanistan return with PTSD. But the four legged members of our armed services also deal with PTSD and have symptoms similar to the men and women who serve. “Dogs are impulsive beasts, they’re animals.

What age do military dogs start training?

The U.S. military actually has puppy development specialists. They work with the carefully-selected puppies from the time they’re born until they begin their training at around 6-7 months of age. They help them develop basic social skills and help get the puppies ready for the jobs they will perform later in life.

At what age do military dogs retire?

The dogs are typically retired when they’re ages 10-12. While young puppies rejected by the military for various reasons typically are snapped up right away, the Air Force has been struggling recently to find forever homes for older dogs, according to PawBuzz.

What rank is a military dog?

Every military working dog is an NCO – in tradition at least. Some say the custom was to prevent handlers from mistreating their dogs; hence, a dog is always one rank higher than its handler. “That’s out of respect,” said Sgt. 1st Class Regina Johnson, operations superintendent at the Military Working Dog School.

What is the best military dog?

German Shepherd

German Shepherds have every attribute required of a military dog, making them the most popular choice for armies around the world. They are strong, agile, loyal, highly trainable and will stay calm in even the most hostile environment.

What language are military dogs trained in?

These European dogs learn the training commands in their native language, typically Dutch or German. So, instead of completely retraining the dogs using English words, which would be time-consuming and confusing to the dogs, their new handlers just learn to use the commands in the dog’s native language.

What commands do military dogs know?

17 Terms Only Military Working Dog Handlers Will Understand
  • “HOT SAUCE!” …
  • Kong Dispenser. …
  • Typewriters. …
  • Push Button’s. …
  • Reverse. …
  • Drop the purse. …
  • Catch my dog. …
  • Emotions run up and down leash.

Do Army dogs have rank?

Every military working dog is a non-commissioned officer, in tradition. Military working dogs are always one rank higher than their handlers. NCO status was originally given to military dogs as a custom to prevent handlers from abusing or mistreating their dogs.

What breed are army dogs?

The military has kept mum on the breed of the dog, but the military usually has relied on Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds and Labradors in previous missions. The Belgian Malinois is a breed not as well known as the German Shepherd or the Labrador, but it is also trained to herd sheep.

Do they only feed military dogs at night?

They only feed a military dog at night, because a hungry dog is an obedient dog,” Taffer said on Fox News.

Do military dog handlers see combat?

Combat missions: The Army may send the dog handler and their companion animal on active-duty missions. This may depend on the dog’s area of specialty, but combat is always a possibility as an active-duty service member.

Do dogs remember their siblings?

Dogs may remember their siblings (or rather their smell), but it’s not that different from how they would remember any other animal (or person) from their past. If they associate them with safety and comfort they’ll be happy to see them. But if they associate them with stress or fear they’d rather stay away.

What language are military dogs trained in?

These European dogs learn the training commands in their native language, typically Dutch or German. So, instead of completely retraining the dogs using English words, which would be time-consuming and confusing to the dogs, their new handlers just learn to use the commands in the dog’s native language.

How do you start training a working dog?

Start training your working dog early

It means exposing them to many different people, places and things in a manner that adds a positive experience to the puppy. Never force a puppy to investigate something if he is fearful. Work slowly and help him when he comes across new stimuli that frighten him.

Do military working dogs have rank?

They have to be able to do this without any reinforcement – other than the handler’s praise and affection.” Every military working dog is an NCO – in tradition at least. Some say the custom was to prevent handlers from mistreating their dogs; hence, a dog is always one rank higher than its handler.


Inside the high-tech military K9 training facility l ABC News
Inside the high-tech military K9 training facility l ABC News


7 Tips for Training Your Dog, From a Military-Dog Handler

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How much do military trained dogs cost? – Mi Dog Guide

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Facts About Military Working Dogs

This National Dog Day, AFE remembers our brave K-9 heroes who put their lives on the line to keep our US Military safe.

As the saying goes, every dog has its day. In this case, that day is August 26th, which marks National Dog Day.

At AFE, we think it’s important to look back in recognition of the hardworking dogs of the US Military. Military Working Dogs (MWDs) have served alongside soldiers in every major conflict since the birth of our great nation, but they haven’t always gotten the recognition they deserve.

From detecting landmines and IEDs with just a few sniffs, to fearlessly charging into the heat of battle to incapacitate enemy combatants, the role of dogs in the military can often be overlooked. More than just working dogs, MWDs are dedicated companions, accomplished heroes, and Purple Heart recipients.

We honor the life and service of MWDs such as Buck, who gave the ultimate sacrifice this August after 5 years of service at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kristan Campbell)

To celebrate this National Dog Day, we’re throwing you a bone with these fun facts you may not know about the furriest members of the US Military. Plus, find out ways to help out our favorite furry service members and veterans.

1. United States Military Working Dogs are part of the… Air Force?

It may come as a surprise, but the United States Air Force is the executive agent for the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Program. The 341st Training Squadron, based out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, is responsible for procuring, training, and assigning all K-9 dogs from the MWD program, and escort them all over the world following their training.

And yes, for those interested, Puppy Development Specialist is a real and important job title.

2. “Guten Tag!” A vast majority of military working dogs are born overseas

Overall, about 85% of military working dogs are purchased from specialized breeders in Germany and the Netherlands, but 15% are still born and raised in the US by the 341st training squadron’s training program.

MWD Ben with Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Taylor training at Aviano Air Base, Italy. (Image via DoD)

3. Every new puppy goes through a 5-month military dog foster program!

At the age of eight weeks, future military dogs are placed in dedicated foster homes in the San Antonio/Austin area. Foster volunteers are charged with training and nurturing puppies over a five-month commitment period, from 6 weeks to 7 months old.

During this time, puppies are raised in secure, loving homes, stimulated with lots of playtime and healthy treats, and given the opportunity to socialize with all kinds of different environments and people.

Interested in becoming a puppy foster parent someday? To qualify for the foster program, foster must live within a 2-hour drive to Lackland Air Force Base, you must have a well-maintained back yard with a fence, and you must not have any children younger than 5 years of age.

Interested applicants can visit the 341st Training Squadron website.

MWDs sure do love Kong-style rubber toys! (Image via DoD)

4. Sniffer dogs used for detection are usually sporting dog breeds

Dogs have a literally superhuman sense of smell, with ten to twenty times the number of receptors on their nose. With little or no wind, a dog has the ability to detect intruders using its senses of smell and hearing.

Many military working dogs are trained for one purpose: sniffing out explosives or narcotics, but not both.

Dogs don’t need to be close to detect a bomb or IED inside a vehicle–often dogs can signal a bomb’s presence from 50 feet away. By doing so, these heroic dogs can approach and search an object, without putting handlers or fellow soldiers in harm’s way.

Dog breeds used for sniffing and odor detection are usually sporting breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. However, Poodles and Jack Russell Terriers are also commonly enlisted for their excellent noses.

MWD Aci with handler Rachel Higuera during detection training. (Image via DoD)

5. Multi-use and Security MWDs are usually shepherding breeds

German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois make the top of the list for tactical MWDs.

While German Shepherds are larger and more muscular, the Malinois does not lack in the strength department. Their smaller size is perfect for tactics involving parachuting and rappelling. Over the years, the compact Malinois has become a favorite of the US Navy Seals and other elite forces around the world.

Training is ‘ruff’ work (Image via DoD)

6. MWDs receive highly valuable training, with bomb detection training worth over $150,000

While the average cost for training a military dog ranges from $20,000 to $40,000, preparing a dog to be an explosives detection expert may cost over $150,000.

Typical training scenarios might include having to detect explosives in a caravan of 10 or more vehicles, with decoys such as sausages and bacon set up to create distracting stimuli. Under these conditions, a trained detection dog would be able to detect an explosive in under two minutes.

Vito, an Air Force Patrol Explosive Dog (Image via DoD)

7. Only about 50% of dogs in the MWD program make it through training

Dog noses save lives, but the dogs they’re attached to must also be absolutely obedient, disciplined, and loyal.

In addition, the dogs must be free of physical issues, such as hip dysplasia.

Today there are over 1,600 Military Working Canines working at US and Allied installations around the world.

MWD Rocky and handler Air Force Staff Sgt. Samantha Frydenlund aims at a target during a “Top Dog” competition at Joint Base Andrews, MD. (Image via DoD)

8. Every military working dog is a non-commissioned officer, in tradition

Military working dogs are always one rank higher than their handlers. NCO status was originally given to military dogs as a custom to prevent handlers from abusing or mistreating their dogs.

These honorary ranks reinforce the dog and handler bond as a sacred, respectful relationship.

9. Dogs have been jumping out of planes since the 1940s

Did you know that dogs have been parachuting since the 1940s? Check out this amazing archival footage via Smithsonian, showing how parachuting dogs were used to rescue plane crash victims in the Arctic.

10. Field medics are being trained to handle K-9 injuries in the heat of battle

Until recently, medics have not been able to immediately treat MWDs injured in the line of duty, but the latest in medical training protocols have begun to focus more on MWDs as treatable soldiers in the heat of battle.

According to Army Capt. Gina Cipolla in Fort Polk, LA, modern medics “have to get past the initial thought that they don’t know what to do with a dog. We try to help teach that a dog is essentially a human with different anatomy. There are some slight differences but we would treat them the same as an injured Soldier.”

MWD Oscar receives a regular check-up. Image via DoD

11. The first dog to ever earn rank was Sergeant Stubby

Sgt. Stubby was a brindle bull terrier mutt who served as the mascot for the 102nd infantry regiment in WW1.

Stubby served as a critical member of the 26th Yankee division, saving multiple soldiers from mustard gas attacks and helping the wounded in more than 17 battles.

In his most daring feat, Stubby caught a German soldier who had infiltrated US-controlled territory to map trench layouts and troop positions. In a flash, Stubby took the intruder by the leg, incapacitating the enemy combatant until US forces could arrive. For his heroism, Stubby was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Stubby in his full regalia. Source: Public Domain

12. The Most Decorated MWD in WW2 was named Chips!

Chips was a German Shepherd-Collie-Husky Mix who Served in the 3rd Infantry Division with his handler, Pvt. John P. Rowell. As DoD-trained sentry dogs, Chips would tour North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany.

Among Chip’s greatest exploits was the time that he famously broke away from his handler and jumped into an Italian machine-gun nest during the invasion of Sicily.

Injured from Chip’s attacks, the four Italian gunners inside were forced to flee their position and were captured by US forces. Chips successfully made it out of the altercation with a scalp wound and minor gunpowder burns. Later that day, Chip would assist in the capture of 10 more Italian soldiers.

Chips, the Dog Hero of the 3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army Photo

Chips was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, eight Battle Stars, and the Purple Heart for his bravery; however, US Army policy at the time prohibited official dog commendations.

Chips would later go on to meet President Eisenhower himself, although Chips did nip the President’s hand when Ike went to pet him–a reminder that you shouldn’t pet trained working dogs unless you’re the dog’s handler.

13. Legendary Dog Rin Tin Tin was actually a rescued war dog from WW1

Rin Tin Tin was found by Corporal Lee Duncan in Lorraine, France following a bombing of a German war-dog kennel in World War 1. The only survivors of the blast were a litter of seven German Shepherd puppies, of which Duncan adopted two: Rin Tin Tin and his sister.

Rin Tin Tin would go on to star in over 30 movies during the golden age of silent movies in the 1920s and 1930s.

Photo of Rin Tin Tin from the 1929 film Frozen River

14. Interested in sponsoring or adopting a former military service dog? You can adopt

Are you looking for an extremely loyal and talented animal companion? Although over 90% of MWDs are adopted by their handlers, there are still many retired service dogs in search of loving homes, especially dogs unable to fulfill the requirements of training.

Military dogs are amazing at what they do, but keep in mind that these breeds are high-octane and require the utmost care and attention.

Visit the US War Dogs Association Adoption Site and Mission K9 Rescue today to find out how you can help these furry veterans find a new home.

Armed Forces Entertainment

At Armed Forces Entertainment, it is our mission to bring you the best in live and digital entertainment, no matter where you’re stationed.

Head over to our HOMEGROWN video series, with special performances from your favorite AFE artists including Lzzy Hale, gnash, and Chris Kroeze.

7 tips for training your dog, from a Marine who trained dogs to sniff out bombs

Military working dogs are trained to do tough jobs under harsh conditions, but they’re still dogs.

While their training is specialized, some aspects are universal and will apply no matter what you’re trying to teach your dog.

Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more stories.

As a handler of military working dogs in the US Marine Corps, I got to work with some of the world’s best-trained dogs.

These dogs can sniff out bombs buried underground, sniff out drugs hidden in ceiling tiles, take down a man three times their size, and track a person long after they’re gone, to find criminal suspects or lost children.

As a handler paired up with an explosive-detection dog, my job was to train him, maintain his skills, keep him healthy, and make sure he got exercise. After graduating from dog-handling school, I was paired with my first dog, Kuko.

As a new handler with an experienced dog, I had to get up to his level before we could be an effective team. Once I got there, I could start teaching him new things to take our team to the next level.

While you may not be training your dog to find bombs in the mud or drugs hidden in a car bumper, there are some keys to training dogs that will apply no matter what skills you are trying to teach.

11 Steps to Turning a Puppy Into a Badass Military Working Dog

Military working dogs are among the world’s most elite four-legged warriors. Serving side by side with U.S. troops since World War II these brave animals have saved thousands of lives and earned their stripes by performing as critical military assets.

But before they ever patrol a base or go on a combat mission they must meet the very high standards of military dogs.

These are 11 steps to turning a puppy into a badass military working dog:

1. Breeding & Procurement

Photo: Facebook.com/DoDMWDBreedingProgram

The Department of Defense acquires puppies from breeders overseas as well as in the United States, but many now come from DoD’s own military working dog breeding program at Lackland Air Force base in San Antonio, Texas.

Established in 1998, the DoD’s state of the art whelping facility has dedicated “puppy development specialists” who take care of them until they are about 8-10 weeks old.

2. Fostering Program

Photo: Facebook.com/DoDMWDBreedingProgram

If you live within two hours of Lackland and meet certain requirements you could qualify to foster a future K9 hero. The foster program allows the dogs to have a normal puppyhood by being exposed to different environments and become socially sound.

Volunteer foster families take great pride in raising the puppies, like the one pictured above. See if you qualify to foster a puppy by clicking here.

3. Selection & Evaluation

Photo: U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Mike Arellano

The dog will return to Lackland when he or she is around 7 months old and go through puppy training. In the same way civilians must be screened by military recruiters to see if they are a fit for the armed services, the puppies are evaluated to see if they display the attributes needed of military working dogs.

If they don’t get selected to move on, they may still qualify to be used at another agency or they will be adopted out.

4. Dog Training School

Photo: U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Megan E. Acs

The few dogs selected go to Dog Training School, the military working dog boot camp. The dog trainers at DTS are experienced handlers from all military branches, and for many it’s a dream job to get assigned there. The entire mission of DTS is to train and certify dogs in the fundamentals of being an MWD. Each dog is different but typically they will be at DTS anywhere from 4 – 7 months.

The head trainers will then assess the dog’s ability in detection and patrol work. Even here dogs can fail and wash out of the program. Some wash outs become training dogs for brand new handlers going through basic handlers course. The dogs who pass earn the coveted title of military working dog — but they are still not mission-ready.

5. Base assignment

Photo: Facebook.com/MilitaryWorkingDogs

Each newly-minted MWD will get orders to a kennels at a U.S. military base around the world. Normally, a MWD will work his or her entire career at one base.

6. Handler assigned

Photo: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt

Every kennel in the military has a kennel master in charge of all operations of the unit. Once a new MWD arrives the kennel master will assign a handler. Now the MWD has finally been partnered with their first MWD handler, and the real training begins.

7. Obedience Training

Photo: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt

Simply because a handler and MWD are assigned to each other does not mean they can function as a team yet by any means. The dog needs to learn to trust and respect the handler, and that starts with obedience training — the foundation of all good MWD teams.

Handlers give basic obedience commands followed by lots of praise, and the team starts to create trust, mutual respect, and an overall bond.

8. Patrol Training

MWD’s have an innate drive to pursue (and bite) bad guys. Once a dog team has established a foundation of trust, allowing the MWD to do patrol training helps strengthen that trust while also creating in the MWD a sense of protection over the handler, and it keeps the MWD’s morale high.

9. Detection Training

Photo: Chris Hartman

While a few MWD’s won’t be certified in patrol, every MWD must be certified in detection as it is the primary mission of an MWD team. A dog’s nose can detect up to 10,000 – 100,000 times better than a human’s, they just need guidance on how to properly maximize their gifted olfactory skills.

While each MWD is trained to detect either explosives or narcotics by the time they graduate DTS, handlers must train with them to learn each dog’s specific behavior when they pick up a scent.

10. Train, Train, Train

Photo: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Corey Hook

Every single day dog teams must train. Whether it’s patrol work, detection, or simple obedience they must develop an unbreakable bond in which they fully trust one another with their lives. In order for a dog team to work efficiently they must both be good, not one or the other.

In the same way an infantryman must know his weapon inside and out and maintain it every single day, a handler must train, groom, and know everything about his or her MWD. Once the kennel master feels confident the team can work effectively together, an official MWD team certification is scheduled.

11. Dog team certification

Photo: Facebook.com/MilitaryWorkingDogs

To be certified as an official MWD team and granted authority to operate as one, the kennel master puts together a real-life detection training scenario that involves all of the odors the MWD is trained to detect. The commanding officer of the unit must be present and personally witness the MWD team successfully locate every odor.

Once complete, they become an official military working dog team. And any handler will tell you that handling a military working dog is not only a tremendous responsibility but also a lifetime honor.

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