Tag: Military Dogs

This week’s installment of BestBullySticks’ Training Tips is the first half of a two part series on Training Methods. As pet lovers, it’s our hope that this information will help owners make more informed decisions about how to train their pets. Let’s get to it!

Selecting a Method

Unfortunately, there is no universal “one size fits all” training system for dogs. Choosing the best training method for you and your dog takes a bit of research. Don’t sweat it, though. We’ve cut through the thick of it to bring you the skinny on what’s what in the world of dog training.

If you haven’t already, BestBullySticks recommends reading our previous post on How Dogs Learn to ensure you get the most from our explanation of these training methods and their key concepts. At the end of the day, the most important factor to consider when selecting a training method is how comfortable both dog and owner are using a system.

Despite the large number of training systems out there, in one way or another many utilize the same three key concepts.

“Marker Training”

Built on the ideas of classical and operant conditioning, Marker Training is a way to build association between a command (marker) and a desired result by immediately offering reinforcement the moment a desired action is completed. For example — if you’re teaching a dog to lay down on command, use the marker (in this case the words “lay down”) when the dog lays down on its own, then offer positive reinforcement such as a treat. Read more

Basic canine learning methods can be broken down into four distinct categories. While some have similarities and others great differences, they are all of great value and offer insight into how your dog thinks. Quite a few of these psychological theories are recent developments, many of which came about in the mid-20th century. To learn more about the fascinating history behind these theories, BestBullySticks suggests you check out last week's post — A History of Dog Training.

Classical Conditioning: Just like the training methods of yesteryear, classical conditioning plays upon the same ideas used by Pavlov and Bailey. In its most basic form, this method of learning is based around the idea that a stimulus received over time will eventually become associated with another yet totally unrelated response.

For instance, a dog may be afraid of rain because of an association with thunderstorms. The same logic applies for when you get your dog riled up by looking their way and asking, “Walk?”

Over time, these associations can wear out if the motivating reward — such as a real walk! — is removed. Classical conditioning might also help build new associations as demonstrated by Bailey’s clicker method as well as overcome negative associations helping animals cope with new people and situations. Read more

Beginning today, BestBullySticks.com is starting a new blog series! Titled “Training Tips” this section will discuss a range of topics including training methods from popular trainers and dog experts to information about dog cognition and learning. So, strap yourself in for a brief history lesson! Our first installment is A History of Dog Training! By tracing the history of human-dog companionship and discussing different ways dogs learn, BestBullySticks hopes to provide new tools to help you and your loved one get the most from each other’s company.

Canine Domestication and Early Training

Dog training began with the domestication of canines. Approximately 30,000 years ago, humans began to domesticate dogs. Originally used as a beasts of burden and guard animals, the human-canine dynamic would eventually develop into a mutually beneficial relationship we still see today. And while dogs have accompanied humans on nearly every journey since the beginning of our relationship, it wouldn't be until the early 20th century that dog training took it’s current form. Read more

Memorial Day is over, but Best Bully Sticks thinks honoring our soldiers shouldn’t be confined to just a few days a year. That’s why BBS is dedicating this post to a particular set of soldiers that are dear to our hearts: Military Working Dogs, or MWDs.

Jobs of Military Working Dogs
Dogs have been a part of military efforts in every society dating back to the Ancient Romans. However, the United States Military first formally trained dogs for service during WWII. Today many military bases include Canine Training Facilities that put dogs though a myriad of tasks to prepare them to fill certain rolls in military.  Some of these include roles as sentries, trackers, bomb and drug detection and dogs even go on rescue or reconnaissance missions. There are even dogs who jump out of planes!

Even the most high-ranking officials agree, the role MWD’s fill is irreplaceable. General David H. Petraeus said, “The capability they (Military Working Dogs) bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine. By all measures of performance their yield outperforms any asset we have in our inventory. Our Army (and military) would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource.”

Breeds & Their Training
In 1942 when dogs first began training for military service, several breeds were trained and included Airedale Terriers, German Short Haired Pointers, Norwegian Elkhounds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Standard Poodles, Dalmatians, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Bull Mastiffs, Collies and more!

In today’s military training, there are three preferred breeds: German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds and Belgium Malinois. These breeds are used because they have been seen as the most versatile over the years. Once the dogs are selected for service, they are taken to Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. When they pass Basic Training, they move on to their Advanced Training facilities in different parts of the country. Advanced Training continues in the vein the dogs are best suited for and becomes specific to the mission of the military.

"One of the great things about our training is, we never take the dog out of the dog. We train them to do what they want to do," Fort Bliss Kennel Master, SFC James Allred explained. "We want each dog to maintain his individuality. Handlers have to understand the dog. We manipulate the behavior of the dog. For detection, to get a dog to respond, we use toys as a training incentive. The dog will work because if he finds what he is supposed to find, he'll get rewarded. Then the dog gets what he wants."

Two Soldiers, One Bond
In training, a MWD and a solider are paired for service. The soldier and dog go through training, training evaluations and then are sent out into the field. When in a combat zone or any other mission, the two soldiers stay together. Even if a dog gets sick or hurt, both the handler and dog come home. They are never separated. Even when MWDs retire, a current or previous handler usually adopts them. It’s a crucial and powerful bond that can’t be broken. 

Honoring All Military Related Dogs
There are a number of organizations that support military dogs in all facets.

“Adopted” Stray Dogs From Combat Zones
Puppy Rescue Mission
Nowzad

Dog Foster Services for Deployed Soldiers
Military Pets Foster Project

Military Working Dogs Support & Adoptions
Support Military Working Dogs
Operation Military Care K-9
Military Working Dog Adoptions
Save-A-Vet
K-9 Pride

Dogs are truly amazing in all they can do and dog owners are thankful for the joy they bring into families and lives. However, we must remember we also owe them a debt of thanks and gratitude, because after all, some of these dogs are out in the field of combat.