Military Working Dogs are some of the best-trained canines in the world, but there is no great secret to how they are trained.Military Working Dog Handlers train dogs using most of the same techniques as civilian dog trainers, so the instruction they give to specially-selected MWDs can also work with your pup at home.It is worth taking the time to check out some of the basic requirements for the role if you are interested in becoming a MWDH yourself.
Step 1: Take a patient approach that doesn't have a timetable.
You might think that training methods inspired by the military must be harsh and rigid, but that is not the case with dog training.Military trainers don't set specific timetables for the dogs to achieve certain benchmarksMilitary dog trainers need to demonstrate patience and understanding when working with dogs.Some dogs are better at learning than others, and some may never be able to learn everything you try to teach them.If you avoid arbitrary goals and a negative training environment, your dog can learn quickly and effectively.Not everyone can become a dog trainer.Hire a dog trainer who uses military-style techniques if you don't have the patience or positivity for the role.
Step 2: The relationship with the dog should be positive from the beginning.
It is important that you quickly show yourself as the leader of your group, but not at the expense of others.If you don't already have an established relationship with the dog, spend a few days or weeks taking care of its needs before you start training it.Show it that you can be relied on.If you have a relationship with the dog, you should emphasize your roles as provider and leader over the next few days.Don't treat feeding, walking, cleaning, and so on yourself like chores.Daily grooming is a good way to build a positive bond and check the dog for medical issues.Military trainers tend to groom their dogs every day.
Step 3: There are training sessions in a low-distract location.
Military trainers use predictable training schedules for success.Training sessions can be held in the same location each time, if you choose 1 or 2 specific times each day.An isolated corner of the park is a low-distract training location.One of the reasons why dogs are great soldiers is that they thrive on predictable schedules.The training session should be held at the same time each day.Military dogs train for at least 4 hours per week and 30 minutes per day.For 6-7 days a week, aim for 1 30-minute or 2 15-minute sessions.
Step 4: Positive reinforcement is the only way to teach the dog.
Positive reinforcement is the preferred method of dog training.It means immediately identifying, praising, and rewarding positive behaviors and not punishing negative behaviors.Positive reinforcement means immediately responding to a dog when it goes potty, and possibly a reward like a toy or treat.Positive reinforcement means you simply and immediately identify the problem, and clean up the mess, when the dog has a potty accident inside.It doesn't involve hitting the dog or sticking its nose in the mess.
Step 5: Clear verbal and hand signals are needed to teach instructional commands.
Like a military dog handler, begin with 1 of the basic instructional commands, such as "sit," "down," or "heel," and then master a single command at a time.Speak the command clearly and give a visual cue at the same time.Provide subtle guidance, such as nudging, but never pushing, the dog into a seated position.When the dog does not comply properly, don't shout commands or show anger.Stay positive and keep your cool.Depending on your needs and the dog's abilities, you can teach commands like "sit," "down," and "heel" beyond the basics.Military dogs may learn commands for things like detecting explosives or subduing enemies that you don't need to teach, but the instructional methods remain largely the same.
Step 6: Success should be rewarded immediately, consistently, and reasonably.
Early in the training process, it is important that you give praise and rewards when the dog responds properly.A pat on the head, a tug at a chew toy, or a small treat is a reward for verbal praise.If you use treats for rewards, keep them small.If you don't, your dog may consume too many calories.Military trainers do not use treats as rewards beyond the beginning of training.Their goal is to turn a basic verbal reward into something that the dog wants.In military situations, verbal-only rewards are much more practical.
Step 7: The dog should be taught not to do things by ignoring.
If the dog jumps up on you as a greeting, don't tell it "no" or give it a command like "sit." Instead, walk away from it and return.If the dog consistently learns what not to do, reward it as normal for success.Giving alternate commands will confuse the dog and make it think that jumping is part of the command.Punishing the dog through punishment is not helpful.The dog wants your attention and approval since you are the alpha.Ignoring it briefly is a form of punishment that the dog can learn from.
Step 8: Work around the dog's weaknesses.
German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Pit Bulls are some of the specialized dogs used by the U.S. military.About half of the canines make the cut as Military Working Dogs.Even though your dog is less likely to have this high level of training capability, be realistic about what it can and cannot achieve.Potential MWDs may not be able to identify drugs or explosives.If you find that your dog isn't well-suited to something like obeying "heel" commands, you'll probably not do training in these areas.Don't give up completely in that area, but also be realistic and focus your training in other areas.
Step 9: Adding new training will reinforce existing training.
It's important to offer "refreshers" of prior training while also moving on to new commands and tasks.Once your dog masters the "stay" command, don't completely stop instructing it.At the beginning of each training session, loop back and spend a couple of minutes reinforcing "stay" and other mastered commands before moving on to your current training.Old dogs can learn new tricks.
Step 10: Enlist, complete basic training, and serve on active duty.
In the U.S. military, dog handler and trainers are not civilians.They are enlisted, active-duty personnel who complete basic training, express an interest in taking on a dog-related role, and demonstrate their capabilities.Military working dog handler is the official title in the U.S. military.Career advancement opportunities are similar to those within the military.National militaries across the globe train and use dogs.You can get more information from a military recruiter.
Step 11: The ASVAB tests can be used to confirm your suitability.
You have to apply to the program in order to become a MWDH.You have to take a series of written tests before you can join the military.The tests assess your skills, training, knowledge, and temperament.You may be approved for the training program based on your results.The ASVAB isn't focused on dog training.The test is used by the U.S. military to find good candidates for certain fields.There are 10 general categories covered in the ASVAB tests.Visit www.goarmy.com for more information.
Step 12: Complete the first 7 weeks of the AIT.
Phase 1 of the 2-phase AIT will begin if your ASVAB results confirm your suitability for an MWDH job.Learning military techniques for both dog training and policing is the focus of Phase 1.You will work alongside current MWDHs during this on-the-job training.The Military Working Dog program is located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.If not all of your AIT, there is a good chance you will be stationed there.
Step 13: You should finish the 11-week Phase 2 of AIT with your assigned dog.
You will be assigned a particular MWD and further develop your training and handling skills.Your assigned MWD will be the more experienced member of the partnership, so keep in mind that you will need to learn from your canine companion!Phase 2 reinforces essential dog training and handling techniques, as well as getting into specifics like searches and controlled aggression, which can be used to deploy the dog as a non-lethal asset.
Step 14: As part of your roles, you should serve as a MWD trainer.
There are a lot of jobs you can be assigned once you pass AIT and become a MWDH.You could do military policing, search for drugs or explosives, provide protection for government officials, or serve in combat zones.Training your assigned MWD is always a critical component of your job, no matter what task or task it is.They spend a lot of time training their MWDs.They spend a lot of time with their MWDs because of their on-duty time.After one or both leave the service, these human and canine service members often develop a deep bond that continues.