Thread: At last (some) military dogs get to retire instead of being euthanised.

These dogs are all individuals and have personalities. Some just cant be resettled and others.

I ran the Army Dogs (EDD) in the day and dogs that failed training or were retired were mostly rehoused. Very few were uthenased, and mostly due to illness or old age.

The nature of the bond between dog and handler ensure that the dogs would be given the best care and attention.

Saying that the working dogs have a reduced lifespan due to the stress of their work but they have a better life than most pets. In terms of diet, Vet care, exercise and attention. Work for these dogs is a game and they dont suffer the boredom that plagues a lot of pets lves.

Saying that I would love an ex EDD.

I would like to see ex Mil dogs that are suitable be used as companion dogs for ex Diggers with PTSD, (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

If you consider the adjustment of a dog into a sedentry life is similar to that adjustment problems experienced by most ex servicemen and women.

There are a few good books written on programs in the US and they have been very successful.
There would be merit in establishing programs here. Gaol inmates conduct the initial training and then dogs are matched by personality and type to Ex Servicemen according to needs, with additional training provided for special needs, like hearing and medical alert use.

It would be a good way to rehouse the many unwanted pets and lost dogs in society in general.

Woof.