Military and Police Dogs: Man's Best Friend in Service

Dogs have held a special place in the heart of man, no matter what culture or country he is from. From the heroic tales of the Swiss St. Bernard to the heart-warming adventures of U.S. television's popular "Lassie," dogs have formed a close relationship with man. Chinese society is no exception. Tales of the faithful dog rescuing his master abound in the traditional folklore of ancient China.

Dogs have also served man in the art of war and defense. Throughout history, select breeds have been trained to attack, defend, carry messages and transport supplies. This special military role continues today. More recently, the dog has been trained to become an integral part of the civil defense system in the role of police dog.

Historical records show that ancient Egypt, Rome, China and the civilizations of the Tigris-Euphrates River region all used dogs trained to attack and defend. The Mongol conqueror, Genghis Khan is said to have used dogs in his military campaigns that took his conquering hordes from the steppes of Mongolia, south to China and west across Russia to the frontiers of Europe. Napoleon also used dogs in his front lines.

During World War Ⅰ, the armies of Germany and Italy trained thousands of dogs to serve in attack, military transport and delivery of messages. This was expanded during the second world war when both sides used specially trained dogs to patrol airports, guard ammunition depots and warehouses. Dogs were also used on the battlefield to sniff out mines, and the International Red Cross used dogs to help search for the wounded in action.

The history of the police dog is much more recent. Belgium policemen began using trained dogs to help in the pursuit and capture of criminals in 1899. The Germans borrowed this idea and took it a step further with the establishment of training programs for dogs. In 1920 the first organized training academy for police dogs was opened. Since there was a need for a great number of dogs, the authorities decided to select one breed, the German shepherd to become the official police dog. Other nations soon followed suit, and the German shepherd has become the international police dog.

Dogs, and the German shepherd in particular have many special characteristics which suit them for defense and investigative work. The sensory organs of dogs are much more acute than those of humans. Dogs can hear sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. Their sense of smell is extremely sensitive and their speed and endurance is well suited for search and pursuit.

The use of dogs for military and defense purposes is not as common in the Republic of China as in most other nations. Individual businessmen, however, have increasingly turned to the use of specially trained dogs to guard and defend their property and valuables.

The Military Dog Training Center specializes in the training of military dogs on Taiwan. This center is responsible for breeding, training, and the health condition of the dogs. Training encompasses both the dog and his master. The present military use of dogs calls for a one dog, one master system. When the dog and the master have been thoroughly trained they return to their military base together. Officials at the center stress that successful training requires patience, perseverance and a genuine love of the trainer for the dog. Physical strength is also an asset as the dogs and trainers must constantly drill. This training period brings master and dog together in a close bond of love, trust and mutual understanding. Hsu Tzu-ming, who was previously sent to South Africa to receive instruction on training military dogs stresses that one of the keys to success with the dog is to consider the dog as a person. Dogs are extremely sensitive creatures and are subject to mood changes. Just like humans they love to be praised, and similarly require training before they are willing to do a task. Playing and talking to the dog in a warm, soft tone of voice helps to build this important bridge of dog-master understanding. Non-stop practice is necessary, Hsu emphasizes, to develop the dog's abilities. Each time the dog performs his task in practice reward him with praise or an affectionate pat. If the dog misbehaves, the trainer must immediately scold him using a firm, loud tone of voice. This will make the dog understand that he has performed his task improperly. Trainers will also hit the dog lightly on his mouth to register displeasure.

The center offers two levels of military dog training, basic and specialized. Basic training incorporates three levels: obedience, command response and more specialized tasks. In obedience training the dogs are taught to sit, come, go and stand. During the command response they are trained to climb and jump on command and not to react with fear to the sound of guns. The dogs are also trained only to eat the food their masters give them, in case of poisoning. The specialized tasks taught are: guard, attack, search and message delivery. This basic training program lasts three months. Upon graduation the dog and his master return to the master's military base. If the dogs display a special talent in a certain area they are put into the specialized training program. This training period lasts from six months to one year. Dogs are trained in performing special tasks such as sniffing out narcotics or weapons. For instance, when training the dog for scenting out drugs, trainers start with large quantities of drugs and let the dog become familiar with the scent. Gradually the amounts are diminished and the dog's sense of smell becomes more sensitive to the scent of the contraband. Finally the dog reaches the stage where it is able to sniff a small amount of the drug from among a mixture of articles. An outstanding example of the sensitivity of these scent dogs is illustrated in the following case. During the National Double Ten Celebrations (October 10) in 1974, a military dog, Pi Chien and his trainer, Chang Ch'ing-i were patrolling the parade review area. The dog sniffed out a hand gun and twenty bullets that had been placed in a plastic bag and buried beneath the ground.

The only handicap with the present military use of dogs is that the dogs can not be retrained with a new master. Therefore there is a limit to the length of time the dog can be used. The training center is also trying to expand into the field of police dog training.

In some noted cases the police have benefited from the use of these dogs. A famous murder case was cracked a few years ago when a specially trained dog was able to sniff out the body of the victim and then with this scent retrace the killer's tracks to the scene of the murder. In another instance four young hikers were lost on Ho Huan mountain during the winter. Dogs again came to the aid of the police search when they led the authorities to one of the frozen bodies.

The largest of the private training centers for dogs is located in Taichung County. Founded in 1958, the Pi Sheng Training Center was established by Chiang Mu-ch'in who had studied dog training while in the Japanese army. Today the center is run by his nephew, Chiang Chin-t'ang. The young Chiang says that today a growing number of businessmen are using the services of guard dogs to protect their investments. Jewelry store owners, fish and shrimp farmers and others all feel that the trained dog can ensure extra security. The trainers at the center also hope that the police will one day be able to use dogs officially. Therefore, the center and the police force could combine efforts to train the dogs on a joint basis. Eventually the police and military dog training could become a cooperative effort.

The military and police dogs have served man faithfully. In the past they have displayed their love and loyalty. Despite the sophisticated technological advances of our present world these dogs still serve an important purpose.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. With a bright pair of eyes, sensitive nose and sharp ears the German shepherd is ideally suited to be trained for military and police service. 2. Not only is the dog man's best friend, he plays an important role in national defense.

1.3. Military and police dogs go through rigorous cross-country obstacle course training. 2. Poised and at attention, dogs and military police stand ready for inspection. 4. Aiding the coastal defense corps in patrol duty, the sensitive military dog can often pick up unusual tracks.

1. A well-trained dog displaying his prowess at jumping. 2. A military dog trainer cares for an injured dog. 3. Dogs are trained to bite through rope, helping their masters to escape. 4. A rare scene, dog and master crawl forward in unison. 5. In honor of the heroic dog, Pi Chien, the Military Dog Training Center provided a beautiful gravestone.

1. Using a special sound machine, military dogs are trained not to fear the sound of guns. 2. Dogs are trained to bite criminals. Even if prodded the dogs will not loosen their grip. 3. Careful love and attention are important in establishing a mutual bond of close feelings between dog and trainer. 4. The master uses his leg as a barrier for the dog to practice his jumping skills. 5. A well-trained dog displays no fear when he confronts a gun-carrying enemy.

1. A moment of tender affection--a dog playfully hugs his master, eliciting a warm smile. 2. Resourceful and reliable--the awe-inspiring military and police dog.

2. Not only is the dog man's best friend, he plays an important role in national defense.

1.3. Military and police dogs go through rigorous cross-country obstacle course training.

2. Poised and at attention, dogs and military police stand ready for inspection.

1.3. Military and police dogs go through rigorous cross-country obstacle course training.

4. Aiding the coastal defense corps in patrol duty, the sensitive military dog can often pick up unusual tracks.

1. A well-trained dog displaying his prowess at jumping.

2. A military dog trainer cares for an injured dog.

3. Dogs are trained to bite through rope, helping their masters to escape.

4. A rare scene, dog and master crawl forward in unison.

5. In honor of the heroic dog, Pi Chien, the Military Dog Training Center provided a beautiful gravestone.

1. Using a special sound machine, military dogs are trained not to fear the sound of guns.

2. Dogs are trained to bite criminals. Even if prodded the dogs will not loosen their grip.

3. Careful love and attention are important in establishing a mutual bond of close feelings between dog and trainer.

4. The master uses his leg as a barrier for the dog to practice his jumping skills.

5. A well-trained dog displays no fear when he confronts a gun-carrying enemy.

1. A moment of tender affection--a dog playfully hugs his master, eliciting a warm smile.

2. Resourceful and reliable--the awe-inspiring military and police dog.