MWD special on Animal Planet - Page 2

I watched the show last night. I was surprised that most of the dogs were older applicants from outside sources. I would have thought the military would have a more extensive breeding program. The dogs were then tested over what appeared to be a short period of time and then evaluated as to whether or not suitable for their needs. As to the new recruits training with the dogs---I had mixed feelings. Some caught on fast and some made me cringe. I wondered whether it was advantageous to pair beginners with green dogs, but the female recruit seemed to handle the Malinois, Elvis, effectively. The soldiers in charge did everything possible for the recruits to pass training, but I had my doubts about a couple of them. Everything was too fast--regimented-- more time was needed for both man and dog. And now to what I believe was most important---Are they all nuts to be training these dogs in such extreme heat? Two dogs had heat stroke, which could lead to dementia or even worse, death. The second dog, the malinois, had a collapsed throat as well as heat stroke, which led to blindness---very disturbing. I must say, they were set up very well for medical emergencies, But....this could have been prevented. I also observed that the soldier in charge was very concerned, but the military should seriously rethink training exercises in such high temperatures. They said the dog did eventually get his sight back--still, very disturbing. The show was very entertaining. You could see the pride in the retiring commander, the concern of the vet and another officer, the confusion of many dogs and recruits, the wide variety of acceptable and non-acceptable dogs, and the need for new guidelines in training criteria.

VBK9- [[that wasn't a GSD, they don't come in brindle, it was probably a dutch shep]] I know what a Dutch shepherd looks like, this was a GSD, saddleback black/tan, showlines, maybe AM-bred by the way his rear end looked, his ears didn't stand right either. I think his name was "Sammy" or he was the GSD right before "Sammy" in the building search. Calvin- Nice post, that is the way I saw it last night.

I'm sorry to say i did see the program last night. i like many people on this board was also very disappointed. i belive the main reason for such poor level of dogs and training is that there is no form of competition. up until only a couple of years ago in schutzhund handlers could win with a dog that could track good and very powerful in the bite work. now because of a few handlers with supporior knowldge of canine behaiore you need a excellent dog with excellent training. in the the military and in the k-9 units they lack this competion and therefore do not seem to progress. they seem to train the way people trained 20 years ago and when the dog does not proform well they say things like the dog is too tough or too soft. i guess we all have to remember these hanlders are generally not dog trainers and just be thankful for the great service they do for each of us everyday. sorry about the spelling, in a hurry

Good point workingdawg - my trainer makes the same observation about the SAR folks - they tend to be very group (as in immediate training group) focused and have no real bench marks for progression - and they seem to avoid each other (groups within the same area) like the plague. A national (heck even regional) type trial would not only allow them to test their skills, but to rank them. Otherwise acceptable is only "just good enough" as opposed to "just good enough" meaning "you've still got a ways to go but it is possible - look that other guy did it." Right now it's people within the same group testing each others dogs/handler skills and I don't think it is impartial enough. (based on my limited knowledge) I think they mean well - but they are in effect training to minimum standard not the max brought as result of competition. (although I'm sure some are personally pushing the maximum) -Calvin

big fish, small pond

Must have been a different dog that I saw, the one with no tail I saw was brindle, but like I said, missed the first part of the show.