Soldier Dogs

Military working dogs serve alongside U.S. troops in combat zones and military operations worldwide. Author Maria Goodavage documents their training, deployment, and relationships with their handlers through firsthand reporting and extensive interviews. The book follows several handler-dog teams through their journeys from initial training through real missions. Readers learn about the dogs' specialized capabilities in detecting explosives, tracking enemies, and protecting troops, as well as the intense selection and preparation process for both canines and handlers. The narrative includes historical context about military dogs' roles in past conflicts and details about current military dog programs. It explores the breeding, assessment, and training facilities where these teams begin their service. The book reveals the deep bonds formed between handlers and their dogs while highlighting questions about the nature of duty, sacrifice, and partnership in military service. The exploration of these relationships provides insights into both human and canine psychology in high-stakes situations.

Readers emphasize the book's balance of military insights and emotional connections with the dogs and handlers. Many note that Goodavage provides technical details about training and operations while maintaining accessibility for non-military readers. Likes: - Personal stories and bonds between handlers and dogs - Historical context of military working dogs - Behind-the-scenes look at training methods - Clear explanations of military terminology Dislikes: - Some sections feel repetitive - A few readers wanted more focus on individual dog stories - Military jargon can be overwhelming in certain chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (500+ ratings) "The book opened my eyes to the incredible capabilities of these dogs" - Amazon reviewer "Could have used tighter editing in the middle sections" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect mix of heart and military history" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

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🐾 War dogs like those featured in the book have been used in military operations since ancient times, with the first recorded use dating back to 600 BC by the Lydians of Asia Minor. 🎖️ Many of the military working dogs described in the book are "dual-certified," meaning they are trained in both patrol work and detection (either explosives or narcotics), making them incredibly versatile assets. 📚 Author Maria Goodavage has written several other books about working dogs, including "Secret Service Dogs" and "Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca," continuing her dedication to sharing these animals' remarkable stories. 🐕 The U.S. Military Working Dog Program is based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where approximately 800 dogs are in training at any given time. 💪 Military working dogs typically train for 120 days before being certified for duty, and only about 50% of dogs that enter the program successfully complete the training to become soldier dogs.