Working dogs guard and protect. They sniff out drugs and explosives. They're scouts and trackers. Military working dogs (MWD's)put their life on the line for their handlers and their country, sometimes returning with lifelong disabilities. The military dog adoption program finds our aging and ailing canine soldiers a home to retire to. A place that is safe, relaxing, interesting. A place where they can grow old in the company of a loyal friend.
Service dogs are trained at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. These amazing canine warriors are sent to bases throughout the world to perform duties that save lives. Many return to Lackland when their assignment is completed. Others return because they're injured or aging, ready for retirement. Some retired dogs remain at local bases until adopted.
Dogs available for adoption range from 1 to 13 years. Dogs at local bases are usually retirees or disabled, so they tend to be older. Some younger dogs will be available at Lackland Air Force Base, dogs that didn't make the final cut but have been deemed stable and suitable for life with a family.
Adopted dogs must be spayed or neutered. They must not be used for business or personal security, nor sold to anyone for business or security work. It's a federal offense to break your signed agreement. These dogs have completed their service and deserve a stable and enjoyable retirement.
Dogs declared excess but still able to work are sometimes adopted by other law enforcement agencies. Next in line are former handlers. Around three hundred dogs each year need a home from outside the military. The waiting list is 6-18 months.
The first step is to apply. Expect a follow up interview to determine if you can provide a suitable home and to help handlers determine what dog would be a match for you and your family. Most dogs go to homes without cats or children under 8. Some need to be an only dog. The interview considers the reasons you want to adopt, your experience with canines, other family members and pet, and financial stability.
Groups supporting MWDs have websites with information on the adoption program, or you can contact the base directly. There's no fee for the adoption other than a notary fee to complete the contract. Adopting families are responsible for transporting their new companion to their new home. They're responsible for all subsequent expenses and vet bills including vet care required due to preexisting conditions.
Personality traits that get working dogs through training include stubbornness, fearlessness, intelligence, devotion and loyalty to their handler. They need a pack leader to direct their independence and any lingering aggression into fun and challenging games that give them a job (a job that's fun and challenging, not dangerous). Be sure you know what commands were used to order and stop chasing, guarding, or attacking behaviors.
Is military dog adoption the right choice for you? These dogs have been through a lot and deserve a permanent home for their final years. Many have injuries requiring ongoing and expensive vet care. Dogs available are primarily German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, beagles, and bloodhounds. All are active breeds that need a purpose and regular exercise well into their old age.
Service dogs are trained at Lackland Air Force Base near San Antonio, Texas. These amazing canine warriors are sent to bases throughout the world to perform duties that save lives. Many return to Lackland when their assignment is completed. Others return because they're injured or aging, ready for retirement. Some retired dogs remain at local bases until adopted.
Dogs available for adoption range from 1 to 13 years. Dogs at local bases are usually retirees or disabled, so they tend to be older. Some younger dogs will be available at Lackland Air Force Base, dogs that didn't make the final cut but have been deemed stable and suitable for life with a family.
Adopted dogs must be spayed or neutered. They must not be used for business or personal security, nor sold to anyone for business or security work. It's a federal offense to break your signed agreement. These dogs have completed their service and deserve a stable and enjoyable retirement.
Dogs declared excess but still able to work are sometimes adopted by other law enforcement agencies. Next in line are former handlers. Around three hundred dogs each year need a home from outside the military. The waiting list is 6-18 months.
The first step is to apply. Expect a follow up interview to determine if you can provide a suitable home and to help handlers determine what dog would be a match for you and your family. Most dogs go to homes without cats or children under 8. Some need to be an only dog. The interview considers the reasons you want to adopt, your experience with canines, other family members and pet, and financial stability.
Groups supporting MWDs have websites with information on the adoption program, or you can contact the base directly. There's no fee for the adoption other than a notary fee to complete the contract. Adopting families are responsible for transporting their new companion to their new home. They're responsible for all subsequent expenses and vet bills including vet care required due to preexisting conditions.
Personality traits that get working dogs through training include stubbornness, fearlessness, intelligence, devotion and loyalty to their handler. They need a pack leader to direct their independence and any lingering aggression into fun and challenging games that give them a job (a job that's fun and challenging, not dangerous). Be sure you know what commands were used to order and stop chasing, guarding, or attacking behaviors.
Is military dog adoption the right choice for you? These dogs have been through a lot and deserve a permanent home for their final years. Many have injuries requiring ongoing and expensive vet care. Dogs available are primarily German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, beagles, and bloodhounds. All are active breeds that need a purpose and regular exercise well into their old age.
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