whiskeyontherocks
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The best dog you'll ever own
Hundreds of military working dogs (MWD) are retired every year and thanks to Robby's law (H.R. 5314) are available to the general public for adoption. These wonderful dogs have spent years protecting soldiers and civilians alike and now need a good home to spend their retirement. Bases all over the U.S. have dogs available for adoption. I haven't seen this on Imgur before and I want to spread awareness about it. Below are a few common MWD breeds.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/military-working-dogs/
The Belgian Malinois
http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois/
The Belgian Tervuren
http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/belgian-tervuren
The German Shepherd
http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/
Several websites dedicated to working dog adoptions and information
http://www.save-a-vet.org/d7/adopt
http://missionk9rescue.org/military-and-contract-working-dog-adoptions/
http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/about-military-working-dog-adoptions/
http://www.petsadviser.com/working-dogs/adopting-retired-military-working-dog/
Happelappen
My Tervuren 12 or so, weeks old http://imgur.com/lhbJLhU
alyxandar
What monsters downvoted this....
Happelappen
I have a Tervuren, and to be fair shes one of the best dogs I've ever owned
DoorToDoorWikipediaSalesman
I want to grab them all and love them and hug them and squeeze and call them George.
SpeedingBanana
I grew up with a Belgian terv and he was the sweetest dog ever. Protective, but very kind if he knew you!
CopperWench
I teethed on our GSD as a babby. They're great dogs foot security not because they're mean but because they are trainable and controllable
exinferris
Ok, I gonna ask it. Is there no risk for violent behaviour or dog-ptsd?
Gfunkallstar
Yes, but when handeld and loved properly, absoulely not.
jrau18
Just like humans
FirstLobster
I have a Malinois! I love his dumb ass. (actually he's way smart)
Centroid
I adopted the bomb dog I had in Afghanistan. She is the best.
FellsApprentice
thank you both for your service
Mec26
So, she always wins the "what hand do I have it in" game, is what I'm hearing?
Centroid
yes
KharnApproves
My rackmate from boot camp adopted his MWD. It's been fantastic for my buddy. His pup (not a put, totally grown) helps his PTSD so much.
Gfunkallstar
If this hasn't been said enough, these animals where literly breed for protection. If you don't understand that then adopt a lab
acamuru
Have 3 malinois, super smart and hyper loyal
blackfoot12delta
As a vet that got the amazing opportunity to work with them this is fantastic! I approve this message!
Exp626
They'll gladly tear the shit out of anyone harming their owners too.
AstralBeast808
http://imgur.com/tBeYHdc
IAMSRC
There isn't enough Milk Bones to thank them for their service.
MMQuiteContrary
Reading more about it, they don't have any benefits after service :( At least give them the same things you would give a human Veteran.
KidVSHero
I have had German shepherds all my life, and they are amazing (as long as you don't mind cleaning up the hair)
Gfunkallstar
German shedders as my wife calls them
KidVSHero
It is worth it!
anubis408
My family breeds and raises Belgian Shepherds and Tervs, I can confirm that they are amazing animals.
TheLetterF
My parents got a german shepherd and hes a drama queen, but hes so loveable.
OvertheHillsandFarAway
yeah shepherds are big babys. but they are so smart and lovable.
DarkCrawler901
I don't know if I would be comfortable in adopting a dog that outranks me...
Elleeze
These dogs should only be adopted by experienced handlers that are screened beforehand. I hope this is regulated..
copingcabana
I have a German Shepard, but I don't think he's a veteran.
AHorticulturistIsJustANerdyGardener
① That's Bern Angelroth, 2013 German Shepherds champion. --- In 1974 his regiment was attached as support to a French force that came under
AHorticulturistIsJustANerdyGardener
④ fatally wounded. Members of his platoon were awarded several medals, and everything after the dashes I just made up.
copingcabana
+4 for the commitment.
AHorticulturistIsJustANerdyGardener
② heavy fire in North Vietnam. Bern's company was shadowing a French company that was far from the main force and became pinned down by an
AHorticulturistIsJustANerdyGardener
③ ambush. The German platoon flanked the ambushing VC, and after a prolonged firefight in which Bernd (I meant Bernd in ①) was almost
willowtree88
Are these just for the states or does this work in Canada too?
whiskeyontherocks
All the information I've seen is in the U.S. I know several other countries use MWD as well so I would hope they have similar programs.
JackKnauf
I've been looking since i also live in Canada and would like one.It seems we dont have an agency here who distributes the dogs. However(1/?)
JackKnauf
Maybe Contact an American agency to see the possibility of adopting and bringing the pet here, If you are seriously considering one. (2/2)
aJOKERsdozen
IIRC the handlers usually get first dibs on adopting them, but heck ya I would adopt one if they didn't
StrangelyCalm
As a former Detector Dog Handler in Quarantine- yes we do, but we also retire the dogs early after maybe 6 years of service 1/2
StrangelyCalm
And we still use a working dog so it's usually unfair to keep an old working dog and go and play/work with a new one.
CGriffo124
Why not keep all the dogs?
Shadowfax781
What does IIRC mean?
Adula
If I remember correctly
redbikemaster
IIRC it means "if I recall correctly".
logicalchemist
If I recall correctly
BearAttack
Been seeing this for days. Thank you so much.
zidar
if you recall correctly what .. please tell us what does it mean if you recall correctly.
migratedcoconut
Serious question, and I'm genuinely sorry if this is insensitive in any way, but can dogs have PTSD?
Thistles
Yes, they can.
Thistles
That is the short answer. The longer one goes into how we're still learning about PTSD in people, so we're very shaky about animal PTSD.
sentientmortybot
As a single active duty member who could use a companion, I'm going down to base right now for more details.
maximinusthrax1
You seem to live off base, if you live alone keep in mind your deployment tempo/length. If you have roommates, see how they feel about it!
rsvr79
Keep in mind that you'll end up deploying for six months to a year at a time, so you need to have a plan of what to do with the dog.
sentientmortybot
Family and friends are what it's all about. Good look, I'll be proactive.
Thistles
THESE ARE NOT DOGS FOR EVERYONE! A Malinois with an inexperienced owner is a disaster in the making.
Sowsoken
As FPS Kyle found out...
RuckOverMe
What happened?
ThomYorkesLeftEye
I have a Malinois. I have owned Rotties and German Shepherds, and my Mali is by FAR the most work.
Thistles
Them earses! Great dogs, but they need someone who knows what's what with pooches =)
Momofmany
Agreed! My Malinois was amazing-and complicated. You need to be able to "read" him and be able to steer him clear of certain situations.
H8ling
Amen! Anyone wanting to adopt needs to understand the Mal is a fantastic dog but not for a inexperienced owner. Please research first.
feelsforosamu
How does one become an experienced Mal owner?
H8ling
Exp owner of working breed not just Mal. But training. My husband trained with our K9 as a team with a master trainer. He is now a trainer
ImSnittingNextToBorpo
My friend rescued a pure Malinois puppy off the street and when we researched the breed we knew we were in for a wild ride. So energetic!
Thistles
Glad the pup has a good home! They're something else, eh?
ImSnittingNextToBorpo
They certainly are. He's now SO BIG and still growing. My friend's trying his best to give him all the exercise and stimulation he needs
BearAttack
Are their temperaments similar to GSD's? If so, I'm guessing they still need a "job," granted a less physically straining one, yes?
theshoeminator
They're GSD's with the hyperactivity of a Jack Russell Terrier. Mals are the Energizer bunnies of working dog breeds.
Thistles
potentially a very bad situation. They're a tool and a weapon with pride and a heart and nature's drive to dominate. Great dogs for those 3
beansandcornbreadandgreens
my friend adopted one and had him for a year but ended up having to give him away. he was too hard for her to train- aggressive and stubborn
Thistles
Similar, but more advanced. Malinois need a more experienced owner than GSDs. They are brilliant and challenging.
Thistles
with the experience, time and energy to train them, but a huge risk for those who don't. 4
Thistles
More active and dominant, less openly affectionate, they need a job and a leader. Any dog can be dangerous, but a poorly trained Mal is 2
Feralkyn
Look up the vid with a working mal trained to tear drivers from moving vehicles. He attacks his handler partway through. VERY intense dogs.
firetothislife
Registered Just To Comment. As Someone Who Owns A Malinois, They Are Not For Inexperienced Owners. The Aren't GSD's. They Are Incredibly 1/2
firetothislife
2/2 Smart And Protective Dogs Who Need A Lot Of Time And Exercise. They're Like Gsd's On Crack And Speed Constantly.
corsskeys
This is a really good thing to do, but it would need a special type of adopter. These are active, disciplined dogs, not cuddly lap dogs.
iwonteverrememberthisusername
A lot of them can adjust to the "retired life" so to speak.. but I agree.
iwonteverrememberthisusername
http://teamcoco.com/video/rebecca-frankel-pt-2-02-09-15?playlist=x;eyJ0eXBlIjoicmVjZW50IiwiaWQiOm51bGx9
therearenone
Some K9 adapt really well. I've been around several that are as derpy as any other dog when not on the job. But yes, be an informed adopter.
mingotheflamingo
would they be good animals for adults with injuries/conditions? like brain injuries, ptsd, etc?
serella
They're probably not trained to provide assistance for specific conditions, but they might have the aptitude to become a service dog.
crihsagnlel
is there an assistance program to help cover dog food and med bills? I don't think I could afford a dog, whether it keeps me sane or not
iwouldliveinsaltforyou
Look for a local rescue that needs fosters. My girl is technically a foster and our rescue pays all the vet bills. 1/2
iwouldliveinsaltforyou
They would pay for food too if I asked but I'm more than capable of covering it myself. I'd pay the vet bill too if they would let me 2/2
RoyFuckingMustang
Just like human service members I'm pretty sure they can adapt to life being retired.
zerosleeper
I'm dating war vet with his MWD both now in retirement. Dog does cute command tricks for treats, but other then that lovable "cuddle bear".
ThisGuyDisguisedTheSkies
Tell that to my 95lbs lap dog
haeynous
Well said. Working dogs are the most understood by the general public.
bonsaitree
I went and read a little. There is a note that says some are retired because of hip, arthritis, or other health issues that make them 1/2
bonsaitree
perfect couch companions!
Halfton81
My grandma had a retired cop german sheperd with hip issues. Still an awesome, extremely smart dog and she spoiled the hell out of him.
Smilinnoir
Wheth that's true or not, you're also looking at possibly over a year-long waiting list.
irontom
As a working dog owner - dogs adapt VERY quickly. Biggest problem is that those dogs are leaders. And that's bad if you are not a leader.
hellifiknowwhatsgoingon
I know a bunch of veterans would love to have veteran dog :) going to tell them all about this.
GnRtattoo
All dogs are cuddly lap dogs once they discover laps
GnRtattoo
and cuddling :)
malinoismom
Typically they do NOT make good pets, but Malinois Rescue has lots of beginner mals available. www.malinoisrescue.org
whiskeyontherocks
Great site. Thanks!
whatapplepie
YES, that was my immediate thought also. +1
CmRock136
I entirely agree. My parents took in a blue heeler that was in the military and texas (we live in PA). The dog's name was Sabo which is 1/?
CmRock136
a type of round used in the military. He was not friendly at all but was trained well. He hated men and you could tell he was shut in 2/?
CmRock136
doorways because he was always afraid to go through. He tried coming at me a couple times but fast forward 6 months later and it was 3/?
CmRock136
night and day. We've had the dog for about 6 years now and he's been great. But it takes a special kind of adopter like @corsskeys said 4/?
CmRock136
The dog had seizure issues among other things so you really have to be prepared for anything. With time and care, they will love you 5/5.
Momof2needsabreak
Thank you for saying this. It also applies to any working or herding breed. Research before adopting.
Rumpsonumpso
This! We have a german longhaired pointer, who are extremly active hunter dogs and most breeders don't give them to non-hunters..
Momof2needsabreak
I knew a couple with a border collie that didn't understand why he kept jumping fences and chewing things up, its because hes bored!
Rumpsonumpso
Totally! Some people totally misunderstand dogs. The most horrible ones are who think that the dog is like a little human :/
KukiGoogens
I worked with MWDs and some of them are the cuddliest fuckers ever and want nothing more tan to be a lap dog. They usually retire around 1/?
KukiGoogens
Around 8-10 years and I've seen some only live for another 8 months after adoption. They can be costly for health issues, but one of the 2/3
KukiGoogens
Greatest friends you'll ever have in that amount of time.
thelonepig
I'm a cat owner, and I want a dog. I don't mind aloof, and I don't need a baby, but would these dogs make a good companion? Buddy? Roomie?
whiskeyontherocks
I would say probably not. These are very high energy dogs that like to be challenged both mentally and physically everday1
whiskeyontherocks
2The German Shepherds though have the lowest energy level of the three and usually like to cuddle so that might work for you.
Warranty
True, but it all depends.
whiskeyontherocks
100% agree. I just wanted to spread awareness.
IMakeLotsOfReferencesAndRemakes
And god damned they will protect whatever you give them to protect. Over time they CAN be a little more cuddly. a little.
peaceandpenguins
Good for you. Before the Robby Law was passed, some of the dogs were euthanized after retirement.
Aelinsaar
Yeah, and there are a lot of people who DO want a dog that's super-trained, can guard a place and person, and is just plain reliable.
whiskeyontherocks
I am one of those people.
Aelinsaar
I like your people.
corsskeys
They are all, however, EXTREMELY GOOD BOYS AND GIRLS!
AstralBeast808
http://imgur.com/KglrK9k
BusterBrownies
"WHAT"
UH60Mechanic
Yes they are, yes they arrrreeee
Halfton81
Lana look! He thinks he's people!
Kilo9R
They do a disposition test. Some of these dogs never made it to work because they didn't have what it takes.
Magpiebones
That's not the problem tho; dogs like these wont stay happy and healthy with normal walks and dog park visits, they need more.
AIRBORNEALLTHEWAY
You just described how it feels to have PTSD ;_; I JUST WANNA FUCKING FLY AND GO FAST AND BLOW SHIT UP.
Magpiebones
Oh goodness. I'd like to fly too, but not that way. Can't sit with my back on the door anywhere but at home, tho.
Akdj
The ones that work and retire, absolutely. The ones that "flunk out" usually can be a bit more "normal" pets.
Magpiebones
Certainly, but I wouldn't cosider them veterans.
Hexarcy00
I would want a list of all the commands they have been trained.
KukiGoogens
They won't let you know other than sit or lay down and you ha e to sign papers stating you won't use the dog for bad deeds.
zerosleeper
most are non verbal commands
ocegur
/sit /bark /fetch /bellyrub
creepwood
MDK! Murder! Death! Kill! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGGDzEWvGRY
jalex1215
And probably a pronunciation guide as they are likely not in English.
solosysygy
A lot of police dogs are trained in the Netherlands, but US military working dogs are trained in the US, in English.
SilentHowling
most trigger words are in foreign language to prevent the wrong person knowing the word to yell.
icorrectyourgerman
i have seen this in a video before. are german shepards in america really trained in german? that is somehow amazing and somehow funny ^^
TheWildDuckTactic
So fascinating!
Beegeezee505
I have 2 GSD mixes. My wife is German. She sometimes trains them in German. They seem to respond well to it. But they know who the alpha is!
SpiderBox
Sooooo... Still your wife then.
Ihavewaytoomanyfavoritestosort
Not sure if every police district does it but it's certainly a thing
Griffy11
They say German commands sound more different and are easier for the dog to decipher. Sit, stay, etc sound similar.
icorrectyourgerman
well i (who learns english on imgur) can fully agree. the agressive sound of german makes it way more clear to distinguish between words 1/2
icorrectyourgerman
2/2 so here for you: Sit - Sitz, Stay - Bleib, Down - Platz,Attack - Fass, and so on :)