March 13, 2021: National K9 Veterans Day by @yuceetoria( powered up 100%)
?? Did you know that in 4000 B.C, Ancient Egyptians took them with them to battle. These dogs were known as "Dogs of War"
I know that most people only love dogs as domestic pets,Did you know that dogs were used to fight the war in 4000 B.C. Today we celebrate all dogs that have one way or the other contributed to the peace in world.
March 13, 2021 is an official holiday for all Police and Military dogs to celebrate with their own medals and awards, with memorial services, and with retirement ceremonies. K9 dogs have been around since 1942, when an organisation called Dogs for Defence was founded to train dogs for the Force.
"Dogs they say are a man's best friend", this statement is not only limited to dogs being domestic pets but also as a police guard.
Facts about K-9 dogs
The dogs used for training are usually taken in 12-15 months of age. Most times if one of K-9 veterans give birth, their puppies are adopted and allowed to grow up before training commences.
K-9 Veterans work to seek justice and they are taught to detect dangers and sniff out every hidden thing; they are always at the front seat of every search and rescue team.
These dogs are trained extensively, down dogs are trained to bite, some to scare. They are also taught on how to bite and hold( hold someone without drawing blood and being violent)
Although dogs are not paid, their handlers are given an increase in salaries that covers the dog. Their feeding and medical checkups are placed in the companies expenses. Their pension are also included together with their handler's.
They can also be shot during a raid or action if not we'll protected just as a police or Army Officers.
Dogs commonly used for the Force.
German Shepherd
We cannot celebrate the K-9 Veterans and fail to mention the above animal. They were previously known as "Alsatian Wolf Dog". They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal Guard Dogs. They are the second most registered breed used for training. German Shepherd has a life span of 9-13 years which is one of the many reasons they are the perfect choice for the Force. The German Shepherd have a high intelligence rate, they are very easy to train as they can grab things fast. They are smart and can perceive what a situation entails. They are protective of people they see as family and is suspicious of every person that comes close to them. They are super active and always eager to learn. They are perfect for disability assistance, search-and-rescue and police and Military roles.
Belgian Malinois
This is one of the species of Belgian Shepherd. This breed is bred in four distinct varieties based on coat Type and colour: The long-haired black Groenendael, the rough- haired fawn laekenois, the short-haired Malinois and the long-haired fawn Tervuren. They are agile: very intelligent and excel at many tasks. They do well in police works, search and rescue and in performance events. They are more alert and quicker and also a higher life span than the German Shepherd.
In the World War I, many Belgian Shepherd Dogs were used by the Military such as messenger dogs, Red Cross dogs, Ambulance Cart Dogs, they were the first dogs to be used by the Belgian Police during the war. They also work for the Military, drug detection agencies, search and rescue operations. They are sensitive and do not relate well to harsh treatment, their handlers are more careful with them.
Beagles
With a life span of 12-15 years. They are mostly used by the Customs Officer to sniff out contrabands because they have one of the best developed sense of smell of any dog. They are better at ground scenting than air-scenting.
Beagles have a happy temperament, which makes them a poor guard dogs. They are easily won over by strangers with regular belly rub and head patting. They are also easily distracted once they detect a scent and will not be stopped until they find the origin of the scent.
Bloodhound
Are great with children and makes a friendly companion in the house. They have a life span of 7- 12 years. They are scent active and is used for hunting deer and tracking people. They are been used by the Police Force to track escaped prisoners and missing people.
Conclusion
Early training is advised if you want your dog to act a particular way with languages,signs and symbols. March 13th will not be perfect if we do not remember this heroes who has one way or the other achieved a great feat not only in the force but in the house that they guide 24/7. Today we say Happy National K-9 Veterans Day.
#HappyNationalK9VeteranDay #fur-friends #Nigeria #ForceDogs #steemit