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[Includes a bonus CD with photographs] A leading dog-blogger offers a tour of military working dogs' extraordinary training, heroic accomplishments, and the lasting impact they have on those who work with them. People all over the world have been riveted by the story of Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who was a part of the Navy SEAL team that led the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. A dog's natural intelligence, physical abilities, and pure loyalty contribute more to our military efforts than ever before. You don't have to be a dog lover to be fascinated by the idea that a dog--the cousin of that furry guy begging for scraps under your table--could be one of the heroes who helped execute the most vital and high-tech military mission of the new millennium. Now Maria Goodavage, editor and featured writer for one of the world's most widely read dog blogs, tells heartwarming stories of modern soldier dogs and the amazing bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, retirement, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to leading dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how deadly the IEDs they are sniffing out, nor how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory. ''Military working dogs live for love and praise from their handlers,'' says Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association and a former marine scout-dog handler. ''The work is all a big game, and then they get that pet, that praise. They would do anything for their handler.'' This is an unprecedented window into the world of these adventurous, loving warriors.
An amazing read! For some animal lovers the subject of dogs and war can be hard. Maria does an excellent job of telling the real story and thier state of the art training. MWD's are not house pets, but kudos to the US Military for taking such great steps to provide top notch healthcare and compassionate training that is based on positive reinforcement.This is not just a book for folks interested in military dogs and all their glory and sacrifice. There is significant takeaway for us civilian dog lovers too.I was particularly struck by Maria's visit and talks with Gunny Knight USMC at the Yuma PG Pre-Dep center. Gunny Knight is special - he can read dogs, he can speak their language. Not something the casual reader may expect from a military trainer. I soaked in the ethos during this part of the book and put it to the test with my own 7 year old 130lb chocolate lab - MASON. I got home from work last week with Gunny in my head. I approached MASON for some new structured play time and prepared myself to better `read' my dog and have quality play time. I was learning; MASON was learning. Within 15 minutes MASON and I had established a new bond, a better positive reinforcement language, and non-food -based rewards. I saw his needs and fatigue differently; he rewarded me with attention to the task and better play. No fancy trainers, no long timeline. Just a no nonsense approach to canine behavior thanks to the US Military trainers. Gunny - Thank you! Maria - Thank you! The next years of MASON's life will be better for Soldier Dogs.Also, if you buy this book and read it, please consider sending it overseas to deployed soldiers looking for a good read.