What is it like to work with military working dogs?

I've always been passionate about animals and am considering a career as a military working dog handler or in veterinary care for these amazing animals. Can anyone share insights about what these jobs entail and how I can prepare?

A career in canine handling within the military can be highly rewarding, yet challenging. Military working dogs (MWDs) have various roles, from sniffing explosives to search and rescue missions, to performing guard duties. As a handler, your primary duties would be to care for, train, and work closely with your MWD.

In the Military, MWD handlers are soldiers who are trained in basic veterinary care, ensuring the welfare of the dog, as well as tactical dog handling. Duties can involve challenging physical and mental exercises and require close attention to the health and wellness of your canine partner.

There are certain steps to becoming an MWD handler. Firstly, you will need to enlist in the military. Some branches of the military require that you be active-duty personnel for a specific amount of time before applying. You will then need to complete military training as well as specialized training for MWD handling. The training generally includes canine psychology, dog handling techniques, and methods to detect explosives or narcotics.

In terms of veterinary roles, depending on your focus - whether it's care, surgery, or research, - you might have different educational paths and job responsibilities. Generally, it would involve the study of Veterinary Medicine and additional training within military veterinary services with potential participation in further programs like the Health Professions Scholarship Program.

For preparation, consider volunteering at a local animal shelter or with a vet if possible, and get as much hands-on experience with dogs as you can.

Another thing worth mentioning is the importance of physical fitness and mental toughness in both roles, so keeping up a regular exercise regimen and focusing on resilience-building exercises can be beneficial.

In both roles, you would be making a meaningful difference in the lives of the dogs you work with, as well as potentially saving lives within various military operations. If you love working with animals and are looking for a demanding, rewarding career, this could be a great path for you.