CHAPTER 2 

 MINE AND TUNNEL DOG TEAM TRAINING 



Section I. SCREENING DOGS FOR TRAINING 



9. General 



The mine and tunnel dog is a specialized infantry- 

 tactical dog. As such, it requires a certain com- 

 bination of traits to be suitable for this type of 

 work. The term screening refers to the procedure 

 used to classify dogs for the type of military 

 service for which they seem best qualified. This 

 classification is based on observation of the phys- 

 ical and psychological traits manifested by the 

 dogs from the time they are given the test on 

 arrival at reception and training centers, 

 throughout the basic training period, and even 

 after they have begun specialized training. It is 

 important to continue observing the dogs 

 throughout the training program. The potential- 

 ities of some dogs, and inherent weaknesses of 

 others, may come to light unexpectedly. The dogs 

 are observed by a classification board consisting 

 of the commanding officer and selected instruc- 



tors. On the basis of physical and psychological 

 traits manifested, the board may reject a dog at 

 any time during training. 



10. Selection for Type of Specialized Training 



The classification board has the responsibility 

 for deciding which dogs will be trained as mine 

 and tunnel dogs and which will be trained for 

 other duty. The selection is based on considera- 

 tion of the demonstrated qualities of a dog as 

 measured against the requirements for the sev- 

 eral types of duty. Mine and tunnel training re- 

 quires dogs possessing a high degree of intelli- 

 gence, stable temperament, curiousity, and a 

 low degree of aggressiveness. Dogs that qualify 

 best in these traits may be selected for mine and 

 tunnel training. If, during training, a dog shows 

 that it isn't suitable, it is rejected or transferred 

 to another type of training. 



Section II. PRINCIPLES OF TRAINING 



1 1 . General 



Basic dog training is an end in itself. It serves to 

 develop in dogs and behavior that is essential to 

 efficient and effective training for specific mili- 

 tary functions. A dog that successfully completes 

 basic training is disciplined and prepared to re- 

 ceive instruction in its particular military duties. 

 Furthermore, its behavior during basic training, 

 if properly observed, is a further indication of 

 the type of specialized training for which it is 

 best suited. 



1 2. Scope 



a. Training the dog for its functions begins 

 immediately after obedience training. This train- 

 ing is subdivided into basic, intermediate, and 

 advanced detection training. 



b. In basic detection training emphasis is 

 placed on the dog-handler relationship, teaching 



the handler to read his dog, and teaching the 

 dog to alert on different type targets (or ob- 

 jects). 



c. In intermediate detection training the dog 

 and handler begin finding partially concealed 

 mines, boobytraps, and tripwires. 



d. In advanced detection training the team is 

 exposed to the full range of hidden targets over 

 varying terrain under simulated combat condi- 

 tions. 



13. Statement of Principles 



The effectiveness of specialized dog training de- 

 pends on the following fundamental principles: 



a. The General Attitude of the Handler is Im- 

 portant. A handler must fully realize the impor- 

 tance of the work that he is doing. He must 

 understand and appreciate the fact that dogs are 



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