Roles Of Dogs In Ww1

Dogs played a vital part in World War One as did the complicated trenches expanded throughout the Western Front. From the article written by Chris N Truman, “Dogs in World War One”, an estimated 53,000 dogs were utilized by 1918 for specific missions depending on the dog’s size, intelligence and trainability. These roles included sentry dogs, scout dogs, messenger dogs, casualty dogs, and mascot.
Sentry dogs patrolled using a short leash and a firm hand. They were trained to accompany usually one specific guard and were taught to give a warning signal such as a growl, bark or snarl to indicate when an unknown presence was in the secure area such as a camp or military base.
Scouting dogs were highly trained and had to be of a quiet, disciplined nature. Their job was to patrol the area ahead of them. They could detect the enemies scent 1000 yards away.
Trained dogs were faster than a human runner, presented less of a target to a sniper and could travel over any ground.
Casualty or “Mercy” dogs obtained training to find wounded and dying soldiers on the battlefield by using their sense of smell and were equipped with medical supplies to aid those suffering. For the severely injured, they would seek the comfort of the mercy dog.
Mascot dogs served as a psychological comfort for the men who were dealing with the horrors of the trench warfare. The dogs reminded them of the comforts of home.
Military dogs in World War One service to the military, and the unbreakable bond with man, made the roles these dogs played during the war one of paramount importance. Man’s best friend filled a simple but essential need of aid, comfort and companionship during times of great