Activities For A War Dog

Therapy dogs brighten up the lives of hospital patients and nursing home residents by offering support both emotionally and physically. Typically, a therapy dog can register with a facility, like a hospital, and schedule regular visits once certified.

Special requirements for therapy dogs include obedience training, which many MWD breeds like Labradors and German Shepherds excel at.

Therapy dogs will need to register with an organization, like usserviceanimals.org, and pass a series of tests. Before registering, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends all dogs pass the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. Once you know the requirements for therapy dogs at your local hospitals, you and your MWD can lend a helping paw to those in need.

MWDs are clever canines that require lots of mental stimulation to lead a fulfilling life. Luckily, there are tons of fun and easy games you can play with your military mutt to keep them on their paws. MWDs are used to activities like sniffing out explosives, so plan a game that plays to their past experiences. The muffin tin game is super simple — all you need is a bag of treats, some tennis balls, and a muffin tin. 

Military working dogs spend their formative years receiving vigorous training to prepare them for complex tasks. It's important that you continue to provide your pooch with mental and physical stimulation through regular obedience training. 

Your pup has likely learned all the basics, so try to push the boundaries of what your hound can learn. MWDs are among the smartest dogs around and should be able to master complex tricks with a bit of perseverance. Playing obedience games is a "grrreat" daily activity that can take as little as 15 minutes or as long as an hour.