Activities For A War Dog

Therapy dogs brighten up the lives of hospital patients and elderly nursing home residents by offering stimulation and socialization. Typically, once certified, a therapy dog can register with a facility, like a hospital, and schedule regular visits throughout the week.

Special requirements for therapy dogs include obedience training, which MWDs have mastered as they're highly intelligent and extensively trained. They also need to be socialized and friendly and must complete a series of certification courses to become an official animal-assisted therapy team with their handler. The process can be somewhat lengthy, but different municipalities offer various animal-assisted therapy programs, so doing your research is essential! 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.

Going for a daily walk is one way to reintroduce your MWD to the norms of society outside of war. Military working dogs have very different lives than those who are outside of the military. They've spent most of their days completing missions and tasks set out for them. That’s why it’s “impawtant” to show them a new way of life outside of the military. 

Start your day off with a long walk through the neighborhood. Remind your pooch of their leash manners if needed when taking your walks. Try exploring different areas in your community to give your pup a feel for the area. This activity is easy to do and only requires a leash and waste bags. You can walk rain or shine, so long as you’re prepared to get wet. Though a walk may seem simple, this activity is sure to make your MWD develop a sense of routine and normalcy, which is precisely what you want! 

As mentioned, military working dogs have spent their lives receiving vigorous training to prepare them for complex tasks. That's why it's recommended 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 just practicing these skills using fun techniques and treats is one way to make their work much more fun than what they're accustomed to. Playing obedience games can be done daily, from anywhere between 15 minutes to an hour. The activity is entirely free unless you choose to use treats in addition to verbal praise as a reward.