The contribution of dogs in warfare has historical evidences and credibility. They have been used for many tasks ranging from tracking, scouting, escorting, etc. Many nations such as Egypt, Greece, Persia, Britain, Rome etc, have used the services of dogs in wars. During Middle Ages, the war dogs were specifically bred and exchanged amongst friendly nations. They were armored and used for attacking enemies and for defending caravans. Some were trained so ferociously that one single armored dog could successfully disembark couple of knights from their horses and kill them off instantly.
Almost every civilization shows the evidences of use of dogs in warfare. Some of the credible confirmations are –
· A separate fighting dogs’ battalion by Lydians in the year 628 BC
· Use of war dogs by Cambyses II against Egyptians in the year 525 BC
· Elimination of enemy reinforcements during Siege of Mantineia in the year 385 BC
· Defense provided by Cimbri Dogs during the Battle of Vercellae in the year 101 BC
· Participation of about 800 fighting dogs during Desmond Rebellions in the year 1580
· Use of explosive strapped dogs by Soviet Union for destruction of German tanks during 1941 to 1945
· Service of around 5,000 US war dogs during Vietnam War
During the Second World War II, the warfare dogs were trained to blow up tanks in a unique way. They were starved for several days and trained to seek their food under tanks. During battles, they were strapped with explosives and let loose to find food under enemy tanks. When they used to bend under enemy tanks to look for food the explosives used to get activated, thus destroying the tank and also killing the dogs in the bargain.
Apart from involving dogs in bloody activities, they were also deployed in communication and logistics departments during battle time. They were used by Europeans and Germans to carry armament carts and to ferry wounded soldiers in their carts. Dogs were also sometimes used as a standard mascot for specific units or battalions. This was done in order to boost the morale of warring soldiers and to provide them psychological benefits. Another way of using the sharp senses of dogs during ancient wartime was to let them track and detect mines in the battle fields. The sharp sense of smell and sound helped trained dogs in locating concealed enemy-traps and in detecting any impending danger for allied soldiers. The scouting dogs successfully detected hidden enemies, ambushes, and armament caches. They were also deployed as sentries to provide protection to camps or other sensitive areas during day and night.
In relevance to the contemporary times, the modern nations also deploy sophisticatedly trained dogs to have an upper hand over their enemies. This faithful animal has always been serving mankind in diverse kinds of situations. Be it domestic duties or deadly services of serving during war times, dogs have always proven their honesty, dedication and integrity towards their masters. For ages, they have been working continually during peace as well as wartime.
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