Columns: No Limits, No Kidding!

COUNTER-TERRORISM DOGS

Israeli Defense Forces have anti-terrorism dogs trained to detect hidden explosives and to signal differently when sensing humans in hiding.

Col. Sam Harper, Dogsport Reconnaissance

July 14, 2025

Israel’s dog training is much like what we in America call Search And Rescue but with extra training that includes “reading” human scent for INTENT and working silently in underground tunnels.

Specially trained war-dogs serve in operational roles including:

     • Counter-terrorism: Detecting threats, tracking and pursuing targets.

     • Explosives detection: Locating hidden bomb traps or weapons.

Without the abilities and instincts of these 4-legged fighters, the tunnels and collapsed buildings would be as deadly as an enemy army!

I’ve often been asked if bomb-sniffing dogs recognize the risk. The answer is easy. Does your lap-dog sense your mood, read your mind, especially your intent to take a walk?

OK, so you get how brave these dogs are and what war dogs are capable of. Sure, they know there’s risk. If they were stupid they would be useless.

Military dogs don’t hesitate. Detection dogs, especially the anti-terrorism dogs, feel their handlers stress but they do the job, just like our soldiers. Every man who has gone in a tunnel thanks these dogs for protecting our country.

You guys know how I feel about our dogs. Hell yes, I hurt when I got those reports. But psychologically I could handle losing a dog. We had a lot of practice. You do your best to stick to the job and be strong… The tears come later.

I’m done now. My old guy says it’s time for a walk. He knows.

Reference and Related Military Dog Articles: Modern War Dogs ~ Freedom Not Death

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