Regime and training: rules for the care of service dogs of the National Guard
The combat readiness and effectiveness of service dogs depends on how to care for them and how to plan their diet.
“The quality of care, care and care of the warrior for his friend and partner — a service dog — directly depends on the state of health and the quality of the performance of combat tasks,” says Dmitry, the commander of the dog platoon of one of the military units of the National Guard, “Therefore, our responsibility is to create the best conditions for them and care, as well as keeping them in good physical shape.”
Dmitry explains that there are three basic factors that are important to watch out for: quality nutrition, walking and hair care. Service dogs are usually walked 2-3 times a day. The duration of each walk is within 30 minutes.
“It is necessary to feed service dogs at a clearly defined time to form a conditioned reflex,” explains Dmitry. - We feed them twice a day. The diet should be carefully selected, and the products should be of high quality and fresh. This is important. Food that the service dog has not eaten within 15 minutes is removed. After feeding, the dog can rest for 1-2 hours. Be sure to remember about access to drinking water for the dog, especially in summer when it is hot outside. If the drinking regime is insufficient, the dog may experience dehydration, which threatens the life of the animal.”
National Guard of Ukraine
