Since ancient times, the dog has been domesticated by man. She became his faithful assistant- guard, shepherd, watchman. Over time, the special qualities of these animals began to be used in public service.
Service dog breeding in Russia: history
In Russia, many dogs have always been bred, which were used for protection, as well as as a means of transportation in the northern regions. In the Caucasus and Central Asia Shepherd breeds were bred (South Russian Shepherd Dogs), which received awards at an exhibition in Paris.
In 1904, J. Bungard founded the service sanitary dogs. It used German Shepherds.
In 1908, a society was created that promoted the use of dogs in guard and police services. This organization was small, consisting of about 300 high-ranking officials and police officers. Later, this society opened a nursery and a school for training police dog handlers.
In our country, Dog Handlers Day of the Ministry of Internal Affairs units has been celebrated since June 21, 1909. It was from this date that the history of service dog breeding began. The first Russian kennel dedicated to breeding and training detective police dogs opened in St. Petersburg. A school of trainers began operating at its base.
Quite quickly, the use of service dogs spread throughout the country - by December 1912, dogs began to be used to solve serious crimes in fifty Russian provinces.
After graduation civil war Service dog breeding continues to develop. New nurseries are being formed and dog handlers are being trained. In 1923, a course program for instructors was developed. In the same year, the school of detection dogs began its work. The animals were prepared for the criminal investigation of the NKVD.
At the end of August 1924, the famous nursery “Red Star” was created. Since 1928, the registration of service dogs in the All-Union Pedigree Book began. At the same time, courses for training experts in breeding and judicial work were opened.
The Doberman became the main service breed in Soviet Russia, but already at that time experts began to discuss the possibility of selecting domestic breeds, as well as purchasing purebred German shepherds abroad.
War years
In the very first days of the Great Patriotic War Almost all service dog breeding clubs in our country began to hand over their students to the army. The number of animals sent to help Soviet soldiers was in the thousands. At the same time, most clubs and nurseries managed to preserve breeding stock.
During this most difficult time for our country, dogs were used to form squads of mine detectors and tank destroyers. Often, dog handlers went to the front along with their pets. The war caused great damage to service dog breeding and many kennels and clubs began their work in post-war years from scratch.
Development of service dog breeding today
Today, the prestige of the canine service in our country has increased significantly. Everyone who wants to become a dog handler goes through a rigorous selection process, not only among applicants for this position, but also among service dogs. A candidate dog handler must as soon as possible establish contact with the animal.
Today, 78 Russian regions have their own service dog breeding centers. They number: dog handlers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - more than 7,000 people, dog handlers of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - more than 3,000 specialists.
Breeds
Nowadays, police dogs in Russia are about a dozen breeds. Some of them do a full range of service and investigative work, others are involved in certain areas of it.
The universal (and basic) police dogs are German Shepherds. These animals are also effective in working with the police department, have proven themselves in operational investigative work at crime scenes, and show excellent results in search units. The main advantage of the German Shepherd is its stable psyche. It is physically strong, with a high level
A close relative of the “Germans” – the East European Shepherd – has similar qualities. This dog is also widely used by the police today.
Belgian Shepherd
New, previously unused breeds are rapidly gaining popularity. Police dogs of the Belgian Shepherd breed are distinguished by their high speed and “explosive” throw, which leaves no chance for an attacker to avoid arrest.
Rottweilers are found much less frequently in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These brave, moderately aggressive and intelligent animals successfully carry out patrol duty and are engaged in search work.
Some breeds that are suitable for law enforcement are less represented in our police force. For example, black terriers and giant schnauzers are excellent guard dogs, but their maintenance is too expensive. Dobermans, who served in the Tsarist police, are not used at all today, since experts note a significant selective deterioration of the breed in our country.
Why aren't fighting breeds used?
Experts say that canine units with representatives of fighting breeds can be counted on one hand. This has its own explanations: for example, when detaining a criminal, the death grip of a bull terrier is not required. And if you consider that these dogs react aggressively to other animals, it becomes clear that they will not become police dogs.
There are breeds about which experts continue to argue to this day. They have no way of identifying dogs that are not intended for detention. The main battles are caused by police dogs and Labrador retrievers. The opinions of dog handlers are divided. Some believe that both breeds are suitable as search engines, others give the palm to spaniels, noting the conflict-prone nature of Labradors and the fact that they are easily distracted from work by extraneous stimuli.
Use of dogs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Police dogs undoubtedly have a psychological impact on others. It is difficult to imagine a daredevil who will not comply with the demands of a police officer, or (even worse) will object to him, showing aggression, if there is a powerful Rottweiler or shepherd dog on a leash next to the guard.
Probably not everyone knows that training service dogs has the main goal of minimizing harm to humans. A well-trained and physically strong shepherd dog can cause very serious injuries when detained. That is why the main requirement for her in this situation is to instantly and unquestioningly execute the command “let go!”
In the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and in transport units, police dogs are engaged in detecting explosives and drugs.
Bloodhound
In the forensic work of departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, one cannot do without a dog’s sensitive sense of smell. Sometimes a sniffer dog helps solve complex crimes that many employees thought were “unheard of.”
Dog handlers are confident that the bloodhound is an animal that has reached the top of its “career.” Not all representatives of various breeds are capable of engaging in such a noble cause. And those who, by definition, can cope with this work undergo a serious course of education and training, which does not stop until the end of the animal’s service.
A real sniffer dog must master the following skills:
- work on the trail;
- security of premises and individual items;
- search of a building or area;
- distrust of strangers;
- and guarding him until the arrival of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
During training, bloodhounds develop not only their sense of smell, but also their ability to sense. general state person. Trainers say dogs sense fear. This often helps four-legged “law enforcement officers” solve the most complicated crimes.
It has been scientifically proven that the probability that a dog will make a mistake in the smell is one in one hundred million. The behavior of an animal during an odorological examination (for example, when it is necessary to determine whether the weapon of a crime belongs to a specific person) is irrefutable evidence in court.
To raise a good bloodhound, it is necessary to take into account the age of the animal. The dog must be no older than three years old, hardy, physically strong, have keen hearing and a unique sense of smell. The training of such animals lasts about six months in specialized schools.
Training
Police dogs are trained between the ages of one and three years. In the nursery, the animal is assigned to an instructor and sent for training. The training of a service dog lasts from six to eight months. During this time, the animal masters a general training course and training in special disciplines (search for drugs and explosives).
The canine service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs uses a combination of two methods - play and taste-reward. The second option allows you to establish close contact between the young dog and the instructor, thereby reducing the training time.
The first method fulfills the dog’s natural need to play and puts minimal stress on nervous system animal, fosters a desire to carry out the given task. This method is especially effective for search engines. In addition, this method is successfully used when training for detention.
The “figurator” is a trainer in a tight suit who pretends to be an intruder, attaches the dog’s favorite toy to the suit, and the animal must rip it off. After successfully completing the task, the teenage puppy is allowed to take the protective sleeve away from the trainer and pat him to his heart's content. Training is based on the animal's hunting instinct.
After completing a training course, the dog is able to detain a criminal without fear of blows or shots. You need to know that training on the site, in which animals “tear to pieces” the instructor, with real application dogs have little in common. We have already mentioned that after a bite the dog is obliged to release the offender on the first command. “Tearing apart” on the training ground is allowed to satisfy the animal’s instincts and gives it emotional release.
Sampling things by smell is easy and does not require much time and effort. This skill is necessary for scent-distinguishing dogs (sniffer dogs). Today, selective training techniques are also promising for training dogs for protective guard and search services. In this regard, almost every kennel of service dogs of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs used training in sampling for a treat, indicating the selected item with a pack.
However, this technique, which at one time significantly increased the effectiveness of work, has significant drawbacks - dogs contaminate the selected items with their own smell. Animals work effectively only on those things that have a strong and fresh smell.
The use of service dogs in law enforcement agencies around the world continues to be relevant. Whether she is working on a trail or looking for drugs, her help in solving crimes can hardly be overestimated. But it should be taken into account that dog professions are very diverse - they serve as rescuers in the Ministry of Emergency Situations, assistants to the military and drug police, show excellent results at customs, and guard important facilities.
Why are service dogs needed in the police and army, why is play the most optimal type of training, and why is a shepherd dog better than a bull terrier? We went to the canine service to get answers to these questions.
Police service dog training
Police service dogs today are used in a number of ways. Four-legged animals are used in the patrol service (PPS); many animals are involved in ensuring safety in transport and in organizing public events. Dogs are also irreplaceable assistants to forensic experts.
Dogs in PPS outfit are qualified by departmental orders and instructions as special equipment. A trained dog is able to smell drugs or explosives and point to a person with such a dangerous cargo. A service dog will help a police officer detain an offender who poses a threat to others. We are talking primarily about armed criminals or persons behaving inappropriately and aggressively.
In addition, a dog near a police officer has a psychological impact on others. According to the head of the department for the training of canine specialists and training service dogs of the Zonal Center of Canine Service (ZTSKS) of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow, Ilya Firsov, rare person will refuse to comply with the lawful demands of a police officer and will aggressively object to him if the guard has a service dog on a leash.
By the way, one of the main goals of training service dogs for patrol service is to minimize possible harm to a person. A well-trained and physically strong shepherd dog can cause very serious injuries when detained, so the main requirement for the dog is to immediately follow the command “let go!”
The main task of dogs in transport police units and internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is to search and detect drugs and explosives. We are already accustomed to dog handlers with shepherd dogs or spaniels walking through the waiting rooms of train stations and airport lobbies. While the counselor is immersed in his thoughts, the dog works hard, searching for the characteristic aroma of TNT or marijuana in thousands of unfamiliar odors. Security at football and hockey matches, concerts and rallies always remains behind the scenes: shortly before the start of spectators, dog handlers with dogs inspect the stands of stadiums, auditoriums and other premises - are there any explosive devices?
A dog’s keen sense of smell is also indispensable in the forensic departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Sometimes four-legged animals help solve crimes that seemed completely unheard of. Science has proven: the probability that a dog will make a mistake in the smell is one in one hundred million, says Denis Velikiy, an employee of the forensic center of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. The behavior of a dog during an odorological examination (for example, if it is necessary to establish that a crime weapon belongs to a specific person) can become irrefutable evidence in court.
Peculiarities of breeds at work
IN Russian police About a dozen dog breeds are used. Some are capable of performing the entire range of service and investigative activities, while other breeds are used only in certain areas of work. The German Shepherd is recognized as the main and universal police breed in Russia today. It is effective both with the police squad, and in the operational-investigative group at the crime scene, and in search units.
One of the main advantages of the breed is its stable nervous system. This is a physically strong dog with fairly developed intelligence. The closest relative of the “Germans”, the East European Shepherd, which is also widely used in the police, has similar qualities. Another breed of shepherd dog, the Belgian, is also gaining popularity. Its main advantages are high speed and an “explosive” throw, leaving no chance for the attacker to escape.
Rottweilers are used a little less frequently by the police. Moderately aggressive and brave, these dogs are in demand both in patrol and search work.
Other breeds suitable for law enforcement are less common in the Russian police. Thus, Giant Schnauzers and Black Terriers are excellent guards, but they are expensive to maintain. Dobermans who also served as police Tsarist Russia, are not used today due to the selective deterioration of the breed in our country.
You can count the canine units with representatives of fighting dog breeds on one hand. A bull terrier's death grip when detaining a criminal is not required; at the same time, these dogs react too aggressively to their relatives, which does not add points to them.
Regarding breeds not intended for detention, such as Labradors and spaniels, the opinions of dog handlers vary. Some experts believe that both breeds are equally suitable for search work, others tend to give preference to spaniels, pointing out that Labradors are conflict-prone and that they are distracted by extraneous stimuli.
It's hard to study...
The physiology of dogs dictates the most effective age for training - from one to three years. Each animal is assigned to its own counselor and sent for training. It takes about six months to train a service dog. During this time, a general training course is completed and dogs are trained in specialized disciplines (search for explosives and drugs).
To train dogs, the canine service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs mainly uses a combination of two methods - taste rewards and games. The first helps to establish contact between the counselor and the young dog, as well as its rapid learning. The second method, which fulfills the animal’s natural need for play and puts the least amount of strain on the dog’s nervous system, instills in it an active desire to do work. With its help, search dogs are especially well trained.
In addition, the game method of training is used when training dogs for detention. A young dog’s toy is attached to the “defendant” (that’s the name given to a trainer in a tight suit portraying a criminal), and the animal must rip it off. The teenage puppy is then allowed to take the protective sleeve away from the handler and pat it. After this, the dog is taught to bite the sleeve of the fleeing person. At all stages, training is based on the innate hunting instinct of a predator.
The author of these lines experienced first-hand what it’s like to be detained police shepherd. The detention, fortunately a training one, was carried out at the ZTSKS training site. The role of the predator was played by a one-year-old, coal-black male German Shepherd named Egor. I put on a protective suit. To ensure that the journalist was protected from injury, police dog handlers provided Lenta.ru with the thickest padded trousers and the same jacket, which completely impede movement.
Having pulled on all this armor with difficulty and moving like an obese penguin, I go out to the starting point. Egor watches my every move with animal joy and, barking furiously, breaks from the leash. “The main thing is don’t open up. The dog grabs the part of the body that is closest to it. If Yegor jumps on you, hide your face, he will then grab your chest or shoulder. But it’s better if you put your hand forward,” the dog handler Alexey gives the final instructions, hands me a pistol with a light-noise charge and runs away to the side. “Shout louder, attract the dog’s attention,” Alexey advises from the side. Why, the dog is already all focused on me.
The command “Face!” sounds, Egor overtakes me in three leaps and tightly clings to my sleeve. I press the trigger of the pistol... Surprisingly, the police dog didn’t even notice the shot that almost made me deaf. Three seconds of struggle, and the “intruder” is defeated - I stumble in my oak suit and fall to the ground, and Egor continues to shake my hand. The only thought that flashed during these moments was how painful it would be without a protective sleeve!
After training in compliance with the rules of training, the dog gains the ability to detain an armed criminal without fear of shots or blows. It is worth noting that training on the site, when dogs literally “tear to pieces” a trainer in protective clothing, has little in common with the real use of toothy “special equipment.” As mentioned above, after a bite, a service dog must release the victim on the first command. “Tearing apart” for educational purposes is used to satisfy the instincts of animals and give them emotional release.
The use of service dogs in the police continues to be relevant in law enforcement agencies around the world. However, this is just one side of dog work in law enforcement agencies. Rescuers, military, drug police - that's far from full list professions in which a service dog plays important role. And we will tell you about this later.
Training service dogs in the army
The Central School, having switched to peacetime staff, underwent a large reduction, which occurred in all subsequent years. It was clear that the school could not remain within the previous state, because for the army in post-war period They mainly need dogs for guard duty. At the same time as regular troubles, the question of relocating the school outside of Moscow constantly arose.
After the reductions, the school was left with two sergeant training battalions, an advanced training course for officers, a training course for junior lieutenants - platoon commanders (one company), a scientific department, a breeding nursery, a combat dog nursery and other support services. This also made it possible to carry out significant work in the scientific department and breeding dogs. The command of the school, its head, Major General Medvedev G.P., realizing that the need for guard dogs in the army will increase every year, the question arises of maintaining service dog breeding clubs and creating new ones. The number of service breed dogs in the country has decreased. The central school donated 70 heads of adult dogs, exported from Eastern Europe and Germany, to the clubs. The school's breeding kennel regularly handed over puppies to dog lovers for raising. In 1947-1949. More than a thousand puppies were given to lovers free of charge. At the same time, thanks to the work carried out, the school’s nursery was later replenished with breeding stock of dogs good quality official and hunting breeds. This made it possible to obtain more puppies of good quality and transfer them to clubs for further reproduction of dogs locally.
In 1948, the breeding and scientific department, the laboratory of genetics and reflexology began to implement what had already been started by Professor N.A. Ilyin. in 1930, work on interbreeding dogs, German shepherds with huskies (the resulting mestizos were called “laikoids”). Airedale terriers were crossed with the Russian hound, the mestizos were called “brown hound”. The work carried out was not yet the beginning of breeding a new breed.
In 1949, the nursery under the management of the head, Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai Fedorovich Kalinin, veterinarian Grishin and livestock specialist Warrant Officer Vladimir Pavlovich Sheinin began work on breeding new breeds “black terrier”, “Moscow Watchdog”, “Moscow Diver”, “Moscow Great Dane”. Preparatory work interbreeding of dogs was carried out by the nursery a little earlier, in 1950-1952. directions in this work were determined. The need to develop new breeds was caused by the fact that in the post-war period, guard dogs became the main use of dogs in the army, and previous experience of their use in military units confirmed that in areas with low temperatures in winter, many breeds of service dogs used for guard duty not adapted to harsh conditions. The German Shepherd, as the most common universal service dog, is used in areas where the temperature drops to -20 degrees, the dog's stay on duty is reduced to 6 hours and it must be replaced by another.
The central school began work on breeding new breeds. The main task was to create dogs that meet the requirements of a guard dog: tall, physically strong, vicious, with good coat, powerful, and tolerates low temperatures well. Based on the requirements for a guard dog, even during the period of the formation of the breed groups “Black Terrier”, “Moscow Watchdog”, “Moscow Diver”, dogs of breeds that were carriers of the qualities necessary for a guard dog were crossed with each other. The obtained and raised puppies of the first and second generation were tested in work and the best specimens were selected for further work.
In subsequent years, the school continued to operate within the limits of the state-provided training for officers, non-commissioned officers, counselors and guard dogs. The general atmosphere in the school staff was working. However, Medvedev is content with the question of moving the school outside of Moscow. long time managed to get around. The school remained in Moscow until 1960. The school command was well aware that any relocation of the school would have a negative impact on the work of the school; this was confirmed in 1960. With the move of the school from Moscow, even to the Moscow region, the school lost experienced senior officers who had served a specified period of time in the army, and some of the junior officers who had 12-15 years of service resigned, not wanting to move with their families, and the requirements in this regard for these The officers from the high command were categorical, everything had to start all over again.
On August 23, 1955, the school was removed from the subordination of the SA Engineering Troops Directorate and transferred to the subordination of the head of the personnel and service department of the General Staff of the Ground Forces. The school's annual target for training personnel was 1,170 people, trained guard dogs - 2,000 heads. Each counselor, trained at the school, went to his unit with two guard dogs. Since about 1963, due to the difficulty of preparing dogs, they began to send one dog at a time with counselors. The breeding kennel continues to work on improving the breed groups of dogs “Black Terrier”, “Moscow Watchdog”, “Moscow Diver”. All puppies born and raised in the nursery undergo training in the educational departments of the school. The best specimens in appearance, of the most desirable type, are used for further work. They have not yet been released outside the nursery into the hands of hobbyists.
For the first time, dogs of breed groups bred in the kennel of the Central School were shown to the general public in Moscow in 1955 at the 19th Moscow City Dog Show of Service Breeds. The appearance of black terriers in the rings in 1955, and then in 1957 at the All-Union Dog Show and Exhibition held at VDNKh in Moscow, where the breeding kennel of the Central School “Red Star” presented 43 black terriers. Numerous spectators and dog breeders saw dogs of a new breed in the rings, although the black terrier breed would be approved much later. At demonstration performances, black terriers performed very well. What he saw at the exhibition aroused interest in these dogs. Fans began to buy puppies not only from Moscow, but also from other cities, and the number of black terriers grew rapidly. Some service dog breeding clubs in Moscow, Leningrad, Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Tagil and other cities began to breed black terriers at home.
1959 almost became the last year in the existence of the school and nursery. The General Staff prepared a draft directive on the transfer of the Central School to the Moscow Military District. The future fate of the school did not bode well, because... she would have turned out to be an ordinary district one. Fortunately, the finished draft document was not completed and implemented, thanks to the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Army General Ivanov. However, the Central School was awaiting a new blow, which had been brewing for the last 10 years, that is, to remove it from Moscow. If in 1951 it was only possible to make room, now dog breeders had to leave Moscow. By decision of the high command, the school had to leave for the Urals, which would mean its complete liquidation as a special unit. Quite by chance, General Staff employees suggested to General Medvedev that there was a reserve airfield in the Dmitrovsky district in the Moscow region during the war. After the war, there was a school for training junior specialists of airborne troops (it was disbanded in 1959), Medvedev managed to soften the blow, and the headquarters gave its consent to the relocation to the Dmitrov region.
In 1960, two training companies for training guard dog leaders, located in camp tents, because the abandoned buildings of the previous part were so dilapidated that they could not even meet the initial needs. Combat and special training, at the same time, work is underway to repair two wooden barracks and equip dog walks. The school did not stop training personnel and training dogs. Two companies for training sergeants and a company for training counselors remained in Moscow. The Ministry of Defense also threw in the work; by its order, in response to the appeal of the All-Russian Society of the Blind to provide assistance in the creation of a republican school for training guide dogs for the blind, a guide dog school was created at the Central School of Military Dog Breeding and on its territory, its head for many years was Nikolai Egorovich Orekhov. In 1965, the school for the blind settled at the station. Kupavna, Moscow region.
The Black Russian Terrier (RBT) was created in Russia in the late 40s - early 50s. XX century through complex reproductive crossing of a number of breeds, including the Giant Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Rottweiler and Newfoundland. The original breed was the Giant Schnauzer. The breed was bred at a military dog breeding school near Moscow on the basis of the Red Star breeding kennel. The purpose of creating the breed was the desire to obtain a large, brave, strong, controllable dog with a pronounced protective instinct, suitable for performing various types of service, easily adapting to various climatic conditions. The breed was recognized by the FCI in 1984.
On October 7, 1965, the Central Order of the Red Star school of military dog breeding was renamed the 4th Central Order of the Red Star school of junior guard service specialists, the military unit was assigned the number 32516. The staff of the school, approved by the General Staff, remained long years and did not change until 1987. However, minor changes were made: certain new officer positions, positions of warrant officers, conscripts, and civilian personnel. There was a gradual expansion of staff. By 1980, the Central School had a fairly good training base and living conditions for officers and their families, and for unit personnel. For 15 years from 1960 to 1975. only the school's breeding nursery remained in Moscow (Kuskovo station), since the construction of the nursery for its location was not completed (its equipment was completed in October 1978). Remaining in the place where it was created in 1925 in Moscow, the nursery continued to work, maintaining contact with service dog breeding clubs, exchanging experience in breeding work, the nursery transfers puppies of breeds of interest to the clubs. Eleven breeds of dogs were bred in the kennel. In 1970, a nursery in the GDR purchased 9 heads of young dogs: 3 St. Bernards, 2 Rottweilers, 2 Giant Schnauzers, 2 Newfoundlands. Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands were used to work on breeding "Moscow Watchdogs" and "divers". IN pure form only once was a litter of St. Bernards obtained. Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers were bred in their pure form.
With the move to the territory of military unit 32516 (Dmitrovsky district), the breeding kennel continues to breed pure German shepherds, Caucasian, South Russian, Central Asian Shepherds, Rottweilers, Giant Schnauzers, Laikas, and also continues to improve the breed groups “Black Terrier”, “Moscow Watchdog” and “Diver”.
In 1985, by Order No. 40 of December 12, 1985, the Main Directorate for Nature Conservation, Reserves, Forestry and Hunting approved the standard for the Moscow Watchdog breed, bred by the Krasnaya Zvezda breeding nursery. By order of the Chairman of the USSR Service Dog Breeding Federation, Lieutenant General Sergeev, the Moscow city and regional service dog breeding clubs registered the “Moscow Watchdog” breed. The breed group “diver”, which did not become widespread among amateurs and did not have a sufficient number of dogs to register it as a breed, and soon, by decision of the Federation of Service Dog Breeding, the diver was excluded from service breeds.
In 1980, in connection with military operations in Afghanistan, the need to train dogs for mine detection service once again arose. The unit’s specialists studied archival data from the period of the Great Patriotic War, existing instructions for preparing mines detection dogs. The first group - 10 crews of the mine-detecting service (trainers with dogs) were trained at the school and sent to Afghanistan. The group was headed by the school dog handler officer, Captain A. Bibikov.
On the spot, the dogs showed high results in searching for mine explosive devices, and the command of the 40th Army located in Afghanistan requested as many mine detection service (MRS) specialists as possible.
The school did a lot of work on the selection and training of both trainers and mine-detecting dogs. High requirements were presented to the health and endurance of dogs, because they had to work in hot climates, often high in the mountains.
In the laboratory, together with the veterinary service of the unit, a “Memo to the leader of a mine-detecting dog” was developed, which described in an accessible form the actions of the leader in unforeseen situations, first aid to the injured dog.
For the first time, experiments were carried out to determine the dog’s abilities in searching for mines and to increase their performance using non-medicinal means. Together with Moscow Higher Technical University named after. Bauman developed a needle applicator, which improved the quality and speed of searching for a mine-detecting dog. This same needle applicator has been used to treat cuts and paralysis in dogs.
Since the effectiveness of MRS calculations largely depends on how correctly and quickly the trainer evaluates the dog’s actions during the search for mines and reacts to them, it became necessary to select MRS calculations based on their compatibility. Such work was carried out at the school by a team of researchers from the Moscow Higher Technical School. Bauman, headed by A. Ulogov and a group of canine specialists led by the head of the laboratory of reflexology and genetics, veterinarian Plotvinova L.R.
The veterinary service team and the school command published the textbooks “Basics of Service Dog Breeding”, “Basics of Training Military Dogs”, and revised the “Manual on the Training and Use of Military Dogs”; a set of posters on service dog breeding was developed, where sections of the anatomy and physiology of a dog, the main signs of a dog’s disease, the basics of feeding, keeping, saving dogs and using them for various types services These posters are still used in units where dogs are in service.
In 1988, the 4th Central Order of the Red Star school for training junior specialists in service dog breeding was transferred to the subordination of the Organizational Directorate of the General Staff ground forces to the military service department.
In 1994, the training school for junior specialists in service dog breeding was transformed into the 470th Methodological and Cynological Center for Service Dog Breeding of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.
The transfer of the Central School to the battalion system in 1987 and its transformation in 1994 into the methodological and cynological center for service dog breeding of the RF Armed Forces and the creation of a methodological department provided for by the new staff of the school opens good prospects before the command of the school to restore the traditions it had lost, a highly organized training center for training qualified personnel for service dog breeding, a methodological center for improving the training of service dogs for various services, and the development of new types of application in the army and the national economy.
The contribution of the Central School of Military Dog Breeding in the field of canine science in the country is quite significant. The country has its own domestic school for training service dogs, based on Scientific research domestic scientists and specialists in the field of cynology.
The scientific world was shocked by the experiments of the head of the school, Major General Medvedev. Grigory Panteleimonovich was involved in organ transplantation in dogs. Now, thanks to his scientific work, hearts and kidneys are already being successfully transplanted into people. And before, he experimented on hopelessly sick animals. Canine scientists are also responsible for the invention of the first gas mask for dogs.
Currently
Training service dogs today
In the early 1990s, the unique school almost ceased to exist - there was nothing to feed the animals. It got to the point that the officers shared their rations with the dogs.
The dog handlers managed to get by somehow for almost 10 years. Until 2002, the English research center Walsemme Center entered into an agreement with Russian army agreement for full logistical support of the school and nursery. And in return, he received the opportunity to develop food for animals in the service of Her Majesty’s military.
Krasnaya Zvezda is currently developing food that can fully provide food for animals working in extreme situations, everything you need - calories, vitamins and microelements
On a fine, but very cold February day (below -20°C outside), we went on a fascinating excursion to the 470th Canine Center for Service Dog Breeding and the Krasnaya Zvezda Kennel, military unit 32516, and got acquainted with four-legged pets and their mentors with the help of a press club MO Renat Dunyashov
Elena Anosova
A dog has been man's friend for many centuries. At home, she is a favorite and fun to play with, but if she serves in the police, she is obliged to comply with standards and follow commands to help a person. There are more than 100 dog breeds in the world, we invite you to get acquainted with the ten most best breeds, which are ideal for police service.
The German Shorthaired Pointer or Kurzhaar is one of the best dog breeds for the police. The breed was developed in the 19th century and has a spotted coat, small size, short smooth coat, and an energetic and friendly personality. In addition to the fact that this breed is excellent for police service, it is also an excellent hunter.
The English hound has long big ears, this feature makes the breed original in appearance. This is an excellent breed for police service as it is disciplined, muscular and strong dog. This is almost the only breed that stands still and waits for the owner’s command to complete the task. The English hound was bred as hunting dog, which, unlike the shorthaired pointer, hunted larger game than birds, for example, deer.
The name of the breed indicates that it is a fighting breed. There are two types of boxers: the service boxer and the German boxer. Thanks to their athletic constitution, boxers are able to jump well in height and length, which is what they rely on during training. Boxers' agility and instant reaction are the main qualities of a real police dog.
This smart-faced dog breed is considered the friendliest, which is why it is so common among families with children or elderly people around the world. This smart dog with the character of a puppy will always come to the rescue and will serve faithfully. Despite the listed characteristics, Labradors are ideal for police service. The dog will easily find explosives, drugs, and will be the eyes and ears of the policeman. You need to be a brave and selfless dog to find bombs.
The reputation of the Dutch Shepherd speaks for itself. In the police they are used to perform official tasks of different plans. This is a very smart and strong dog. After 10 years of service, dogs in the Dutch police are replaced with young ones, and those who have served are sent to a well-deserved retirement.
Big dog already wins due to its size and can easily detain a criminal. Few people would be afraid of a small decorative dog, but a giant schnauzer by its very appearance evokes fear and respect. The Schnauzer has long hair on its face and looks like a retired general with many years of service and a long track record behind him. The dog is ideal for police service due to its height, body length, sharp teeth, powerful jaw, courage and devotion. In addition, the dog is highly trainable.
Adult dog It is very difficult to teach new tricks and commands, but the Doberman is a dog that learns all its life. This is a medium-sized dog, ideal for police service. The Dobie, as this breed is affectionately called, is an athletic and graceful dog, light in weight, but with excellent speed and physical characteristics. These dogs are valued by the police because they are real bloodhounds, hunters and have the stamina that is necessary when tracking or chasing a criminal.
The Belgian Tervuren is not a traditional breed, and its name also has a root from the word “terror” (fear), which is exactly what it was supposed to evoke. Everyone is afraid large dog, even if he is kind at heart. The Tervuren is a long-haired dog that looks like a wolf, and therefore, as people thought, it is as ferocious as a wolf. But, in fact, this is a kind and friendly dog, but which behaves like a wolf or a lion if necessary to protect the owner. The Tervuren is a good watchdog and search dog.
Rottweilers are famous for their aggressive behavior and energetic character. Without being myself big dog From the presented list, he is without a doubt the bravest fighting dog who will make the ground burn under the feet of a criminal. He can easily bite off your finger. A criminal will think twice about his actions when meeting a Rottweiler. Taking into account the fighting and aggressive qualities of the dog, which he shows even in puppyhood, during training and training, emphasis is placed on discipline. You must be extremely strict and careful with this dog.
Alemannic laws (the Alemannics are a union of Germanic tribes that existed eight centuries ago) promised severe punishment for killing a shepherd dog.
"Mad" captain
The breed, known as the “German Shepherd,” appeared in the 19th century thanks to a retired captain, a scion of an old South German family, Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz (1864-1936), who was passionate about breeding herding dogs. This man sacrificed his military career and even his good name in order to realize his own dream - to breed a breed of dogs that correspond to the motto: “Intelligence and usefulness.” Beauty, from the point of view of the former captain, is a secondary matter, but beauty is not a concern either. Having remarkable intelligence and bringing significant benefits to people, German shepherds simply could not be ugly.
On the endless pastures, the German Shepherd became irreplaceable, but gradually the huge herds of sheep became a thing of the past, and eventually herding dogs were out of work. Von Stefanitz did not like this at all, and he began to offer his pets to serve in the police and even in the army.
The generals openly laughed at the fanatical dog handler and did not accept such a generous gift. The army is not a herd (although von Stephanitz, like former officer, I was ready to argue with that) and does not need to be herded. But the police treated the shepherd dogs quite loyally, and soon the servants of the law were convinced that they had acquired irreplaceable assistants. This is how German Shepherds became service and detection dogs.
Max von Stephanitz(1864-1936) with his first German woman.
There is a connection!
Soon the army began to recognize the usefulness of shepherd dogs. But these dogs showed themselves most clearly in military operations.
During the First World War, it was documented how a signal shepherd dog covered five kilometers in 12 minutes under artillery fire. Four-legged messengers carried operational information; cases of their interception by the enemy were extremely rare and therefore documents entrusted to dogs were not even encrypted (for transmission speed).
At the same time, they began to be used to carry cartridges and machine guns; Shepherd dogs were made into telegraph operators who restored broken communication lines (for this purpose, a reel with an unwinding cable was attached to the dog, which it pulled through enemy fire). To ensure long-distance communication, shepherd dogs delivered carrier pigeons to the front line in light portable dovecotes.
Nurse dogs searched for the seriously wounded on the battlefields. Having discovered a bloodied but still living soldier, the dog grabbed his helmet or cap and galloped with it after the orderlies, and then showed them the way. Any personal item was a signal that a person was alive and needed medical care.
There is no need to talk about guard duty, escorting prisoners and searching for lost patrols.
"Alsatian" Shepherd
Nazi Germany, for obvious reasons, did not enjoy the favor of most countries, but even the most patriotic French, English, American and Russian dog owners could not refuse German shepherds. Therefore, during that troubled period when everything German was not valued, these dogs were diplomatically renamed “Alsatian” shepherd dogs.
But, even becoming “Alsatian” for some time, German shepherds carried out their service in the German, Soviet, and other armies of the world.
The first German shepherd to die on duty during World War II was a French army signal dog named Bobby. In March 1940, he was carrying an important message across the front line and came under fire from German machine guns. At night, French soldiers carried Bobby's body from the battlefield and buried the four-legged hero with honors.
In the United States, the most famous shepherd dog is Chipe, a soldier of the 3rd Infantry Division. American army. Chipe served as a security detail during the negotiations between Roosevelt and Churchill in Casablanca in January 1943; participated in many military operations in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany and received two awards for his bravery: the Silver Star and the Purple Heart.
"I am an example"
"Passer, I am something other than a monument, perhaps more than a symbol, I am an example." This inscription adorns the monument erected to a German shepherd named Flambeau, a faithful friend of the lieutenant of the French army of the 99th Alpine Infantry Regiment Maigret. Even before the outbreak of the First World War, Flambeau received several medals as a mountain rescuer, and during the period of hostilities he carried war reports. His descendants also earned a good memory among the soldiers as carriers of ammunition. Unfortunately, all Flambeau puppies died on the fields of World War II while performing combat missions.
On January 12, 1945, a German shepherd named Irma, who worked for the London Civil Defense Service, was awarded a medal for rescuing people from the rubble. When the rescue team was about to leave the rubble, the dog resisted and did not leave until two still living girls were pulled out from under the stones.
Photo from www.thesun.co.uk
From the sky - into battle!
During the war in Indochina, which flared up immediately after the end of World War II, the world's first canine parachute unit was created. Yes, yes, German shepherds were taught to jump with a parachute, and quite successfully at that. During the experiments, it turned out that dogs can easily travel through the air and are ready to begin combat missions immediately after landing. Six German shepherds - Cado, Lledo, Remo, Lux, Borris and Silly, aged between two and three years, became the first paratrooper dogs in the French army. Special parachutes were made for them, and the dogs were enlisted in the army by special order.
During the Algerian War (1954-1962), German shepherds serving in the French Foreign Legion helped find saboteurs. One of them was the shepherd dog Gaman from the military base in Beni Mesa. The dog was very aggressive, and only the gendarme Gilbert Godefroy managed to win his trust.
On March 29, 1958, the legionnaires were raised with the command “To arms!” - a detachment of saboteurs crossed the border. Gaman and his guide were taken to the site of the breakthrough by helicopter, they immediately began the search, and the soldiers of the Foreign Legion followed them.
When meeting with the saboteurs, Godefroy and his shepherd were mortally wounded by machine gun fire. However, Gamen rushed at the shooter and gnawed his throat, and then crawled to the owner and covered him with his body until help arrived.
During excavations in Pompeii, the skeleton of a dog was found on top of the remains of a child. The animal tried to protect the baby from the ashes of Vesuvius.
Konstantin Karelov
Magazine "Secrets of the 20th Century"
posted with permission from Press Courier Publishing House
copying is prohibited by the publisher!
Man is a dog's friend, and a dog is man's tailed friend. We all know this from childhood. A dog is a nanny, a reliable guard, an empathizer, a partner and often a family member. Unfortunately, not all four-legged animals are lucky; sometimes they end up on the street, but that’s not what we’re talking about today. I will tell you about police service dogs, which are trained by dog handlers of the Zonal Center of the Canine Service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in the city of Moscow in Balashikha.
Oh, this is not an easy job...What do we know about the dog service in the police?
The canine service of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs was formed more than a hundred years ago. This year on June 21 she turned 106 years old. The first detective dog nursery was founded in St. Petersburg, and a school for training police dogs was established on its basis. The history of the canine police service is interesting and rich in various events and facts. 
To date Police service dogs work alongside people. WITH There are several specializations of four-legged police officers: searching for explosives and drugs, helping in the search for missing people and ensuring order in the areas of various public events, concerts and matches, patrolling on transport and others. In everyday police life, dogs are often used to go to crime scenes and search for criminals in hot pursuit, searching for explosives, drugs and ammunition.
The work is hard, responsible and requires a lot professional excellence and skills. Training of canine handlers and training of dogs is carried out in special canine centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
About one of these - Zonal center of the canine service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow, located in Balashikha, which I managed to visit yesterday, I’ll tell you. 
Before the excursion around the territory of the canine center, we talked with senior inspector-canine handler of the 3rd department of the Zonal center of the canine service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow, police captain Evgeniy Alekseevich Tritenko.
The conversation turned out to be very warm and friendly. Personally, I learned a lot of new and interesting things about the life, education and training of dogs, about characters and their oppositions.
Cat-cynologist) There are a couple of cats living on the territory of the center, you can’t pass by them without taking a couple of pictures. It’s interesting, but trained dogs don’t “follow” them. 
Go ahead. Still, we came to the dogs.
In addition to the enclosures, there are several training grounds and a stadium for training and training dogs. 
Evgeniy told how dogs are trained to detect drugs.
The center has several areas for practicing such skills. Training a dog to search for “bookmarks” is carried out in stages, and the duration of the course depends on the individual qualities of the dog. 
Special materials to which dogs must react are placed in various places in the car (trimming, wheels, body). 
The "Lada" has seen a lot. I wonder how many four-legged animals have been in it?) 
The center has its own veterinary service, which is equipped with all the necessary equipment not only for initial examinations dogs, but also for treatment and operations. Three veterinarians work here every five days. If special care and monitoring of a tailed patient is needed, then a vigil will be organized. 
The room itself was being disinfected, so I won’t be able to show how it is equipped and how the animals are treated.
The head physician of the veterinary service spoke with us. 
There are “quarantine” enclosures nearby. All enclosures on the territory of the center are two-story with a warm room, so the dogs are not cold and comfortable. Feeding is carried out according to schedule. Recently, all dogs have been switched to dry food, but sometimes dog handlers pamper their pets. 
We headed to one of the enclosures. 
How happy the kids were for us! They are cute) So sincere and ready to trust anyone. 
Puppies begin to be trained at a young age of several months.
“Sniffer” Semyon, aka Senya, aka spaniel. 
Semyon loves to cuddle and eat delicious food. He greeted us louder than anyone else.
Well, let's go watch the demonstration performances of four-legged beauties. 
Beautiful red-haired "German" Maximilian.
Affectionate and very sociable. 
She immediately surrendered into our arms)
The German shepherd Maximilian is not only a pupil, but also a member of the family of the inspector-canine handler of the detection dog breeding group of the Center for the Canine Service of the Internal Affairs Directorate for the North-Western Administrative District of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow, senior police lieutenant Svetlana Matviets. 
Sveta said that she recently got this girl. Before her, she trained a male dog. The dog lives at Svetlana’s house and is very loved by the children. It is worth noting that children are loved and welcome in the very center. U The Zonal Center for Cynological Service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow in Balashikha has a sponsored boarding school named after. Yu. Nikulina. Children often come to visit dogs.
Max performs all tasks perfectly. Its direction is the search for narcotic substances. 
The dog is experienced and very responsible. 
What can I say - the work is serious and very difficult, but the girls can handle it!
So...Who's crawling here? 
Young Fora. The German Shepherd is a tracker (I could be wrong, correct me if I am). 
I would like to shake a paw for the service of these beauties.
By the way, I even stroked them. It should not be surprising, for some time now I have been afraid of dogs, so the trip to the center was especially important for me. One step closer to getting rid of the phobia, so to speak) And I’m not alone. Dog handlers not only train dogs, but also help people.
Meet young Ryzhik. 
The handsome Malinois is just over a year old. The guy is mischievous. 
However, like any boy. 
Ryzhiy is being trained by police dog handler, senior police sergeant Ekaterina Lobanova. 
Red horse. 
And he runs up the stairs. 
Excellent promising service dog! 
Oooop. 
Passage. 
It seemed like he was ready to run around nonstop. 
Practicing "nippers". 
The special suit is very durable, but sometimes it gets bitten. 
Ryzhik “comes off.” 
The criminal will not hide from this. 
Small and smart little toothy. 
Catherine has another dog. The majestic black "German" Igor. 
The dog is an adult, an experienced policeman. 
Severe "biter". Igor attacks from above and can easily overwhelm him. 
Igor is strong. The criminal will not leave. 
We were shown attack and detention - one of the main ones in the police dog service. 
Black can do everything and b obeys the mistress unquestioningly. 
Photo for memory. Evgeny Tritenko and Igor. 
We walked for a long time and managed to freeze. The excursion continued in the center's museum, where many samples are presented that service dogs encounter in their work. 
Grenades. 
Mines. 
Explosive means. 
Improvised explosive devices. 
Thank you to all dog handlers and four-legged animals for a great day. 
Thanks to your service, we are safe.
Thank you
