The dog training center of Russia’s Western Military District was established in 1924 as the Central training and experimental school for war and sports dogs. It is Russia’s only military unit where dogs are trained for the Armed Forces.
At the center, specialists train several breeds of service dogs, including East European Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Caucasian Shepherd and German Shepherd, along with Labrador, Rottweiler and Moscow Watchdog. These breeds can be well trained; they are extremely hearty and have high-sensitive nose.
Above: A cadet with a German shepherd during training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
Above: A cadet with a German shepherd during training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
Handlers are selected from soldiers who have a character and are disposed to work with dogs. Some conscripts bring their own dogs to the army.
Above: A cadet trains with Huskies during military induction sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
Above: A cadet trains with Huskies during military induction sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
During three months, would-be military dog handlers undergo general military training, as well as study dogs’ physiology and basic principles of their training.
Above: A cadet and a utility dog go through an obstacle course during training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
Above: A cadet and a utility dog go through an obstacle course during training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
Handlers and their dogs study more than just basic combat training. Soldiers care for their pets during the entire training course; they feed, wash and walk them. In addition, every cadet undergoes a veterinary course, learning how to prevent canine diseases and how give first aid to dogs.
Above: Cadets with German shepherds during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
Above: Cadets with German shepherds during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
At the qualification exam, cadets show their skills in general and special military training. Dogs also have to pass their "exams." According to their job description, graduated K-9's can catch an intruder at a guard post, breach obstacles, search vehicles for explosives or work in minefields.
Above: A cadet at a doghouse during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
Above: A cadet at a doghouse during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's dog training center.
During World War II, nearly 68,000 service dogs in 11 categories were trained at the center. They delivered combat reports and ammunition to the frontline, searched for and neutralized mines, found and transported wounded from the battlefield, set up communication lines, scouted and sacrificed themselves to destroy enemy armored vehicles and echelons.
Above: A cadet manages a dog team during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
Above: A cadet manages a dog team during dog handlers' training sessions at the Western Military District's training center.
Graduates and trainees of the center have taken part in many wars and armed conflicts in Russia and abroad since 1939.
Above: Cadets and their dogs during a military training session.
Above: Cadets and their dogs during a military training session.
After qualification, graduates from the training center and their dogs enter military service.
Above: A cadet with a German Shepard during a military training session at the Western Military District's service dog training center.
Above: A cadet with a German Shepard during a military training session at the Western Military District's service dog training center.
