Foster Families for Military Working Dogs (Howe: apartment complex, law, health)

[lildoglady]

The Department of Defense Military Working Dog Breeding Program is currently looking for Foster Families.


Military Working Dogs are an integral part of the law enforcement and force protection functions of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps Security Police. Voluntary participation as a Foster Family is highly valued by the Department of Defense and the United States Government. By raising a Department of Defense puppy, a family is making an important contribution to the security of United States military personnel and assets. The DoD Military Working Dog Breeding program breeds Belgian Malinois. They are a high drive, high energy herding breed. It is helpful if you have experience with this breed or other active breeds, but not required. We suggest researching the Belgian Malinois breed prior to applying to be a foster.

The role of a Foster Family is vital to the development of a vigorous and well adjusted young Department of Defense military working dog trainee. It is the Foster’s responsibility to nurture the DoD Military Working Puppy at 9 weeks into healthy adolescence at 6 months, and ensure that the puppy experiences the extensive socialization and environmental exposure that are crucial to producing a well-adjusted young working dog that is “Fit to Fight and Fit to Serve”. The Department of Defense Breeding Program Staff assists all Fosters along the way with weekly contact, and by conducting monthly exercises to assist in the development of the pup’s self-confidence, retrieving behavior, and searching skills. The program provides all the necessary equipment for raising these dogs including food, carrier, toys, bowls, collars, leashes, veterinary care and more.
Fostering should be an enjoyable and personally rewarding experience for individuals and families. By following the basic guide that is provided, fosters can maximize our DoD Military Working puppy’s chances of being select as a suitable candidate for military working dog training. While technological advances are producing an array of machines that facilitate law enforcement force protection, and explosive detection, the fact remains that a well-bred, well-raised, and well-trained military working dog will continue to provide a vital contribution to the United States Department of Defense.

If you are interested in becoming a Foster Family please contact Lynnette Butler at lynnette.butler.ctr@lackland.af.mil or call 210-671-3686 for more information.

[LovingSAT]

Thank you for the post.

[lildoglady]

Just wanted to bring this to the front..

This is an amazing program! How awesome to be a part of a footprint of a Military Working Dog!

Thanks!

[AMFoxtrot]

I'd love to do it, but I know I'd grow too attached to the dog and wouldn't want to give it back. Plus, my other dog might get jealous.

[eger]

What an adorable pup! I always wanted a Malinois, I'd have a hard time giving it back.

[ChiccaTX]

I would love to be a foster mum but...sadly i'm in an apartment complex and I work

[lildoglady]

To everyone who say that they wouldn't be able to return the puppy. You could, you just have to go into the process remembering that they belong to the government and that you are their guardian not owner. These puppies are not pets, and really shouldn't be treated as such.. However, being a foster is such an important role in the puppy program.

I will say that your first puppy is the hardest to return, only because you don't really know what to expect. After that, when you get your next puppy, it gets easier because you know how to let go.

I have been the proud foster of 5, and I will tell you that it has the most amazing end result.