The training method of the dog handlers units of the Italian Army is based on activities that aim to reinforce the emotional connection, the mutual trust and the understanding between the dog and the military.
The game has got an essential role in the training: the military dog learns to recognize and signal any kind of explosive through the game. The specialization for the dog and the military is achieved at the end of a course lasting one year in which they carry out specific activities that aim to give them the so-called "combat capability" through different training steps: tactical transport on any kind of military vehicles, getting in and off an helicopter, crossing a river, movement and combat techniques in urban areas, security and surveillance techniques of sensitive places, control of crowd, etc.
The program for the memorization of explosive materials developed had excellent results, creating interest in the Armies of the other Countries that have chosen the headquarter of the Dog Handlers Group of the Italian Army for a joint training.
At the end of each course there is a month of Training on Job in an area in Kosovo that represents an excellent context to improve and consolidate what has been learnt during the course. Today the dog handlers sector of the Armed Force has got a certain interest at an international level but also a significant experience in the operational field. In fact, the dog handlers nucleus of the Italian Army are employed in all the Operational Theatres where they meet the operational needs of our soldiers, showing capabilities that reduce the risk of incidents and save human lives.