War Dogs Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *War Dogs* by Rebecca Frankel about?

*War Dogs* explores the profound bond between military working dogs (MWDs) and their handlers, blending historical accounts of canine use in warfare with modern stories from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rebecca Frankel highlights dogs’ roles in detecting explosives, saving lives, and providing emotional support, while examining the ethical complexities of their training and post-deployment separation.

War Dogs

Rebecca Frankel

4.07 (828 Reviews)

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War dogs don't just serve - they save. Rebecca Frankel's bestseller reveals the unbreakable bonds between military handlers and canines who detect IEDs with uncanny precision. "A tremendous gift," says handler Mike Dowling, chronicling heroes who've transformed modern warfare and healed invisible wounds.

What is War Dogs by Rebecca Frankel about?

War Dogs explores the profound bond between military working dogs (MWDs) and their handlers, blending historical accounts of canine use in warfare with modern stories from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rebecca Frankel highlights dogs’ roles in detecting explosives, saving lives, and providing emotional support, while examining the ethical complexities of their training and post-deployment separation.

Who should read War Dogs?

This book is ideal for dog lovers, military history enthusiasts, and readers interested in human-animal relationships. It appeals to those seeking visceral narratives of loyalty in combat and insights into institutional military dog programs.

Is War Dogs worth reading?

Yes. Frankel’s gripping storytelling balances historical research with emotional depth, offering a poignant tribute to MWDs’ bravery. While critiques note outdated dominance-based training methods, the book’s focus on the human-canine bond resonates powerfully.

How does War Dogs portray the handler-dog relationship?

Frankel reveals a contradiction: handlers often deny emotional attachment professionally but describe deep mutual trust and love. Dogs like Rex, a Belgian Malinois, exemplify unwavering loyalty, risking their lives to detect IEDs and protect units.

What breeds are commonly used as military working dogs?

German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retrievers dominate MWD roles. Malinois are prized for agility in combat, while Labs excel in detection due to their keen sense of smell.

Does War Dogs address post-deployment outcomes for MWDs?

Yes. Frankel critiques the military’s practice of separating dogs from handlers after tours, a policy many soldiers describe as emotionally devastating. Some advocate for retirement reunions, but logistical hurdles persist.

What historical periods does War Dogs cover?

The book traces war dogs from World War II scout roles to modern counterinsurgency missions. Frankel highlights how their value in detecting buried explosives revived their use post-9/11 after a mid-20th-century decline.

Are there criticisms of military dog training in War Dogs?

Frankel acknowledges critiques of force-based methods rooted in dominance theory, contrasting them with civilian practices like clicker training. However, she emphasizes the handlers’ dedication to their dogs’ well-being despite institutional constraints.

How does War Dogs describe dogs’ impact on soldiers’ mental health?

MWDs provide normalization and comfort in war zones, reducing PTSD symptoms. Handlers recount how dogs’ presence eased stress, with one soldier noting, “You can’t dwell on chaos when your dog needs you”.

What real-life missions are featured in War Dogs?

Frankel details high-stakes operations, including a 2011 mission where a dog named Cairo helped SEAL Team Six locate Osama bin Laden. Other stories highlight dogs alerting troops to hidden explosives, saving entire platoons.

How does War Dogs compare to other books on military animals?

Unlike technical manuals, Frankel prioritizes narrative-driven accounts of individual dogs and handlers. It complements works like Cairo by focusing on the emotional rather than tactical dimensions of MWD service.

Why is War Dogs relevant to civilian dog owners?

The book underscores universal themes of trust and communication in dog-human bonds. Frankel cites experts like Alexandra Horowitz to show how military and civilian training both rely on understanding canine behavior.

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Key takeaways

The Unbreakable Bond: When Dogs Go to War

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When Navy SEAL Team Six raided Osama bin Laden's compound in 2011, they weren't alone. A Belgian Malinois named Cairo accompanied them, sparking public fascination with military working dogs. This wasn't the first time dogs served in combat - their history with American forces dates back to Pearl Harbor, when socialite Arlene Erlanger declared "The dog game must play its part in this thing," launching Dogs for Defense. Within hours of the attack, she convinced the initially reluctant War Department to incorporate canines into military operations. What began as a request for 200 sentry dogs expanded to 125,000 for various branches. In March 2004, Staff Sergeant Sean Lulofs deployed to Iraq with his Belgian Malinois Aaslan. On their first morning at Camp Baharia, Aaslan detected an IED disguised as a coffee can - immediately demonstrating their life-saving potential. By late 2003, IEDs had become insurgents' primary weapon, prompting General James Mattis to investigate using dogs to combat this threat. The Marine Corps deployed approximately 30 dog teams to Iraq - the first such deployment since Vietnam. This marked a profound shift in how military dogs were used. Christopher Columbus once brought dogs to the Americas as "the most fearsome weapon of all," unleashing them against indigenous populations. By contrast, modern military working dogs primarily save lives through detection work. In spring 2010, Staff Sergeant Justin Kitts and his dog Dyngo were ambushed in Afghanistan. Taking cover under enemy fire, Kitts sent Dyngo ahead to scout an escape route. The dog's behavior changed dramatically when he detected two massive IEDs - yellow jugs with 50 pounds of explosives each - strategically placed to trap the patrol. Dyngo's skills had saved the entire unit from a deadly Taliban ambush.

Sensory Superheroes: Why Technology Can't Replace Four Paws

The Handler's World: Training, Bonds and Contradictions

The Crucible of Combat: Loyalty Under Fire

Invisible Wounds: When Dogs Experience PTSD

Coming Home: The Journey Back from War

What War Dogs Teach Us About Our Humanity

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

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@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

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@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

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War Dogs by Rebecca Frankel Summary

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Key takeaways

The Unbreakable Bond: When Dogs Go to War

Sensory Superheroes: Why Technology Can't Replace Four Paws

The Handler's World: Training, Bonds and Contradictions

The Crucible of Combat: Loyalty Under Fire

Invisible Wounds: When Dogs Experience PTSD

Coming Home: The Journey Back from War

What War Dogs Teach Us About Our Humanity

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Key takeaways

The Unbreakable Bond: When Dogs Go to War

Sensory Superheroes: Why Technology Can't Replace Four Paws

The Handler's World: Training, Bonds and Contradictions

The Crucible of Combat: Loyalty Under Fire

Invisible Wounds: When Dogs Experience PTSD

Coming Home: The Journey Back from War

What War Dogs Teach Us About Our Humanity

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