War Dogs by Rebecca Frankel Summary

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.

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.

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 While critiques note outdated dominance-based training methods, the book’s focus on the human-canine bond resonates powerfully.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.