Mine and Tunnel Dog Training and Employment

M 7-41

Written near the end of the Vietnam War in 1973 field manual highlights the training and use of war dogs specifically as mine/booby trap detection dogs. Detailed methods, equipment, and training instruction specifics are covered in detail, from the Food-Reward method thru Basic Detection training and on to Intermediate/Advanced training in simulated field conditions. The ability to also detect tunnels and or weapons caches is also covered.


As the Vietnam war heated up and more U.S. troops were pouring into the conflict in the late 1960's it became apparent that the Vietcong's use of mines and booby traps to maim and kill American soldiers remotely was becoming especially effective. The dog training techniques presented are both straightforward and simple to understand, using methods pioneered in the late 60's to counter the enemies use of mines and other guerrilla warfare explosive device attacks. This manual is a wealth of information for any dog handler or trainer interested in dog training methodology and for insights into the special capabilities of detection dogs in general. It is a rare look into the use of Army dogs in the counter-insurgency fight in South-East Asia.