Retired ITBP Combat Dogs Being Deployed as Therapy Dogs

25 Jun, 2021 By : Staff Writer Post Comments

The retired combat dogs of the Indo Tibetan Border Police have recently started to take new roles as ''therapy dogs'' to help in the early recuperation of personnel undergoing medical treatment and also for children with special needs. Before retiring, these dogs used to help in sniffing out terrorists, drugs, detecting hidden explosives, and with guard duties.

Settled at a specially established retirement home at the ITBP’s Basic Training Center at Bhanu, near Chandigarh, the dogs started visiting ITBP hospitals a few days ago to lend emotional support to personnel admitted there. 10 retired ITBP dogs are already at the retirement home that was set up last year, and another 20 dogs are expected to be moved there when they retire.

“Trained and affectionate dogs have a strong emotional and therapeutic impact and provide patients with a welcome break from the otherwise monotonous hospital routine,” an ITBP officer said. “The playful connection established between the dogs and the special children has also been remarkable,” he added.

Mr. Natarajan, the brain behind the move, said, "We are fully committed to looking after our darling veteran hero K9s who have served the nation, and now even in their retired life they are contributing as therapy dogs to give emotional support to patients and special children. Since our dogs are highly trained and socialized, they are being used as a supportive therapy to manage autism and other spectral disorders in children."

With this arrangement, the ITBP is studying the medical & psychological aspects of man-dog engagement, based upon which the role of therapy dogs could be expanded and extended to other forces as well. A handling policy and standard operating procedures would also be worked out accordingly.