Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. Their use has changed over the course of history. Their role in the armed forces has also changed. In recent years however, the use of their capabilities in the militaries has only increased. This thesis is focused on the use and the selection process of military working dogs in the Slovenian Armed Forces and the technology that is being developed to replace them. The Slovenian Armed Forces are currently utilizing a domestic breeding programme, which is more effective as it allows dogs to socialize at an early age. What role and training awaits the puppies in the future is decided between the ages of 6 to 12 weeks. Dogs are trained for protection purposes, guard and patrol purposes, mine and explosive detection and detection of prohibited substances. Their potential is underused for guard and patrol purposes. Not enough thought is given to the long-term breeding strategy and meeting the needs for military working dogs. Different countries, agencies and scientific institutions have tried and are still trying to replace service dogs, despite their capabilities. Technological solutions would work longer and be cheaper. The Slovenian Armed Forces do not use such technological solutions, nor do they have the intention to use them in the near future. Instead they use technological solutions that work complementary with military service dogs. Such solutions are intended to protect the military service dog as well as an upgrade into the 21st century. Such systems give members of the Slovenian Armed Forces an upgrade of their own capabilities.
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