'Dogs of war' saving lives in Afghanistan

Labradors are being trained and used by US Marines in Afghanistan to detect five kinds of threat, from military grade C-4 plastic explosive to common chemicals used by the Taliban to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These dogs play a vital role and can really make the difference between life and death. They are about 98% accurate and are trusted more than metal detectors and mine sweepers.

Taliban militants plant explosives along the dusty footpaths that Marines travel through, leaving many dead in the past months.

When a dog thinks that he has detected something there is quick change in his demeanour, his muscles tense up, he freezes, sticks out his tail and then lies down with his paws extended up front.

The dogs also provide an emotional crutch for young Marines facing death every day. They crowd around the dogs and play with them inside the camp. There are frequent questions about adopting them after the Labradors end their tour.

The US government spends huge amounts of money to train the dogs in a civilian-led program created by the Defense Department. Their training begins when they are puppies and by the time they reach two and half years old, they are ready to be deployed.

The bomb squad in Afghanistan prefer using pure-bred Labradors over sentry dogs such as German Shepherds because they are easier to train. Labradors are also hunting dogs who can pick up a scent as far as 500 meters away.

Officials say that up to 70 dogs are working in Afghanistan now and more will be deployed in the upcoming months.