Working dogs serve critical roles in policing, military operations, search and rescue, and disability assistance. Their welfare deserves the same rigorous attention as their training and deployment.
Working dogs give service that saves human lives, but their welfare must not be sacrificed for their utility. Dogs experiencing canine PTSD show hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, and loss of previously trained responses - clear indicators of psychological suffering. Physical wear from high-intensity work can cause chronic musculoskeletal pain that is not always recognized by handlers focused on performance. The welfare obligation to working dogs is heightened by the fact that they have no choice in their vocation - they are trained from puppyhood and deployed in human service. Excellent welfare for working dogs includes appropriate retirement, quality veterinary care, and recognition that they are sentient partners, not equipment.