Special “students” help ensure border security

Coca - a special student of teacher Nguyễn Văn Lâm, has only been trained for a year, but he has learnt heart all his verbal commands. Coca is especially good at smelling and tracing. More important is the close affection between him and his teacher.

Corporal Nguyen Van Lam from Border Defence College 24, Border Guards High Command said: "He often leaves his meals untouched when I have days off. When I’m off, I make phone calls daily to ask about his health".

Corporal Nguyễn Viết Lãm has his own student. More than once he has been bitten by the special trainee.

Corporal Nguyen Viet Lam​ from Border Defence College 24, Border Guards High Command told reporters: "Most weeks have biting practices. Sometimes I’m bitten. It’s inevitable".

Giving his opinions about his job, Sergeant Ngo The Vu ​from Border Defence College 24, Border Guards High Command said that it was very dangerous and challenging yet he would not quit.

To train such fighting dogs, officers and soldiers at the Border Defence College No.24 must use particular teaching and care-taking methods.

According to Major Nguyen Tuan Phuc from Veterinary husbandry centre of Border Defence College 24, Border Guards High Command, when the dogs are born, they got regular check-ups and vaccinations to help them avoid diseases.

Sen. Lieut. Col. Lam Hong, Head of Fighting Department, Border Defence College 24, Border Guards High Command said: "Sometimes the dogs get sick and I have to help them recover. During trainings as well as in daily life, we take care of them. This work provides time to build up the affection between trainers and dogs."

Over the years, hundreds of dogs have graduated, helping forces defend national border security.

The feats of the dogs and their trainers in search and rescue and tracking down criminals have helped save hundreds of lives.

The border guard forces work hand in hand with loyal dogs, standing ready for every mission despite dangers and hardships.