Human-dog trust and cohesion within French military canine teams

• DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2024.2390253
• Publication Date: 2024-08-15T17:47:27Z
• Authors: Stéphanie Michenaud; Dalila Bovet; Thierry Lamour; Vanessa Laguette
• Keywords: Cohesion (chemistry); Affection; Thematic Analysis; Group cohesiveness; Kindness

Studies on the relationships and interactions within human-dog teams in French Army are scarce. In order to better understand this subject, a qualitative exploratory study was undertaken by conducting semi-structured interviews with dog handlers (n = 16). The interviewees work Army. They specialized detection neutralization of individuals or explosives. Thematic analysis identified different themes: trust team, doubts, interspecific cohesion, care provided dogs. results highlight importance canine team. It is conceived as dynamic, constructed process, based experience, involving both members emerges that arises from individual, relational, technical, experiential factors: bonds formed, knowledge one's dog, difficulties related technical aspects, reliability following training, mission successes. Kindness, support, mutual protection also important criteria. A form cohesion envisaged experienced when affection, knowledge, reliability, assistance, support present.