K9 Holistic Health Is Doggone Delightful

Dec. 18, 2025 | By Army Staff Sgt. Raquel Birk, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

For the handlers of the 525th Military Working Dog Detachment, 18th Military Police Brigade, readiness isn't just about the mission — it's about maintaining the total health of their most trusted partners.

Through the U.S. Army's new Canine Holistic Health and Fitness program, the detachment based in Vicenza, Italy, is redefining what it means to be mission-ready, one paw at a time. 
 
The Army established the K9H2F program under Army Directive 2025-16 to enhance the wellness, performance and quality of life of MWDs Aug. 21. The directive mandates all Army MWD units to implement comprehensive health and welfare standards, aligning with War Department and Army veterinary care policies. 
 
Modeled after the Soldier Holistic Health and Fitness system, K9H2F takes a science-based, whole-dog approach — addressing physical fitness, nutrition, behavioral health and recovery. For the 525th MWD team, that means every dog receives the same level of conditioning and care as any elite military athlete in uniform. 
 
"Our dogs are tactical athletes," said Army Staff Sgt. Payton R. May, kennel noncommissioned officer in charge, 525th MWD Detachment, 18th Military Police Brigade. "They train hard, they work hard and they deserve the same attention to fitness, nutrition and injury prevention that we give our soldiers. The H2F program helps us keep them in top condition so they can perform safely and effectively in any environment." 
 
A key component of the directive, the Partner and Wellness program, ensures handlers and their assigned MWDs relocate together during permanent changes of station, strengthening continuity and the human-K9 bond.

 
"When I [moved] to Italy, being able to bring my dog with me made a huge difference," said Army Spc. Matthew C. Skalisky, a patrol explosive detector dog handler assigned to the 525th MWD. "It helps us maintain that trust and teamwork that can't be replaced. The PAW program makes sure that bond doesn't get broken." 
 
Each MWD now follows structured conditioning routines designed to build strength, endurance and agility while reducing the risk of injury. Specialized diets, recovery protocols and enrichment activities round out their regimen, ensuring each dog remains physically capable and mentally resilient. 
 
According to Army Sgt. Maj. Viridiana Lavalle, Headquarters, Army Military Working Dog program manager, the initiative marks a major step forward in modern K9 care. 
 
"Proactive and data-driven K9 care is essential for optimizing the performance and longevity of MWDs, directly impacting mission readiness and effectiveness," Lavalle said. "By leveraging advanced analytics to monitor health metrics, exercise regimens and behavioral patterns, handlers can implement tailored care strategies that enhance the holistic health of MWDs." 
 
This strategic approach not only improves the physical capabilities of these vital assets but also supports K9 mental resilience, ensuring they are fully prepared for the demands of their critical roles.

 
"Ultimately, investing in comprehensive K9 care through data-driven insights enhances operational effectiveness, contributing to mission success and the overall safety of military personnel," Lavalle added. 
 
The holistic approach extends beyond the kennel. Handlers train alongside veterinary and behavioral specialists to better understand each dog's unique needs, improving communication and enhancing mission effectiveness. 
 
"The bond between handler and dog is everything," May said. "When you have that trust, that connection, the dog performs with confidence. The H2F program helps us strengthen that bond through better training, stress management and recovery practices." 
 
From explosive and narcotics detection to patrol duties across Europe and Africa, the 525th's military working dogs play a vital role in safeguarding soldiers and installations. The K9H2F program ensures those capabilities remain sharp on every mission, in every environment. 
 
"Investing in our dogs' health is investing in readiness," said Army Spc. Abigail M. Bentle, a patrol narcotics detector dog handler assigned to 525th MWD. "They're not just assets, they're teammates. When they're healthy, confident and capable, our entire formation is stronger."

 
Under the directive, the Army Provost Marshal General oversees program criteria and compliance, while the Surgeon General of the Army coordinates implementation guidance. Commanders are required to meet new kennel and enrichment standards within 90 days, and the policy will be incorporated into Army Regulation 190-12 within two years. 
 
For the soldiers and K9s of the 525th MWD Detachment, holistic fitness isn't just a program; it's a commitment to excellence that keeps both handlers and their four-legged partners ready for any mission. 

Vet clinic supports MWD program with care, training

by Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman
23rd Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2015 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) --   Military working dogs require extensive medical care to keep their noses in good working condition to help sniff out drugs and explosives and aid in base security.

To ensure these canines are up for the task, the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron Veterinary Services Flight supports Moody's MWDs by maintaining their preventative care.

"Our primary mission is to provide medical care for the military working dogs," said Army Capt. (Dr.) Allison Brekke, the 23rd AMDS officer in charge of veterinary services. "We maintain their preventative care through vaccinations, parasite control and general wellness screenings to keep them fit to fight.

"We also run a vet clinic on base as a means to keep up our medical skills, so we can continue to provide care to the working dogs," she added.

The MWD handlers interact with the vet clinic regularly for checkups and to receive medical training for their companions.

"We conduct, at a minimum, quarterly training (with the MWD handlers)," Brekke said. "The working dogs are like any other animal and cannot be operated on for training purposes ... but when they come in for their procedures, we try to get the handlers engaged with the medical processes."

Within austere environments like a deployed location there might not be a veterinarian available, so the MWD handlers may need to provide medical care to their K-9s to help save its life.

"In the field, we need to have the ability to recognize when our (working dog) isn't feeling right," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Bonello, a 23rd Security Forces Squadron MWD trainer. "Having the training to identify what is wrong with our working dogs can be the difference in saving their life."

Even if the dog makes it through unscathed, the aftermath of a deployment can take a toll on them. As a precaution, the clinic checks the canines for post-traumatic stress disorder upon their return.

"PTSD is very common in working dogs," Brekke said. "We screen for it post-deployment and have training for recovery. If we observe any signs of PTSD, we consult with a behaviorist to get them the help they need."

If an emergency occurs with MWDs, like a PTSD panic attack, the clinic's Army technicians remain on call to provide them immediate care when necessary.

"What is asked of my technicians is far beyond what you'd expect from their job," Brekke said. "They're fully committed to the job, not because of the pay and benefits, but because they care about the dogs as much as I do."

Even through long hours to ensure the dog's operational health, the technicians continue to help the MWD handlers keep the dogs smiling, according to Brekke.

"We have a really friendly working dog population (here)," Brekke said. "I think that comes from the handlers and kennel masters dictating their kennel environment and care."

MWD handlers and their canines oftentimes build strong bonds of companionship, and for Bonello, trusting someone with his canine is a big deal.

"We definitely have a good working relationship with (the vet clinic here)," Bonello said. "I trust them with my dog because they're who we look for when we need help."