Cani in guerra. Il 38th War Dog Platoon a Sassoleone

by Daniele Baggiani

A special unit of the85th Infantry Division operated with war dogs trained for night-time surveillance and tactical support missions. This is the story of the 38th War Dog PlatoonIn the fall of 1944, among the Apennine ridges below Sassoleone, near what is now the "Villaggio della Salute", now within the municipality of Monterenzio, a remarkable unit was active — one we know through the many photographs that we share below.

Camped near the farmhouse "Le Pioppe", along the banks of the river Sillaro, men and dogs operated together, bound by specialized training and a bond of loyalty.

The dogs were assigned multiple tasks: night-time sentry duty against enemy incursions, patrols, delivery of messages and medical supplies. These faithful animals provided a silent but essential contribution to the Allied war effort in one of the most rugged stretches of the Gothic Line. There the Allied advance in the Apennines came to a halt in October 1944, and there the Winter Line (.The story of the 38th War Dog Platoon is a little-known, if not forgotten, chapter of history — one worth rediscovering. Listen.

The Origins of the War Dog Program

L’impiego dei war dogs has ancient origins. Dogs were domesticated during the transition from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic by hunter-gatherers, and their loyal presence alongside humans dates back at least 15,000 years, when the wolf-dog was fully domesticated. To harness the abilities of dogs—man’s faithful companions—during World War II, the United States launched its first large-scale program. Right after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, a group of American dog enthusiasts founded the association, "Dog for Defense, Inc.with the support of the American Kennel Club. The goal was to mobilize the dogs’ natural abilities in service of the war effort. It all began, surprisingly, with poodles — a breed later deemed unsuitable for working alongside soldiers.

The first animals were donated by civilians and selected for their obedience, health, and temperament. Civilian volunteers initially handled the training as well, but inconsistent results led the War Department to step in.

With the Directive of July 16, 1942, the program was entrusted to the Remount Branch of Quartermaster Corps, which established standardized training at centers such as Fort Robinson (Nebraska), Camp Rimini (Montana), Front Royal (Virginia), and San Carlos (California). From this centralized system emerged fully operational war dog units to be deployed at the front — among the most well-known: the 38th Quartermaster War Dog Platoon, which was active in multiple theaters of war, and was also deployed in Italy during the Apennine Campaign..

Selection and training

By 1944, the list of accepted breeds had been narrowed down to seven: German Shepherd, dobermann, collie, Siberian Husky, malamute, working dog Belgian Shepherd and Eskimo DogThe dogs had to meet certain basic requirements: they needed to be sturdy, adaptable to different climates, resistant to stress, and free of uncontrollable aggression.

The training followed the directives of the TM-10-396 War Dogs Military Manual, written by Alene Stern Erlanger (1894–1969), a central figure in the project. Erlanger was a respected dog expert, owner of Pillicoc Kennels—specialized in breeding poodles—and a writer and journalist. Also involved was trainer Henry Stoecker, who had emigrated from Germany in the 1920s. In Germany, his family had trained dogs for military and police work. Dogs for Defense She had promised 25,000 dogs to the Army; so Mrs. Erlanger entrusted Stoecker with the care of some of the first privately donated dogs for military use.

The cornerstone of their operational effectiveness was the exclusive bond with their handler.The dogs were fed only by their own handler, who also oversaw their physical exercise, rest, and socialization. This strengthened mutual loyalty and made the animal unresponsive to strangers, enhancing its effectiveness as a sentry.

Training included the simulation of wartime conditions: gunfire, smoke, sudden movements and presence of the enemySome dogs were trained to remain completely silent even in threatening situations—an essential skill for frontline operations.

Il 38th in Italia: l’Appennino come trincea

After the training phase in the United States, the 38th War Dog Platoon was assigned to the85th Infantry Division and deployed to Italy. Between the fall of 1944 and the spring of 1945, it operated near Sassoleone, in a particularly rugged section of the Gothic Line, where Allied troops faced fierce German resistance. Forward positions along the front line—effectively trenches—were often entrusted to mixed man-dog patrols. At night, the dogs stood watch over the trenches: a single suspicious sound or scent was enough to wake the dog, who would alert its handler—tied to it by a rope or leash. Their heightened sense of smell and hearing allowed them to detect threats long before they could be seen or heard by humans.

In addition to sentry duties, some dogs were tasked with carrying messages between units stationed on different ridgelines or in the woods. They moved silently, swiftly, and blended into the terrain.

Others carried medical supplies or light ammunition in special packs strapped to their backs. Despite the rough terrain, harsh weather, and constant shelling, the 38th continued to operate effectively. The troops who worked with the dogs recognized their value and considered them full members of the unit. It is likely that their service helped prevent ambushes and saved lives on multiple occasions.

The Solace of the War Dog

During World War II, war dogs like those of the 38th War Dog Platoon not only played important and highly useful roles, but also provided significant psychological support to soldiers. The presence of these animals helped alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with combat operations, offering companionship and a sense of normalcy in extreme conditions. Contemporary studies show that interaction with dogs can lower cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—improve mood, and ease symptoms of depression. Moreover, the human-animal bond in emergency situations has been recognized as a source of psychological safety. A dog’s companionship fulfills key emotional needs such as proximity, availability in times of distress, and protection, encouraging risk-taking and offering support during periods of intense stress. The use of war dogs, therefore, not only enhanced the operational effectiveness of military units, but also proved to be an invaluable resource for the mental well-being of soldiers, helping them cope with the emotional hardships of war.

After the war

At the end of the war, the delicate process of demobilization began. Many dogs were returned to their rightful civilian owners, while others were adopted by the handlers with whom they had shared months of combat. All received an official certificate of “faithful service” and an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army. To prevent aggressive behavior or trauma, the military established a reeducation program: the dogs were gradually reaccustomed to socializing with other humans, to play, and to civilian life. Of the approximately 3,000 dogs returned, only four were deemed unfit for reintegration. These dogs were neither mascots nor mere tools of war—they were sentinels, companions, and silent warriors.

The memory of the 38th War Dog Platoon in Sassoleone is now all but forgotten, yet it remains a fascinating testament to the contribution of animals to the liberation of Italy.