ISSUE 32028 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
E
ven though man’s relationship with dogs has
existed since hunter/gatherer days, it’s baf-
fling that so many still don’t fully understand
or appreciate what these animals are capable
of. They’re born with senses far superior to
our own, and their courage during situations that’d make
most people wilt with fear is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
From search-and-rescue to bomb detection to emotional
support to serving alongside top-tier troops in austere con-
ditions, these remarkable creatures have a combination of
qualities found in no other species.
Jeff Franklin is one of those rare individuals who not only
understands a dog’s potential, but also has the skills to
unlock it — a talent that’s difficult to learn and even harder
to teach. After spending years honing his craft as a K9
officer and esteemed trainer, by 2003 his skills and reputa-
tion led to his being tapped by the U.S. military to oversee
the selection and instruction of dogs assigned to Special
Operations Forces — the first man to have ever held such aposition. Matthew Duffy’s biography of his life, Franklin: The
Man Behind the United States Commando Dogs is worthy
of a silver-screen adaptation. Today, as one of the most
sought-after trainers in the world, Jeff’s dogs and expertise
are utilized by organizations around the globe.
Statistics indicate that dog ownership continues to
climb. And whether you’re an urbanite looking for a four-
legged member to protect your family and home, or you
live remotely and depend on a dog to guard your crops,
livestock, or property, the dog’s role as dependable com-
panion shows no signs of diminishing. So who better to
answer the question of how best to understand your pup
than a man who has spent decades teaching K9 teams
how to carry out their mission in unfamiliar places, amid
stress factors like gunfire, extreme weather, hostile terrain,
and darkness? We spoke with Jeff about how he reached
this echelon of knowledge and what the average dog
owner needs to know to be fully invested in the relation-
ship they have with their dog.Meet Jeff Franklin, the Man to Oversee the Selection and Instruction
of the Elite Canines Serving With U.S. Special Operations Forces
By John Schwartze
Photos by Mark Saint