THE COMMANDO WHISPERER
Even though man’s relationship with dogs has existed since hunter/gatherer days, it’s baffling 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 conditions, 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 reputation 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 a position. 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 companion 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 relationship they have with their dog.
RECOIL OFFGRID: We read in your book that you fell in love with dogs when your teacher, a retired K9 officer, brought one to class. Do you consider that the flashpoint for your interest in dogs?
I’d say that was the crossroads into working-type dogs. I’ve been an animal person since I can remember and was always the kid who had to go find something alive when I was out playing, so animals have always been a huge part of my life. But the turning point was definitely that guy with that German
