International military dog training exercises underway in Riga

Residents and visitors of Riga may notice an unusual sight this week – service dogs meticulously inspecting public places. From July 27 to 31, the capital is hosting international military exercises aimed at improving explosive detection skills. The exercises are organized by the Military Police of the National Armed Forces and involve dog handlers and service dogs from five countries, along with allied soldiers.

During the training, dogs are tested in locations with high daily foot traffic – public buildings, transport infrastructure facilities, and other important sites. For instance, dogs are searching the corridors of the National Library of Latvia, the vicinity of the "Depo" railway stop, and other infrastructure objects. Such exercises help the handlers and their four-legged assistants better prepare for real scenarios requiring rapid and precise identification of hazardous substances.

The goal of the training is to enhance international cooperation and share expertise in explosive detection. Participants simulate various scenarios to evaluate the capabilities of both dogs and handlers under realistic conditions.