The traditional dog naming ceremony took place yesterday at the military dog center in Kaisersteinbruch in Burgenland. Seven Rottweiler puppies were put into service. For the third time, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner symbolically took over the sponsorship of a Rottweiler puppy. This laid the foundation stone for the training of the future protection and guard dogs.
“It makes me happy to be part of the moment when a little puppy becomes a great companion and companion. Their extraordinary abilities, courage and loyalty make them loyal companions and highly valued comrades. Today’s military dog naming ceremony in Kaisersteinbruch is a special opportunity to express our thanks and show our appreciation for their tireless work. As of today, our new employees are undergoing intensive training and education in order to be deployed in their future role as service dogs alongside their military dog handlers. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our military dog handlers, who are doing a fantastic job,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.
Baptism of puppies The traditional act of baptizing puppies, in which the service dogs are given their badge, took place for the first time in 1986 with the painter Gottfried Kumpf. In addition to the Minister of Defense, television presenter Barbara Karlich, Ombudswoman Gaby Schwarz and the President of the Burgenland Red Cross, Friederike Pirringer, took over a sponsorship under the motto “Power of Women” in the presence of the Military Commander of Burgenland, Brigadier Gernot Gasser.
The puppies The seven puppies were born on March 27, 2023. The four males (“Merlin”, “Mexx”, “Mick”, “Mounty”) and the three females (“Mary”, “Minna”, “Mira”) start their training as guard and protection dogs with the dog baptism. Before they start, the dogs are health-tested and attend the so-called “puppy school”. The Rottweiler is a reliable service dog breed in the Austrian military dog system. Due to its character traits, it is very well suited as a guard and protection dog.
