| The Grenztruppen used dogs extensively along the border to actively supplement their security measures. A Border Battalion employed approximately 5 kilometers of dog runs in their border area of responsibility. Along the entire Landesgrenz the total length of dog runs fluctuated between 90 – 120 kilometers. In Berlin the number of dog runs and pens totaled between 200 – 250. | ||
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Dog Runs. The most common use of the East German Shepherd was in a dog run. The dogs were leashed to a suspended line that ran along an area of the border. This clothesline-like configuration allowed the dog to roam the length of the line so it could intercept an intruder. |
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Cost: 23,000 Ost Mark per kilometer |
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This picture provides a close up look of a dog run from the East German side of the fence. In the background is OP Alpha of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. This photo was taken in 2001 at the OP Alpha Museum. | |
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Dog
Pens. Dogs were also placed in pens near
gates of the border or signal fence to discourage unauthorized personnel from
attempting to open the gates. During construction activity it was not unusual
for temporary pens to be erected near equipment or gaps in the fence.
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Temporary dog pen at a work site |
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