In 1942, the Coast Guard recognized that the use of dogs, with their keen sense of smell and their ability to be trained for guard duty, would help enhance the patrols. The Coast Guard eventually received about 2,000 dogs for patrol duties. The dogs and their trainers were schooled on the 300-acre estate of P.A.B. Widnener, at the Elkin Park Training Station in Pennsylvania. Others trained at Hilton Head, SC. The first dog patrols began at Brigantine Park, NJ, in August 1942. The dogs were so successful, that within a year, the animals and their handlers were on duty in all the districts.Pictures at:
http://olive-drab.com/od_wardogs_ww2_cgbp.php
Thanks for that.