Bosnian 'minehunter' dogs saving lives across the world

Gordana Medunjanin is a no-nonsense woman with military discipline that she passes on to her top recruits - the specially-trained dogs who detect mines and bombs all over the world.

State-run Anadolu Agency has visited Medunjanin's training center on the outskirts of the Serbian capital, Sarajevo, where the sound of dogs barking and yelping filled the country's frosty air. 

But, far from being aggressive, the highly-trained canines enjoy the "game" of finding dangerous unexploded mines and booby traps. 

More than two decades after the brutal 1992-1995 Bosnian War, thousands upon thousands of landmines planted by various factions at the time continue to pose a life-threatening risk to Bosnia's citizens. 

Around 120,000 land mines and unexploded ordnance still infest the country's landscape, according to the Bosnia-Herzegovina Mine Clearance Center. 

However, despite Bosnia being one of Europe's poorest countries, it at least possesses one valuable asset; Medunjanin's center where dogs get top-notch training in uncovering land mines and unexploded ordnance.        

Upon arriving at the center, it is not hard to see that the dogs respect Medunjanin and follow her instructions without a second thought.

The center trains newborn puppies, young and adult dogs up to the final stages where they can be accredited to take part in de-mining operations across the world.
        
Their dogs participate in mine-clearance operations in countries as far apart as Chile, Colombia, Jordan, Senegal, Congo, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Tanzania and many others. 

Dangerous game

In Sarajevo, there are currently 50 dogs of different ages and breeds undergoing training. The intelligent and...