DOGS IN BATTLE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1984, 16 April 1906, Page 7

DOGS IN BATTLE.

Sheep-dogs, especially of the Scotch breed, and short-haired sporting dogs, appear to be most suitable for use on the battle-field ; the French however, also use poodles and terriers. The Germans prefer the grey Pomeranians, which learn their work rapidly and are enormously strong ; while the Austrians incline to the Scotch collie, where many of the points required in a war-dog are almost hereditary. Altogether, the anijaiats are easily trained for their ■duties, owing to their intelligence, keen scent, and remarkable capacity for finding their way about, to say nothing of- their perseverance, fidelity, and attachment not only to their special master, but to a whole detachment. The trainer teaches the dog to recognise the uniform of all probable opponents, and to warn his master of an approaching danger by pointing, and never by barking, except in dire necessity. This is one of the most important and difficult lessons. Eventually the dog learns to utter a peculiar low growl when he perceives an enemy or hears any doubtful noise No human ear is so keen to note a sound as a dog, which will recognise a footfall when his master has not the slightest idea of anyone being near. Dogs of a dark colour are said to be preferred, because they are less •visible to an enemy. The training is pursued on the general principle that the dog would be cruelly treated by an enemy, so that the creature is taught to creep round the foe unnoticed, and to give distinct warning of a hostile approach without bringing itself into notice. For instance, in the German training process, some of the soldiers put on French and ' Russian uniforms to represent the enemy. ' The sham soldiers then do all in their power to arouse the dog's dis- j like by beating and ill-treating the animals and shouting loudly at them in the two hostile tongues. When the ' dog's temper is thoroughly excited a- l gainst their fictitious adversaries, the j German soldiers come to the front to pet and caress the angry animals and j reward them with meat or some other ; canine delicacy—a sure road to their favour. Thus, the distinction is speedily learnt. In times of peace or on the march, the dogs are simply kept coupled on the leash, but when on defensive service in a badly, protected district or at isolated posts, their duties are most important. Should any suspicious individual approach the post, the dog at once warns the soldiers without the enemy,'s knowledge showing by its attitude, or the tone of its growl, whether the danger is imminent or not. The dog is also taught to carry written messages between the outpost and the camp. It wears a light iron collar, with the number of its regiment, and a small pouch attached to carry despatches. Being sent off with a whispered word, the dog caii steel along and summon relief to the front without the enemy perceiving that any notice has been taken of their approach. i The chief trouble in this branch of the dog's duty is to make 'him go straight from point to point. The animal is naturally inclined to dawdle on the way, and to be wiled out of the direct road by various dis--tracting temptations. For this reason the dogs work best at night as letter-carriers, especially as their peculiar equipment of collar and pouch makes them rather conspicuous in daylight. However; their speed generally saves them from capture. Further, some of the animals are so large and fierce that anyone would think twice about stopping them with hostile intentions. Another excellent duty has been suggested for the dog in war-time-la share in the ambulance service. 'During and after the battle the dog might, scour the field looking for the %voundcd and summoning help quickly., it would carry round its neck a iflaak containing a refreshing drink, and as soon as it found a wounded .man the animal would stand by him »nA bark until some of the ambulance corps c&tvke to the rescue. This -work, however, is only a different .version of what the famous St. BerOMMnd dojfcs h»T*4»e>ott doing, from time

immemorial to lost and worn-out travellers on the pass. So that the ambulance work is perhaps the easiest lesson the dog learns, and it has been brought to a very perfect condition bv the Prussian Jaeger regiments. Wolfhounds and sheep-dogs arc the best for this service. Hitherto all experiments with dogs for army use have produced the most satisfactory results, but opinions still differ as to the best breeds for the purpose. The question is all the more important as sucli dogs can neither be obtained nor trained in a few days' time. A most careful trainer is needed, and the animal's education must begin when it is from six to eight months old. Even then it will he six or eight months before the dog has learnt its lesson, and still longer before it is perfectly trained. During manoeuvres in Germany. France, and Italy, war-dogs were freely used, and did justice to their excellent training. In the carrying of messages, especially, the dogs gave evidence of their capabilities. One curious instance of this is recorded by a writer on the subject. Two of the dogs employed by the German forces during the manoeuvres were each dispatched distances averaging from six to eight miles. In the first case the dog left in the early hours of the morning. By the time the officers of the regiment began breakfast, the dog had arrived at its destination, and delivered his message in time for the movements of thp day. The other creature left headquarters at ten o'clock in the evening and reached the second division with his message an hour afterwards. From this it will be seen that the canine company promises to become as necessary in campaigning a* the balloon and cyclist corps, telephonic communication, and the latest innovations in the commissariat and sanitary departments or war material.—"Spare Moments."