TERROR FOR CRIMINALS.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15979, 6 May 1924, Page 8

TERROR FOR CRIMINALS.

ALSATIAN WOLF-DOG TRIALS, The first trials of the Alsatian Wolf Hog Club were held at Sandown Park in February, the object of the tests being’ to demonstrate the usefulness of the Alsatian in dealing with criminals. The demonstration was so effective, says the .Morning Post, that any proposal to introduce these dogs into the police force will probably result in the proclamation of a general strike by the National Union of Criminals and the Felons’ Federation. The tests and exercises were divided into three classes. Under the heading of “General Obedience’ ’entries had to sit, lie, walk to heel, stay in one place for two minutes, fetch an object, and jump a Ihrcc-foot fence. Class two was rather harder, and a preliminary to the third class, which was the full police training. There were i 3 tests in this class, varying from lying down for 10 minutes (with (lie “handler” out of sight) to attacking criminals and refusing succulent strips of meat from strangers. Only one dog sucsumbed lo this temptation. Ladderclimbing. guarding objects, selecting an object by scent, and retrieving over a six-foot wall, were all parts of the police training. Work with “criminals" is extremely complicated. The dog has to find a hidden criminal, and give tongue without attacking him. Tnen the criminal must he escorted and instantly attached if lie tries lo escape or to attack the handler. The dog must then guard the criminal in the handler’s absence without any attacks unless he threatens the dog or attempts to run. No signs of fear arc permissable when the criminal discharges a revolver at Ihc dog and attacks him with a stick. There were no exceptions to this mile during Hie trials, all the dogs treating the stick and revolver with supreme indifference. Finally the dog must cease to attack on command even if lie -is liot on ’the heels of the escaping criminal. Perhaps flu's is the hardest test of all. The discipline and intelligence of the dogs were as delightful to watch as was their obvious enjoyment of the proceedings. No sleuth from Scotland Yard ever eyed a wrongdoer more closely or eagerly than these Alsatians watched the padded “criminals.” Attractive Attributes., Alsatian enthusiasts will not admit the existence of a heller dog. Alsatians certainly seem to be„ possessed of many attractive atlribules. They are the only big dogs suitable for women and children as guards and companions. They do not confine themselves to opposing 1 lie attacks of criminals. Their distaste for lighting is so ingrained that they wilt separate anyone they sec engaged in il. If two boys in the schoolroom begin fighting, an Alsatian will rush between them and separate them. Curiously enough, this same ingrained instinct prompts them to separate dancers, as they consider it a tame kind of fight. They are excellent retrievers, with beautiful mouths. They have been trained as keepers’ dogs with great success. The slightest movement in Ihc covert does not escape their attention, and, of course, they are an effective argument with a poacher. Experts do not. think that they will lie of so much service to police in towns in England as to I liecountry policeman with an extended beat. Several constables in the Wesl Country arc using I hem, arid find lliem i great help in dealing with chicken stealers and similar offenders. One could not be but extremely sorry for the burglar who fell foul of an Alsatian and attempted to escape. Only luck could prevent his being severely mauled. The Alsatian may he a dog lo be avoided if one has offended his owner, but off duty he is far removed from the savage brute that his detractors make out. His magnificent build and handsome appearance arc not the least of his attractions. He is friendly and good tempered, and there is a look of wellbred dignity a bout him which blends will) the keen,sensitive intelligence which glows in his eyes.