150 British War Dogs 



For two hours she stood near the dog, speaking to it 

 softly. Gradually she edged nearer still, speaking, but 

 never looking at the animal. She discerned that under- 

 neath the creature's savage behaviour, there was a very 

 highly-strung, sensitive nature, and that if confidence 

 could be established, the ferocity, which was really due 

 to soreness of mind and fear, would vanish. 



After a time, she was able to lean against the kennel, 

 and then very gently her hand was laid on the large brown 

 head, and permission was given for her to stroke the satin 

 ears. With very quiet movement, she unfastened the chain, 

 and slipped on a lead, and led the poor beast away. Its 

 gratitude and delight, at being treated as an ordinary 

 trustworthy dog was unbounded, and when I was making 

 a round of inspection later in the day, I found the great 

 beast seated at her feet, looking up with adoring eyes at 

 his saviour. After that, this dog was the great favourite 

 with all the staff, and was absolutely reliable, while still 

 retaining its guarding qualifications as regards strangers, 

 and it did some very useful work for its country. 



Courage 



If dogs have lived with people of pluck and courage, 

 they will exhibit these qualities. It is quite natural for 

 dogs to be courageous, and if this instinct has become 

 blunted, it is possible to cultivate it and revive it once 

 more. 



In order to do this, an object must be set up in the dog's 

 mind, to attain which, it will seem worth while facing 

 seeming dangers. The War Dog, especially the Messenger 

 Dog, has to have all fear of explosions and firing, smoke 

 clouds, water obstacles, etc., eliminated. This, of course, 



