286 British War Dogs 



the French Army, he was sufficiently instructed, and by 

 this time officially supported "to initiate and administer a 

 scheme, whereby four principal training kennels were 

 formed. At these kennels, dogs were trained as sentries, 

 as messengers, and also as porters. This last form of dog 

 service was never utilized for the British Army. It would 

 most certainly have been much more difficult for us to have 

 instructed the soldiers in the management of such dogs, 

 than for the French instructors, the reason being, that in 

 France, dogs are so extensively used in civilian life in this 

 connection, while in England it is actually against the law 

 to use dogs for draught purposes, and the working man 

 has, therefore, no understanding of this exceedingly useful 

 method of traction. I would here mention, that I do not 

 consider the use of dogs for this purpose entails at this 

 period any question of cruelty to the dog. Having studied 

 the subject carefully abroad, I find it certainly the case, 

 that the draught dog takes the liveliest interest in its 

 duties, and thoroughly enjoys the arduous work involved. 

 It must be remembered that dogs are very fond of exercise 

 for one thing, and, further, that a dog with an object in life 

 is very much happier than an " habitual loafer." These 

 dogs not only draw their master's goods from place to place, 

 but also guard them as well, and it is most interesting to 

 watch the behaviour of a dog, when it is left in charge 

 daring the absence of the owner. Taking up a position of 

 supervision, either on top of the cart or underneath it, 

 it maintains an absolutely unassailable attitude towards 

 any attempts at approach on the part of strangers. When 

 the master reappears, the dog, delighted at the prospect of 

 movement, leaps to its feet, and on the word of command 

 throws all its strength into the collar, sometimes rounding 

 a corner at express speed, and yet with wonderful calcula- 



