266 British War Dogs 



the first months of the War Dog School, against distrust 

 as to the possibilities of the work, would not be met with, 

 in the same degree, ever again. But there is one point 

 that needs to be emphasized, and that is, the importance 

 of propaganda work on behalf of the dogs. This is neces- 

 sary for two reasons. Firstly, with a view to interesting 

 the public in the work, and of obtaining from this source 

 gifts of suitable dogs for training, and also so that the 

 soldiers should understand this means of aid, and of the 

 methods necessary for the successful working. Co-opera- 

 tion on the part of the soldiers is very essential, and they 

 are very quick to respond, when once they understand the 

 fact, that something is being done to help them. When 

 once the French authorities understood that their dogs 

 were to be a success, the Censorship's restrictions were 

 relaxed at once, and Press reporters and photographers 

 were allowed to acquire what information they required. 

 This wise discernment on the part of the French War Office, 

 was of the greatest assistance to those training the dogs, 

 and also to the dogs themselves when in the field, as very 

 soon every poilu came to recognize the War Dogs, and 

 to respect them as working comrades. This propaganda 

 policy was carried on also in every way that would touch 

 the imagination of the public, and every now and then 

 various animals, which had particularly distinguished 

 themselves in the field, were decorated in public. 



The Germans also made a great point of publicity in 

 connection with their War Dogs, and accounts of their 

 prowess, and the necessity for procuring large quantities 

 from the public as gifts, was emphasized. As a matter 

 of fact, as I have explained this propaganda work had been 

 going on in Germany for some few years before the war, 

 under another name. The fact of the usefulness of the 



