I tend to agree with Chris about dogs for survival settings. I've done a great deal of advanced dog training (SAR and Schutzhund), and consider a good dog an important part of my life. But in the woods... unless you're there for fun... the dog is most apt to be a liability. <br>Any wild animal afraid of your dog is probably of no threat to you. Coyotes, rabid skunks or foxes, large cats, or bears will probably be more rather than less of a problem if you have a dog in the camp. Some will consider your dog a food source. Some your dog will consider a food source and get in trouble in the process. And just because Fido is an attack trained 100# killer, don't expect the Coyotes to fight fair! They'll gang up, if they're in a hunting pack (though highly unusual). Even 1 on 1, if your dog wins, you'll have a mess on your hands.<br><br> Many bear attacks are triggered by the pet dog annoying a bear and then running back to Dad for protection.<br><br>Very unlikely that a dog will be much help in hunting or food acquisition in a survival situation. More likely they will compete with you for food. Unless you're going to eat him! In that case, I recommend one of the Giant Breeds if you're in base camp and have time to make Dog Jerky... or several of the miniature breeds if you have room in your pack and need an on-the-move snack. <br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by NAro on 08/03/01 07:40 AM (server time).</EM></FONT></P>