Great first post, Ken. Welcome!

So, Ken, what do you think about getting dogs as survival aids - along with the other reasons for getting dogs? Is it worthwhile, or should we go back to herding cats?

OK,
Dogs are the better people!
We had dogs the past 35 years and can not im. life without them.
Good EWS, friends, fetch shot ducks from the water, keep bears away.
What I found out, most Indians (one of the few problems up here)
are afraid of large dogs.

Amen.

(don't let my wife see this!)

Excellent first post, KenOTBC! Very nice, indeed.

Going back to the original question, I wouldn't go out and acquire a dog as part of a 'survival strategy'. If you want a dog, get one that you would get for a pet and then work with it.

And remember that dogs don't really think, they associate. They're not going to think a problem through and then do what is best. Even a trained dog can revert to instinct, as in the case of Bane, the still-missing Michigan police dog.

Bane was on-lead, assisting in a search for a dementia patient in the woods. He got tangled in some brush, his handler disconnected his leash to free him, and just then a deer bolted by, and Bane took off after it. This was in November of last year, and he hasn't been found yet.
Find Bane

A strong connection with your dog is probably going to be worth more than all the training you can provide.

Sue

nothing useful to add to the discussion other than get a dog for the right reasons. I really just wanted to welcome ken and thank him for an awesome first post.

EDIT: Another welcome to mpb.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Dweste, I wouldn't get a dog just as a survival aid. Way too expensive in time and money. Only get a dog if you love dogs.

Police dog handlers love dogs - its very competitive to become a police dog handler. Same with army dog handlers and customs dog handlers. To spend so much time training a dog you HAVE to love it.

If you do love dogs then why not? Its good to have a goal for training, so long as that goal is realistic. Just don't underestimate the time and money required though. Expensive for a survival aid but cheap for a best mate.

Well, I like dogs but love cats. But I doubt I could pick or keep a dog without falling for it pretty fast.

Fortunately, I am not pressed for time in making any dog /no dog decision.

Dweste, you've opened up a whole new line of thinking!

Trained Attack Cats in Survival Situations!

Of course, you would need the proper feline characteristics: trainable (the big hurdle), controlled attacking, large and heavy enough that flying weight could knock someone down. Cat claws can be formidable weapons, so don't declaw him.

Benefits:
* A cat would take less effort to feed in a long-range situation.
* A cat can often provide at least part of his food by himself.
* A cat would take up less space than most dogs.
* A cat is more portable than a German Shepherd or Pit bull.
* A cat requires far less fresh drinking water storage than a dog.
* A cat can keep rodents down if you find yourself having to live in substandard conditions.
* A cat can often catch/kill rabbits, so he might be willing to help provide food for you.
* A cat doesn't roll in rotting animals and then climb into your lap.

Tip: Don't try to bath it, let the cat take care of that himself.

Sue

Sue, you must be reading my mind! But I leave you to start the new thread this concept deserves.