If you commit to something, anything is possible.

I have three self-trained and titled Schutzhund German Shepherds with years of personal and professional training invested in each. They are all independently certified working animals.

However, only one of my dogs (see my avatar) would qualify as "not a burden" if we had to run for our lives. It took me five years to develop the dog to this point.

He is obedient. He stays close. He is a proven serial hunter. Just the other night he caught yet another possum on our evening walk through our woods. He came back to heel position and dropped the animal when I gave the commands. Yuk, but cool at the same time. I praised his effort. I gave the command to heel away and we walked away like it never happened.

He is creative in his methods and ability to find food and water. This is 100% genetic. He always seems OK for it.

He is a ferocious, committed protector, which was developed through years of training, and is regularly proofed with weekly professional training. He really seems to enjoy a good fight. I hope I never have to test this in real life. But I believe he is competent and ready to defend. He is also controllable if something does happen.

I believe that he would be an asset in a survival situation, or at worst, neutral impact.

I think this dog is more the exception than the average. Good dogs are rare finds, and require years of dedicated, competent training to develop once you do find them.

Then once they are developed, they only last a few more years and then they become a burden too.

You have to have generations of dogs in development to ensure this tool is always available.

I have owned at least 10 dogs, before this one. I had professional help selecting the dog, and professional help training the dog. And a lot more professional help training me.

All of my other current or previous dogs would be nothing but hassle in a real survival situation.