During World War 1, many soldiers brought home stories of the remarkable abilities of the War Service Dogs they had seen over seas. They said these dogs actually thought out problems in the field and could identify enemy soldiers from friendlies. If this was true then, why then not now?

My theory to this is, that during these life and death struggles, dogs and men expect more of each other and these deeper needs create the perfect atmosphere for excellence in team work. Little or no restrictions were put on the natural abilities and true comradeships were formed between man and dog. Unlike the lives lead by many of us in peace time, where we see our dogs as a form of recreation rather than a friend and companion. We expect him to growl when we feel necessary, to play when expected and lay silent when we deem fit. He is to cue in to our desires, rather than our needs and to accommodate our whims, rather than share our lives. By being such superficial beings, how can we expect the loyalty our dog is predestined to give? Yet when he has less than, what we believe to be, desired traits, we trade him in, or have him "put down".

Man has done this to this creature by his or her own selfish actions and desires.

Man must learn to work with, not against, the natural abilities of our canine companions.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated, 10/14/89

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