Dogs as an essential prepping need

[jansman]

I remember reading of a Norwegian explorer who had a G.Shepherd whose name was "Emergency Rations"!

I used to run a scratch pack of terriers and lurchers. The only viable food provider were the collie lurchers,and it takes some training. Also the most productive times were at night,and we had to cover a LOT of ground. Frankly the calorie expense was not worth it. If you have a dog knocking around that brings stuff back regularly(even if to just feed itself) would be viable IMHO. Especially if it doubled as a guard dog,and those collie X lurchers can be evil!We only have a yappy terrier now,although he is a good alarm-and good at it. Having done the hunting dog bit in the past,I would rather rely on my snare lines up on the nearby railway. Regularly pull half a dozen bunnies outta the hat with those.

Mind you,IF I had the time,it might be fun to train another lurcher. Especially the retrieving and jumping bit.

[Vespa]

Don’t underestimate the psychological value of a dog. For some people at least they raise the spirits, provide companionship and “someone” to talk to. Having been camping many times with dogs they are also very good hot water bottles.

[jansman]

Don’t underestimate the psychological value of a dog. For some people at least they raise the spirits, provide companionship and “someone” to talk to. Having been camping many times with dogs they are also very good hot water bottles.

Absolutely! And I think the psychological/comfort value is immense. Our dog is a valued member of our family and much loved.

[fuds]

I second the dog hot water bottle.

Our dog is a beagle collie cross and given the chance he would hunt all day long... we're surrounded by fields and I know there's people who go (forgotten the word, where they hunt for rabbits with their dogs) so they're out there.

It's great to look upon our much loved family pet as a family resource should we need it.

[blue3]

totaly agree with the points here. i got my first dog in december, he's a 7month patterdale x jack who's starting to really come on work wise think he'll be spot on for the season start in sept ish. but he's a great alarm! slightest thing will get him investigating don't know what i'd do with out him! for those with lurchers it might be worth buying a stapler for the skin, rips and tears can be common and substantshall for those thin skin dogs. any threads on dog first aid kits? might be worth thinkingof

[silverfox]

I know I'm going to take flack for this but......you could, in a real SHTF case, go Korean and eat the thing.

I have a white 13 stone Akita who is nearly 10.....couldnt eat him, but i did put a treat in either hand marked Coat & Rug..............he chose coat.

[metatron]

I have two Caucasian Shepherd's I don't think I could eat them, they are members of my family at this point and they can pick up game, so they save on some walking.

[chris8472]

have 3 jacks great for rating thay had 1 in the garden today it was hanging around the rabbits cage