The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-08-30
THO "let loose the
dogs. of war" has
emerged from the tjcu.


emerged from the tigu.
rative into the literal AS a fea-
lure OF the actual fighting dogs are
playing definite and unique part
in the great struggle which has con-
vulsed the whole of Europe. 1t is
not at all unlikely that future dis.
patches from the war front in Bel.
GUM will mention achievements of
King Albert's light artillery made
possible through the employment of
dogs instead OF horses.
In the armies of almost every
European country dogs are trained
either as spies, messengers, or to
render aid TO the wounded Ger
many, France, Russia, Austria and
Italy have their bands OF trained
dogs, and Prussia has employed them
for twelve years. Sheep dogs, span.
iels and short-haired German point
ers are used, two dogs being ap-
pointed to each company, each dog
having its own trainer.
First the dogs are taught TO carry
dispatches, deliver cartridges to the
firing lire, and then 10 search for
the wounded or fallen soldiers. AS
soon as one o! these is discovered
the dog sets up a loud barking and
the ambulance corps is attracted TO
the spot ny the noise. If no help
comes. the wise dog takes the mans
cap or tears OFF bit Of his clothing
and takes it 10 the field hospital
Another clever trick OF theirs is
to give an alarm at the approach OF
All enemy. They are trained for this
by one OF their own soldiers being
dressed up in the clothes of for
eign soldier for The purpose In the
early part OF their education they
are taken out With IN old dog who
thoroughly understands the work.
Another important pari of the
work oI a war dog is bringing up
ammunition during a fight When
the battle has commenced. the
handler, a. the soldiers who train
the dogs are called. takes up a stand
near the ammunition wagon with the
dog. rs soon as nc sees ammuni-
ton Is wanted. he loads the animal
With 100 cartridges, carried in "A dou-
BILE saddle-bac. half OF the cartridges
on either side.
Thus loaded, the intelligent beast
does his best 10 reach the line Of
sharp and, if successful, re-
turns immediately 10 the handler 10
more ammunition, and so continues
the work until the battle is over, or,
as would be certain TO happen some
times, he himself is KILLED II has
been proved thai il he rs 'Noundeu
While carrying out his duties, he cam
seldom be induced 10 again venture
near the place where he has been
shot or cut
However, the faith:uiness of the
dogs as a rule is wonderful, and.
wnan loaded with ammunition, they
VIII never allow the cartridges TO be
taAen from them by soldiers or an
otuer battalion, and sometimes only
by those OF their own company, so
Well are the dogs taught TO know the
division 10 which they belong.
When the battle is over their duty
IS 10 search for the wounded and
bling the news of their Whereabouts
TO the hospital corps.
The aversion which the dogs feel
for certain uniforms is inculcated
into them by some German soldiers
putting on French or Russian uni
ferns They then tease or maltreat
the dog. while the other men caress
and net him. In this manner the
dog very soon learns 10 distinguish
between friend and foe.
So intense is that hatred in some
Of the dogs for men habited in any
uniform other than that OF the rcgi'
rucnt TO which they belong that they
will attack poStman. In order.
however. that they shall not do any
iniury when on the march; the dogs
are held by the soldiers in leash
The Russian dogs are chiefly
trained TO assist the medical corps
in their work, and to help in the hui
inaaa, task OF bringing aid as rapidly
as possible TO the wounded soldier.
49, strong dogs are selected for this
purpose, ST. Bernards for preference,