Page 27 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

DOGS IN SPORTS AND SERVICE

Gathering the flock the thick-coated shepherd dogs still seen in bloodhounds pursue fleeing suspects, and
Sheepdogs are trained to round up and herd flocks and are eastern Europe, were developed to deal with specially trained dogs are also invaluable
hardy enough to work in severe climate conditions. Here a
Border Collie herds sheep in Twizel, New Zealand. dangerous predators. in such work as detecting drugs or locating
Harnessing canine strength has sometimes survivors in areas of devastation.
Among the gentler sports are trials in which been taken literally, with larger dogs used as Dogs have often made life in the home
dogs display their agility, intelligence, and draft animals, whether for hauling sleds over easier, too. The Ancient Aztecs used hairless
obedience by negotiating tricky obstacle polar ice, drawing milk carts, or taking small dogs as hot-water bottles on cold nights,
courses. Agility trials are often highly children for rides in traps. In the past even but in the modern world canine partners
competitive affairs; but many are no more small dogs were sometimes used for sometimes have to be more active. Guide
than low-key local events, in which anyone’s providing motive power: unfortunate terriers dogs help people with impaired sight to
pet with a zest for leaping over jumps or could be found in the sweltering kitchens of safely negotiate hazards such as traffic and
wriggling through pipes can take part. large houses and inns, running endlessly in stairs. Many people with other disabilities
treadwheels to turn roasting spits. or illnesses also rely on dogs trained to
DOGS IN SERVICE Dogs have gone to war for centuries, and perform such tasks as warning of impending
Another of the early occupations for dogs in World Wars I and II were employed to epileptic seizures or even loading the
in the service of humans was as guardians carry messages, first aid, and ammunition washing machine. In hospitals, hospices,
and herders of livestock, and the tradition across no-go zones. Today dogs trained to and nursing homes dogs chosen carefully for
continues in many parts of the world. Pastoral sniff out explosive devices are important their amenable temperaments are brought in
work is not always peaceful where bears and members of the armed forces. A dog’s ability to provide comfort and distraction, and
wolves live, and so large, powerful breeds to scent trouble has also proved helpful to their services as a very real form of therapy
with fiercely protective instincts, such as police and security forces. Baying are widely acknowledged.

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