Two Books on Dogs
My Dog and Yours. By Joe Walker. (Ward, Lock. 7s. 6c1.) No ONE in the world knows more about training dogs than Colonel Richardson, and we were not surprised to learn that he does not believe in chastisement in training, except on rare occasions. During the War hundreds of dogs passed through his hands, being trained as messengers, and always his instruction was based on two natural canine instincts— affection for a master and love of reward. He never used a whip.
In England, however, there is no doubt that we are kinder to dogs, and understand them better, than most other races : the proof may be seen on any Sunday afternoon, when several millions of us are engaged in exercising or playing with our pets. But we could all learn much from Colonel Richardson, both as to management and feeding, and also in the matter of dog psychology. What he says of the transference of human character to animals must be a matter of common experience, but it is interesting to read on such good authority that a whole breed of terriers has become slightly neurotic as the result of the prize-winning strain having come chiefly from the kennels of a fussy and highly-strung owner. Truly, the world is a queer place. If we can make the character of our pet, it is reasonable to assume that it will also influence our own. The strength and generosity of the bull-dog, the alert confidence of the Airedale, the delicate distinction of the Pekinese must all possess a certain moulding influence upon their masters or mistresses.
Of police dogs and bloodhounds Colonel Richardson writes with long experience and great charm : he makes us sigh to think that motor cars, tarred roads and increasing popula- tion have limited the sphere of that noble and deep-voiced hound who lived in the houses of the wardens of the Marches in medieval England. The police dog, on the contrary, is being used increasingly as a guardian and as a patrol. In the Bostori Fine Arts Museum, for instance, this reviewer has seen a pack of police dogs who go their rounds night after night, deterring thieves far more effectually than any man could do. It would seem that their use could be extended in this country, especially in the police-stations of suburban and country districts.
A large part of the book is autobiography, and there are many episodes connected with criminal work, and the training of dogs during the War as trackers, messengers, and sentries, but perhaps the most curious chapter is that on " Mind Training in Animals," where Colonel Richardson gives many instances of telepathy both in his own experience and that of others. Altogether this is a volume that every dog-lover should have, who can spare the guinea ; and, by the way, he may well save several guineas in veterinary fees if he reads the chapter on feeding.
Mr. Joe Walker is as well known for his dog poems as Mr. G. L. Stampa for his illustrations. In My Dog and Yours the two combine to give us of their wit and insight : they have made a delightful little book which speaks straight to the heart, and is an ideal volume for a present to the right person.
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