Letter Re: Retreat Livestock Guardians

Hello,
This is in response to TDs’ article on Retreat Livestock Guardians. My wife and I left the computer industry about 10 years ago and established our little retreat in N.E. Texas. We have 60 acres with a stream, couple of livestock ponds, well, and a cistern. We presently have as livestock: Boer goats, horses, donkeys – (both standard and what is called Giant), pigs, ducks, and chickens. And of course several cats. Cats keep the snakes, tarantulas, rodents, and other small nuisances away from the house and barns.

Why I am writing is because when we moved out here from Dallas, all the local livestock producers were just going on and on about the Great Pyrenees as guardian animals. So, when we purchased our first set of goats, (20 females and 1 male), we built two pens for them. One for birthing, and one for the male to reside with the females until time for birthing.

What I found out about the Pyrenees [breed] was absolutely true. The one we acquired from another established breeder became part of the herd, and was every bit as described by TD in his article, except for one thing. These animals bark at anything and everything. Especially at night. When our first one was a puppy, I was really impressed with her, because she bonded with the animal and family right off. Was very quiet, and was very little maintenance. Until she turned about a year old. Then the barking started. And never stopped. If a leaf was blown across the pasture at night, that animal went off like an air raid siren. Wife thought if we got her a mate, that that might reduce the barking. So, we acquired a male from another breeder, this one the same age as our female. Well, then we had two alarms going off every night at anything. Armadillos, possums, skunks, squirrels, deer, and I mean anything that moves at night, these two sounded off. And they are quite large, male approximately – 90 pounds, female approximately – 75 pounds, and quite loud.

Even though we enjoyed the personalities and the great job these two did with the herds, when trying to have a retreat where the main entrance and most of the acreage is concealed and not very recognizable from the road, the noise these two made could be heard literally for about a mile. So even though they performed to expectations, for the purpose of our retreat, they were a liability. I also checked with other livestock producers in the area that had these animals, and found out that this is the norm and not the exception. All of these livestock guardian dogs have a tendency to be excessively loud at night. And that is just unacceptable for the operation and purpose of this retreat. So now the donkeys are fulfilling that obligation. The two standard donkeys are in with the horses. And the two giants are in with the goats.

I have got to say, I am very, very satisfied with the results. I have watched the two standard donkeys go after a couple of coyotes with absolutely not fear at all. Ears laid back and not a sound. Just full speed ahead, then both in a coordinated attack run off any and all predators. The two giants, since they are in the pens with the goats, have not yet had to demonstrate their abilities, because watching through night vision goggles, I have just watched the predators emerge from the tree lines, take one look at the donkeys, and fade back into the woods. Guess they already had altercations with their kind before.

One thing that I was worried about, was what I had heard about donkey braying at all hours. Both daytime and nighttime. I have not found that to be the case. So far, the only time these animals bray, is at feeding time. And then, only somewhat quietly. Really no louder than the ducks. On a side note: You want a good nighttime early warning system- Ducks. Normal varmints, coons, skunks, possums, whatever can wander all around and the ducks will not emit any noise unless they try to get into the pen that the ducks are locked up in every night. But let anything larger, or not normally supposed to be around that time of night show up…. And those ducks are alerting everyone and everything. Wife and I are really attuned to sleeping peacefully throughout the night, subconsciously filtering out all the normal nocturnal noises until the ducks go off. Then I up and out the door in a flash, armed and looking for the cause of the alarm.

This is not to say we are not looking for some sort of canine. I do believe that one is a necessity, but we just have to find the right breed. One thing we have been talking about, to suite the needs out here is a type of dog I had before joining the Marine Corps. It was called a Basenji. This breed is a descendent of African wild dog that does not have the capability of barking. The one I had was always silent unless growling or a kind of whimper when feeding time was at hand. The dog actually prevented a burglary of my apartment one night. I was asleep in the back bedroom, and the dog must have heard the perp quietly knock out a pane of glass next to the front door. You know how apartments are not really made for security. Anyway I was woke up by a loud yell of someone in pain. I dressed and turned on the lights in the living room, and sitting by the window was that little Basenji with quite a bit of blood around his mouth and on the surrounding windowsills. Apparently, as the perp reached through to try to unlock the door, the little do just waited until the perfect opportunity, and latched on. Let me tell you, for a relatively little animal, about 45 pounds, the dog has quite a set of jaws on him. These dogs are known for clamping down on an extremity and not letting go. Not just a bite and release. Now as far as little children, these little dogs just love them. They will endure just about anything from children. Very loyal animals and very quick learners. Obedient and smart. Now, how they will do out here [at our ranch] I don’t know yet. But it looks like we are going to give one a try and see how it works.
Anyway, just wanted to put in my two cents worth in about the dogs in a retreat environment. The livestock guard dogs, in a non-SHTF environment, like the Pyrenees are absolutely wonderful, and exactly as described by TD. But – When you do not want your location to be compromised by unnecessary and excessive barking, maybe an alternative is needed. Respectfully, – B.W.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Remember how I predicted that the global credit crisis would spawn a wave of forced buy-outs, mergers, acquisitions, and liquidations? Here is news of another one: Washington Mutual close to $5 billion deal with TPG, others. Be prepared for more mergers, many of which will be cases of “strange bedfellows” involving credit unions, pension funds, and perhaps even cities (municipal bonds). Derivatives contract defaults will indeed force some very odd partnerships and salvage operations. If managers’ only options are bankruptcy or buying out the counterparty to a derivative, then guess which they will choose?

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Frequent contributor KAF found this story abut a high speed successor to the Internet: ‘The Grid’ Could Soon Make the Internet Obsolete. FWIW, I think that “The Grid” was a poor choice of names, since it will cause confusion vis-a-vis the power grid. I think that “The Matrix” would be a better moniker.

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Craig suggested an article posted at The Folsom Telegraph: The Banking ‘Crisis’ …It’s a Big Club and You Ain’t In It

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Spot gold and silver seem to be resuming their bull charge, as expected. There will undoubtedly be a few more scary dips, but consider those buying opportunities in what is otherwise a secular bull market. Meanwhile, we read: Gasoline Prices Add to Record Gains. and Experts Predict Imminent Oil Squeeze. There are two was of looking at these events: A bull market in commodities, or a bear market in the US Dollar. But either way, the place you need to be is out of dollars! Speaking of silver, see: Fuel for thought: Quarter-a-gallon gas special makes cents

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

"Information is the oxygen of the modern age. It seeps through the walls topped by barbed wire, it wafts across the electrified borders." – President Ronald Wilson Reagan

Notes from JWR:

Thanks for all the many positive comments about the New York Times article (Sunday, April 6, 2008), titled “Duck and Cover: It’s the New Survivalism”, where I was quoted. The article has helped generate lots of extra first-time visits to SurvivalBlog. (An amazing 12,003 unique visits on Sunday, which is usually our slowest day of the week!) To all you newbies that want a quick start: Read the “About” page, and then read my first few weeks of posts from 2005, starting at the bottom of the page and working your way up.

The high bid in the current SurvivalBlog Benefit Auction lot is now at $230. This auction is for four items: a MURS Alert Base station, a MURS Alert Hand-held transceiver, an earbud, and a Kaito KA-1102 AM/FM/Shortwave. These radios were kindly donated by the owner of Affordable Shortwaves and MURS Radios. If you aren’t familiar with the Dakota Alert infrared perimeter security system, take a few minute to look at the Dakota Alert web site. These alarms are very reliable and versatile. I often recommend them to my consulting clients–especially those that plan to have lightly-manned retreats. You can easily set up multiple detector/transmitter sensors to provide 360 degree perimeter security for a large area. Instead of just a generic alarm, they will let you know which sensor was tripped, via a computer-generated voice message to a radio that you can carry on your belt. (Such as “Alert, Zone Two.”) The same radio can be used for point-to-point voice communications, on the little-used MURS band. The three radios have a retail value of $210, plus shipping. The auction ends on April 15th. Please e-mail us your bids, in $10 increments.

Letter Re: Some Garden Plot Surprises Revealed Beneath Receding Snow

Mr. Editor:
This spring is turning into a “yard and garden” wake up call. This winter is the first one I can remember in 29 years of owning this property where there was so much snow that the ground has been completely covered since the beginning of December until now [(early April)]. I still have shady spots with 18 to 24″ today. It is melting but it going to take a while. The piles by my driveway will be there until June. But [as the snow has receded] the thing we are finding is that the rabbits, mice and other rodents have trashed our yard and gardens like never before.

The rabbits–[the ones] that the dog did not catch–ate darn near anything above the snow. They have made a mess of my raspberries, blueberries and grapes to the point where I don’t know if the plants will survive or will have to be replaced. Thank goodness I have 48″ fencing around my cherry and apple trees. Oh, and as far as the dog is concerned, we have a Bernese Mountain Dog. The snow was too deep for her to run and to catch many rabbits anyway.

The mice had an “under the snow tunnel system ” made and they ate all my wife’s tulip bulbs, and all her other ornamental bulbs. They are my chives, parsley, basil, sage etc.They have holes all over the yard. They even ate the phlox. We didn’t see the damage until now, and the hawks didn’t see the mice, because they were under the snow.

My point here is that as our climate changes, we need to be expecting nature to adjust and not always for human benefit. If the Schumer Hits the Fan (SHTF) perhaps some of our best laid plans will be destroyed by the other living things on the planet that need to eat in the winter. – Carl R.

Three Letters Re: Advanced Medical Care and Transport After TEOTWAWKI

James,

[Regarding the letter from DS in Wisconsin:] Maybe and I mean maybe there would be someone to care for a injured or sick member of your retreat group or a doctor or nurse to look at them, probably not. If you have the gas to get them there. If you can leave enough security at the retreat and enough security to take with you. Remember, this is The End of the World as we Know It (TEOTWAWKI). There are several books that should be in a medical library you might already have them: Where There is No Doctor, Where There is No Dentist, and Emergency War Surgery. There are more, but to me these are the first books that I would choose. Your training would be one of the best barter jobs I can think of. You can’t call it practicing medicine without a license. You would be a Healer or Doctor for your area. Remember this is not the world as it was. I don’t think enough people put enough emphasis on medical [training and supplies] for there preparations. I truly don’t mean the foregoing to sound mean. – Lee (Once a Marine, always a Marine)

Dear JWR:
I felt (along with protracted pushing from my wife) that a response to the honest and logical questions raised by DS in Wisconsin was warranted. This is coming from a long term preparer who is a practicing anesthesiologist with internal medicine training and the husband of a “retired” ER/ICU RN. If we are talking about a scenario where transportation is problematic, one needs to look in the mirror and determine if you are able and willing to do what needs to be done. While training and experience are crucial, the idea of limiting one’s actions based on whether or not it is within an individual’s “licensed” scope of practice is problematic. In a survival situation, one should do what he/she is capable of doing and let the legal dust settle out later (i.e. Good Samaritan Laws, etc.). I can honestly say that in the absence of a fully stocked and staffed Operating Room (OR), anybody with a little training, and preferably a little experience, could perform 90+% of the “medical” interventions I could perform.

During the American Civil War, a good example of an era prior to “modern” medicine with large displaced populations, the vast majority of deaths (including military units) was from infections and communicable diseases. Actual combat deaths were a significant minority. Above all else, sanitation alone, has contributed the most to increasing the life expectancy of humans. This is where I have a major problem with the idea promoted in the article by Keith in Minnesota (The Home Chicken Flock for Self-Reliance) where he suggests building immunity by constant exposure to pathogens. You do not need an MD or RN license to practice good sanitation or isolation from communicable diseases.

In the same vein as sanitation, preventive medicine is a strong contributor to life expectancy, and is more crucial now before TEOTWAWKI. If you have a gallbladder which is acting up or a problematic tooth, you should get those things addressed now while “licensed” professionals have fully stocked offices and ORs. Given the upcoming elections (and global conditions such as food shortages), your time frame for addressing these issues should likely be within 9-to-12 months.

Finally, let me address the core issue raised by DS in Wisconsin, namely the occurrence of major injury or illness in bad times. This is where a crucial paradigm shift in thought has to occur in people with medical/nursing training and/or experience. Most people in the health care community see a major injury and immediately think “ship it” to somebody or someplace else to deal with the problem. In the OR (frequently the “final common pathway” for these problems), for better or worse, we have a very fatalistic viewpoint imposed on us. Some injuries and illnesses are simply not survivable and we have accepted the fact that there will be some losses. This is a very hard thing to come to grips with while maintaining stable mental health. In my own personal case, I find comfort in the fact that I can (usually) say that I did everything I was capable of doing in the situation. Hindsight and after-action evaluation may find some deficiency, but this process should be viewed as a learning tool rather than finger pointing. Pathologic depression and protracted feelings of guilt take a major toll on healthcare providers in “critical care” areas such as ER, ICU and OR. It is difficult to explain, but there is a particular serenity in being able to accept that despite the fact that mistakes were made, one did the best he could in the heat of battle. This paradigm shift will be very difficult for many in the healthcare field. I think it would be difficult to accept that my efforts were not optimal because of some self imposed limitation such as “scope of practice”, but others may find comfort in this view. I would simply implore you to try and do everything you are capable of doing.

In the case of major injury or illness, the largest improvement in survivability will come from stopping bleeding and replacing lost intravascular volume. If major organ damage is done (such as liver, heart or brain), one has to accept that death is a likely outcome, even in the best of times (with fully stocked and staffed ORs). The problem is that there is nobody to “ship it” to, and the implications that has on the mental health of the person providing care. Apart from this, it is the rare injury, where bleeding has been stopped and intravascular fluids replaced, where immediate survival is not possible. In the case of a self limited illness like Salmonella poisoning, continued supportive care with fluid replacement will likely be all that is possible, and probably all that is necessary. For wounds and other injuries, limiting infection and supportive care will again likely be all that is possible (and likely all that is necessary). Keeping a wound clean and removing devitalized tissue is something any person (healthcare provider or not) should be capable of doing with training. One does not need to go digging for the bullet (as in Hollywood lore). In the OR, bullet removal is usually incidental to following the tract of the bullet to repair damage, not specifically to find it.

As far as material preparation, as a healthcare provider, I would suggest a stock of items which will help with these two critical areas, namely stopping bleeding and replacing lost intravascular fluid. Clean bandage material with or without a pro-coagulant (such as Quick Clot) applied with pressure will likely be all that is necessary (or possible) to stop most bleeding. An ability to provide intravascular fluid resuscitation such as an IV catheter and tubing with IV fluid (either prepackaged or home made) would put you in the top tier of being able to provide emergency medical care in a crisis. A simple battlefield surgical kit (although common household items such as scissors and tweezers will suffice) will provide the ability to keep a wound clean. If your neighbor knows that you have an RN or MD after your name, I promise you that people will come seeking help in bad times. It will be up to you to decide if you can provide it or turn them away. For your own mental health, I suggest you think about this prior to a time of crisis. – NC Bluedog

 

Dear JWR,
If I am interpreting D. in Wisconsin’s questions correctly, then they need to be addressed separately:
The first question is being posed as a licensed healthcare provider. Are you exempt from legal liability in TEOTWAWKI situations for intervening in a person’s emergent situation to render healthcare or aid and/or transporting them to a facility as the books that are referenced suggest to do? The current Good Samaritan laws, (see definition), and their facts lie in which state of the US or Canadian province you are practicing in. Notice that I said practicing in. If you are visiting or vacationing another state or country, you had best look up this law’s application for where you’re going. In October/2000, the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act (CASA) was added to the Federal Good Samaritan Law. It requires an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to be located in all Federal buildings. There is no comprehensive US Federal Good Samaritan Law as of yet which details a reciprocity for your healthcare actions or coverage in your rendering licensed assistance to a victim of injury or accident. See this site for a detailed list of the US States and their individual Good Samaritan Law. Study it carefully. Each different state has its own standards, limitations and exceptions. One consistent issue however, that is often confusing in it’s liability of risk, is whether or not you have been a previous or ongoing provider of this person’s healthcare. Meaning, if you are their routine Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or MD, that perhaps you best consider the diagnosis of why you are intervening on an emergent basis and expecting the Good Samaritan Law to provide you with protection? Is it for a different diagnosis? Like an electrocution or lake drowning or cardiac arrest or gunshot wound? Hopefully, however, even if it is for the recurrent diagnoses but with a new emergent reason, like a diabetic crisis, or a difficult child birthing, that you’ve treated before in the past that you will still make the decision to intervene and treat them for the condition, based on your scope of experience and practice skills. Don’t rely on the Good Samaritan Law to be your decision basis to help. Only you as an individual can make that difficult decision for yourself. In the TEOTWAWKI scenarios in some very rural areas or seasons, if you are the accessible to transport to “medical person”, then you are it!

The second question that is asked is specifically about transport issues. This has been a test case scenario for lawyers of Hurricane Katrina victims requiring emergency intervention in Louisiana and Mississippi . Since that lesson, there is still no proposed Federal intervention of the Good Samaritan Law. I say that we do not need to federalize good moral practice. If more people will just do what must be done in obvious emergencies or accidents and stop looking for the government or the lawyers to decide for them what is best, then we’ll be able to truly practice what is best for them and for our medical professions. Look up the bible’s definition of what it means of being a Good Samaritan. Ask yourself, Why would you in a TEOTWAWKI situation, transport that emergent someone who needs assistance immediately, and is the intervention needed either not possible to do, or not wise to do, because it’s over your head and experience and skill level. However, even after you consider all of these answers, if you are the best or only one that is available, then it’s you! You’re it. Do your honest best and pray and be willing to accept some losses and your own human weaknesses.

In summary, get your medical certifications up to date, if you’re retired, consider reallocating your license to volunteer practice status. You should already know current CPR practices, which according to the AMA have recently been revised to advocate no more mouth to mouth required for arrest cases and know how to use an AED. But, the true moral to this whole story is, “Nosce te ipsum!” Know Thyself! Know your limitations. Now, not later is the time to acquire the skills and supplies and medications you will need to be the best you can be to offer medical assistance in a TEOTWAWKI situation for your family, friends, community, or if you chose to hang that shingle out of your retreat as the “Doctor is In”. And if you chose to assist as a licensed medical person, it is your personal responsibility to have the qualifications to back your actions! I hope this information helps us all when the time arises, and it will. – KBF

Odds ‘n Sods:

Our friend Michael Bane, a gun writer and video producer (of Down Range TV and “Shooting Gallery” on The Outdoor Channel) now has short review segments on Ruger’s new polymer frame SR9 and LCP .380 pistols. The latter, weighing only 9.4 ounces looks like a cross between a Seecamp and a Kel-Tec. I’m not a fan of the pipsqueak .380 ACP (9mm Kurz) cartridge, but a gun that is close at hand at all times is vastly superior to grasping at air when trouble arrives. Concealed carry is, after all, a compromise. If I was expecting trouble, I’d be carrying a .308 battle rifle–not any any sort of handgun. Be sure to check out Michael’s many blog articles and videos.

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Frequent content contributor RBS found this archive of useful solar cooking articles.

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Reader MGB suggested the “Trapped in Your Home” calculator page. After having read about modern tanning and leather preservative chemicals, I cannot concur with their mention of leather clothing and furniture as emergency food sources.

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Some commentary from Jim Jubak: Market ‘reforms’ a gift to Wall Street. His mention of the lack of regulation on derivatives contracts is right on target.

Notes from JWR:

I’m quoted in today’s issue of the New York Times (Sunday, April 6, 2008), in an article titled “Duck and Cover: It’s the New Survivalism”. The article is buried back in the Fashion and Style section. My quotes are on the second page of the online edition. The article itself is well-balanced, but readers just glancing at the title and accompanying photos will no doubt subconciously marginalize survivalists as some sort of paranoid whackos.

Today we present another article for Round 16 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The writer of the best non-fiction article will win a valuable four day “gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. (Worth up to $2,000!) Second prize is a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, generously donated by Jake Stafford of Arbogast Publishing. Round 16 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entries. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival will have an advantage in the judging.

Retreat Livestock Guardians, by TD

When the grid goes down and predation goes up, from animals (wild and feral/formally domesticated) and other people will be a very large problem. The television show Jericho showed some of the problems with diminished game and a lack of dogs and cats.

Right now a lot of city dwellers complain about the population of deer, raccoon, opossum, coyote and others. In the city they are a problem right now. If something drastic were to happen it would decimate those populations, removing most outside food sources for cities. Most people, who do not hunt for food, hunt for trophies and they do take a lot of natural predators. What happens when this stops?

Out in the country you will see an increase in natural and formally domestic [feral] predators, therefore depleting the amount of game that can be found. In the city it will be far worse, dogs when they go feral run in packs and will eat almost anything, they will attack humans. Even now in the country feral dogs prey on livestock, taking calves, colts and lambs, larger packs will start taking larger (full grown) animals as they need. How can this be stopped or slowed?

Then the biggest worry, other people. There are people now who, though it isn’t for food, do steal livestock. Horse meat when at prime prices drives the theft of horses to unimaginable extents, not tomorrow, but now. There is a lot of that still happening and with tattoos or micro chipping the slaughter houses don’t have the resources to check as thoroughly as they could. Is there a deterrent? What happens when the grid goes down and people are stealing to eat or for their own gains?

If you have the land you need to raise your own stock and you need to be able to protect it now and in the future. Do you have the resources to defend it? If not what are your alternatives? Have you thought about livestock guardians? What ones would best suit you?

Donkeys are a very good choice for a herd guardian against predators, not so much against people. Sometimes you need to remove them during birthing then re-introduce after the babies are a few days old. You can pack with them and ride them and they will do damage to wolves, coyotes, bobcats, lynx and even mountain lions. They can live to be in their thirties and do require the same care as do horses (to a lesser extent). They are easy to handle if trained well and early.

Llamas are another good guardian, although they are not very good with dogs (I have seen them chase and kill domestic pets). They can be used lightly and they can spit very badly. They do need more grooming and can be aggressive at times (depends on the sex and time of year).

The livestock guardian dog (LGD) is by far the best choice. These dogs are large, wary of strangers, protective and will kill predators. Most of these dogs stand over 25 inches at the shoulder and for females no less than 75 pounds and males no less than 90 pounds, there are a few that top 120 pounds for females and 180 pounds for males. You do need to find the dog that will suit you and your climate and make your choices accordingly.

With herding dogs (except for collies) they work on a stalker prey drive that can cost you livestock. You can see it in the working dogs eyes. With LGDs they are part of the herd, they think that the animals and people are their siblings and alpha dog (pack leader).

The dogs I have researched may cost more than your typical dogs, but they serve a dual purpose and will not harm your livestock. Most of these dogs are low energy and don’t eat much more than a German Shepherd after the age of 1 year. Some do take longer to mature and some take more time to train, but when you are done you have a dog that will take care of you and your other animals. With the shear size of some of these dogs most people think twice before even getting close to them.

The Komondor is an excellent example of LGD – This is an ancient Hungarian sheepdog of Asiatic origin. In guarding herds of cattle and sheep, or house and property, he displays dauntless courage. He attacks boldly and silently. He regards the area he watches as his property, and will not tolerate strangers. He is distrustful by nature. They need good training and you need to get to know them, I suggest talking with breeders and trainers.

The Great Pyrenees is very popular throughout some of the small farming communities in Tennessee – Character and temperament are of utmost importance. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges both human and animal.

The CAO (Central Asian Ovcharka or Shepherd)–a relatively new breed to the U.S.–does deserve mention. They can handle all climates and they are used to working with little or no supervision. For centuries, the Central Asian Shepherd Dog worked alone or together with several other dogs, without much intervention from the herdsmen, relying on its own intelligence and instincts to do its job. While these dogs are very devoted to their family members, they expect to be treated with respect. They are inclined to be suspicious of strange people or dogs. Central Asians are steady, even-tempered dogs who adjust well to change in their environment. When threatened, they react quickly and with complete seriousness. Central Asians are slow to mature and require extensive socialization and patient training techniques. This breed is hardy and able to adapt to a wide range of climates. Serious faults: Irritable, nervous or fearful dogs are to be severely penalized.

Anatolian Shepherd is a large not quite as massive guardian, they are agile and when they have the right temperament you can’t find a better dog. They are being used a lot now for police work and the aggressiveness that is seen is not the norm for these dogs.

Those are the breeds I have actually researched, looking for the dogs I will be adding to our retreat. I will not just add 1 as when you breed responsibly you can sell the puppies for the grid goes down or after they can be bartered. There are numerous other breeds I am still gathering information on. There is a lot of reference material available on training and picking a puppy. Refer to Livestock Protection Dogs by Orysia Dowydiak and David Sims.It seems to be a favorite online and one featured by the USDA at one of their web pages.

Here is a partial list of other LGDs that might be suitable:
The Akbash, Maremma, Tibetan Mastiff, Aidi (Atlas Sheepdog), Castro Laboreiro, Estrela Mountain Dog, Kangal, Kuvasz, Perro de Pastor Mallorquin, Polish Tatra, Pyrenean Mastiff, Sarplaninac, South Russina Ovcharka, Spanish Mastiff, Tibetan Kyi Apso, and the Tornjak.

Letter Re: Homemade Alcohol Stoves

James,
A few years ago I was interested in methanol since it worked well in fuel cells to generate electricity without combustion. Alas, I found that methanol [“wood alcohol”] is very toxic. Anyone in a burning methanol [extensively in a confined space] would shortly after feel “drunk” then [might eventually] die from methanol poisoning. Additionally, methanol you spill on your hands enters your bloodstream and damages your liver (permanently), any you inhale does likewise, and any that hits the ground will poison the soil and groundwater. Its bad stuff, not something you want to have around unless you really have to. – Inyokern

JWR Replies: Thanks for adding those safety warnings. I was aware of the dangers of ingesting methanol, but I was not aware that the fumes and skin contact were so insidious. I will append my reply to LeAnne’s instructional post. Based on your warnings, I can now only recommend grain alcohol (ethanol) for use in tin can stoves.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“There has been a decline in ethics and we’ve got to turn it around.” – Eliot Spitzer, quoted in 2007. (Spitzer was recently forced to resign his post as as New York Governor, after revelations about hiring prostitutes)

Note from JWR:

Today we present another article for Round 16 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The writer of the best non-fiction article will win a valuable four day “gray” transferable Front Sight course certificate. (Worth up to $2,000!) Second prize is a copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, generously donated by Jake Stafford of Arbogast Publishing. Round 16 ends on May 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entries. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival will have an advantage in the judging.

Camping Trips as Training for WTSHTF, by DPM

In the times that may soon be upon us, we may need to live in a way we are not accustomed to or prepared for. I suggest camping as a method of acclimatization to those circumstances. My brother and I are avid campers. Usually getting up to higher elevations, at least 25 times a year. These are often not just overnighters but from two days to up to a week. My personal best year was 32 camping trips from mid February to as late as November, including a full week as a vacation. I have gotten too much sun on Saturday and snowed on, on Sunday of the same weekend. I have seen weekends when it rained the entire time, which limited some activities, to temps that were higher than average or expected. We reside in a desert valley, so I am conditioned to it.

On each of these occasions, I have been prepared with what I brought along. On several occasions we have invited friends, stating beforehand that they need to be prepared and put some thought into what they might need. It never fails that someone doesn’t bring something that they needed. This was the case one very rainy weekend, when my brother and I fashioned ponchos out of large trash bags that I always have in my pack and in my truck. They can be used for a multitude of purposes, including (among others) caching water, distilling, as slings, for shelter and the aforementioned ponchos. Live and learn. I hope it was a learning experience for my friends. Although neither has asked to come along again.

We do what I call vehicle camping, meaning we carry and have everything we need in our vehicles.
My vehicle is a 1981 Bronco, and my brother’s vehicle is a 1989 Bronco II . Both have V-6 engines and have manual transmissions. The vehicles are used as the base for our camp, sleeping, hygiene, cooking and entertainment centers. The only thing we don’t use our vehicles for is sanitation. We set this up away from camp and always dispose of waste properly.

I have everything [needed for camping] in my vehicle at all times and is not excessive. It includes tools, camp equipment, some recovery equipment that doubles as camp tools and some spare parts. The spar parts includes a spare battery that also provides the juice for watching television on Saturday night. (Hey, you have to have something to do when the sun goes down.) With practice and trial and error you will decide what you need, what you don’t and what is excess weight. It is all packed and squared away safely and is easy to get out and repack. I try to always have the gas tank and propane as full as possible, and my vehicle stocked with food and water, and for the most part is ready to go at all times.

We use the excuse to camp to actually practice living in situations when you may not have all the conveniences of home. We especially use the chance to practice our skills. You would be surprised how difficult it can be to start and maintain a fire in inclement weather. Not to mention that you have to find wood , drag it back to camp and chop it. I don’t mean with a chainsaw, I mean chop it into reasonable size logs for the fire, with an axe. Enough to maintain a fire for your stay (fire cautions notwithstanding) , may it be week or a month or longer. Whether it is for ambience, cooking or to heat water for those dirty dishes and for washing oneself. You also get to appreciate how they used to do it. Too big a fire and you consume too much wood, not stoked enough and it goes out, requiring extra effort to restart it. As an aside, I have completely covered my fire with dirt and returned five days later and used the coals underneath to restart my fire.

As well as having fun, we incorporate some skill building into our outings. My brother and I will pick features from the map and navigate to and from them using the map and compass. In the beginning , I will admit having to break out the GPS to return to camp. But it was a learning experience, and has not been used since. During these day hikes, we take our day packs with water and the other 10 essentials, as well as other items that might be needed just in case. And of course a weapon.

During these hikes , you will find out about your physical condition, if your boots will hold up and how important the right pair of socks can be. In hiking in the snow, you can see if your boots are really water resistant or waterproof and how important keeping your feet warm and dry is. Also you will find out how difficult it is to hike in snow at altitude. How to dress in layers and learn to pace yourself to prevent perspiring, which can have detrimental effects if allowed to cool and you are not at your destination.

On other occasions we have practiced camouflage and concealment, and built lean tos, using the features found around us, rocks branches, crevices and ravines, depending on weather outlook.
While on hikes we observe and take note of natural features, wildlife, practice tracking, finding small game, finding water sources and identifying plants. On other occasions have hunted small game, which is in season. On a couple of occasions , we have even played an “adult “version of hide and seek Something , a couple of friends didn’t entirely understand. The purpose was to learn to track and locate and observe others, while avoiding detection. It might come in handy.

If the hunting of small game was successful, we have cleaned and prepared the animal for consumption, when returning to camp.
Rabbits, squirrels and birds all require different preparation, with some similarities. Knowing how to dress and prepare game is a very useful skill. It is something I have done frequently. In all of these outings, we have never gotten ill or sick from these activities. Camp sanitation is a mandatory practice.

During your outings, you will get to know your equipment , how to keep the knives and axes and hatchets sharp, how lanterns and stoves work and light, which is why I now use propane . Nothing is more frustrating than trying to work with an uncooperative kerosene stove or lantern, which has led to a new game, “the camp equipment toss” which is an accumulation of points for height and distance. All in fun, we retrieve the discarded item and dispose of it properly. But the underlying theme is to know that your equipment works, and what can go wrong. Just have a backup plan, remember the fire?

In all of our outings we have practiced maintaining a sanitary camp, such as digging a waste pit, washing up after “going for a walk” after breakfast. Washing dishes in hot water. Using caution when preparing small game or cooking, to prevent cross contamination. Discarding of trash in bags brought with us, I don’t like burning trash, but in an extended stay or emergency , I would . We have never gotten ill or spread anything despite of our primitive conditions.

We also practice safety, being careful while using and sharpening knives, axes and even can openers, a cut can easily get infected in primitive conditions. Other things such as keeping the camp uncluttered, not consuming to much alcohol and watching where you step at night, past the illumination of the camp lantern.

For the most part , we sleep in our vehicles, even having the comfort of an air mattress and a 0 degree [Fahrenheit] sleeping bag. It cuts down on having to carry around the weight of a tent.

I have a system of tarps and bungees which I fasten over my truck for sealing up at night. One for closing up the rear of the vehicle and one for making a canopy with a couple of discarded three-section poles from another canopy, and rope & stakes. This keeps me and the kitchen area out of the elements, and has been tested in the wind and rain with success.

I have camped at 9,000 feet and as low as 4,000 feet elevation. I am prepared for and have dealt with many weather conditions. We mostly stay at higher elevations in the summer and lower elevations in the winter depending on road closures and access.

It is always an enjoyable experience and makes us really appreciate the amenities of running water, electricity, and of course flushing toilets. For the most part , these trips are for pleasure, but have also been preparation and training courses. Each time , we learn something new or brush up on existing knowledge and skills.

There was also an occasion recently when a transformer in a local substation let go and placed the neighborhood in darkness. You could see the occasional flashlight bouncing around as neighbors checked to see what happened, but I went to my truck and broke out the camping lantern and lit up the whole back yard and patio. It was a pleasant evening and I was on the patio anyway.

I am sure I did not touch on some activities that others would deem necessary, just what I have done on past outings. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors and use it as preparation and familiarization with conditions you will encounter in most places outside the city lights, and possibly conditions likely to happen if TSHTF.