Recipe of the Week: Dumpling Soup, by G.L.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 (1 3/8 oz) pkg onion soup mix
  • 6 cups water, hot
  • 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup packaged biscuit mix
  • 1 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
  • 6 Tbsp milk

Directions:

  1. In a slow cooking pot, sprinkle beef with dry onion soup mix and pour hot water over the meat.
  2. Stir in carrots, celery, and tomato.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until meat is tender.
  4. Turn control on high.
  5. In a small bowl, combine biscuit mix with parsley and stir in milk with a fork until mixture is moistened.
  6. Drop dumpling mixture into slow-cooking pot with teaspoon.
  7. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.

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Do you have a favorite recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? Please send it via e-mail. Thanks!

Letter Re: Just In Case: Preparing for the Evening and Day After Election 2016

JWR,

I took your advice to heart. I’m actually not waiting for election day and am assuming the worst case scenario (a Hillary win).

However, one issue I have been worrying about, and I rarely hear anyone discussing it, is the possibility of the government cutting off ammunition and reloading supplies (especially powder).

As far as I know, there is only one powder manufacturer in the U.S. The rest are in Canada, Germany, and France.

It seems it would be extremely easy for a president to issue an executive order to cut off sales to the commercial market or at least put pressure on the companies to severely limit powder production. They know they can’t get all the millions of guns already in private hands but ammunition is a consumable item. It gets used up. It seems it would be an easy bottle neck to choke off.

It goes without saying that the anti-gun lobby has desired a limitation on ammo, first in number of rounds carried in a magazine but also rounds owned or stored. Any number of excuses can be constructed to justify this. (Stock piling indicates terrorism, creation of an arsenal, et cetera.) I can hear the pious BS now. “Who needs more than 10 rounds? You don’t need that to kill a deer…”

I believe powder may become unavailable in the near future. I’d like your opinion on this issue.

Thanks, JPG

Economics and Investing:

David Stockman warns both Trump and Clinton could lead to 25% sell-off

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End Of The U.S. Major Oil Industry Era: Big Trouble At ExxonMobil

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UK court says Brexit needs parliament’s approval, complicates government plans

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Kentucky Plans to Pull At Least $800 Million From Hedge Funds

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SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos page for details.

Odds ‘n Sods:

It’s Rigged=> FBI Director Comey Clears Hillary a Second Time – B.B.

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Can One Shoot A Fleeing Robber? – DSV

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France to collect personal data of 60 million with controversial database – G.G.

HJL’s Comment: In an effort to crack down on identity theft, France tries to create a giant database where everyone’s identity information can be stored, because a bad person would never think to hack that database.

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Wanna see my drone collection? The Skywall drone capture launcher NETS those pesky drones…. right out of the sky. (Video 3:30) – T.P.

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“If America could be, once again, a nation of self-reliant farmers, craftsmen, hunters, ranchers, and artists, then the rich would have little power to dominate others. Neither to serve nor to rule: That was the American dream.” – Edward Abbey

Notes for Sunday – November 06, 2016

November 7th is the anniversary of the death of actor Steve McQueen (born March 24, 1930, died November 7, 1980). The many well-publicized exploits in his tempestuous life and his enduring persona are well known. However, the end of his life is actually the most noteworthy part of his legacy, even though it seldom gets much publicity outside of Christian circles; he came to Jesus after he had been diagnosed with mesothelioma. He died with his forefinger pointing to his key verse in his Bible– Titus 1:2.

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Today, we present another entry for Round 67 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul PMAG 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. An infrared sensor/imaging camouflage shelter from Snakebite Tactical in Eureka, Montana (A $350+ value),
  9. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  10. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A custom made Sage Grouse model utility/field knife from custom knife-maker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. Montie Gear is donating a Y-Shot Slingshot and a $125 Montie gear Gift certificate.,
  8. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value), and
  9. Fifteen LifeStraws from SafeCastle (a $300 value).

Round 67 ends on November 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

“Surviving” an Airedale– Lessons From a First-Time Owner – Part 3, by S.M.

HeartGard and Flea Control

This is a necessity especially in the Gulf Coast summers with the unusually bad mosquito and flea/tick issue resulting from the spring floods. We give our dog Heartgard to protect against heartworms and Nexgard to protect against ticks and fleas.

Dental Disease Prevention

We also use Vet recommended Virbac C.E.T. Enzyemic Oral Hygiene Chews for home dental care. These are a great addition our vet recommended for keeping teeth clean. We purchase them according to our dog’s size at the time and give one a day. (Tip: We also began giving our small, older dogs chews that we cut into one-inch strips from the bigger chews instead of having to buy a separate bag for them. Be careful cutting these, because they can be very thick.) Our canines’ teeth are immaculate and white.

Also great for teeth and chewing is a dog chew toy. Buy the Kong Black XXL. Then, cut or saw off part of the above dental chew and stick it inside the toy with a little peanut butter or cream cheese. Our Airedale loves this and will use it to entertain himself for long periods of time. This may keep him busy for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long it takes him to remove the dental chew from the Kong. Tip: Really push the chew in nice, tight, and hard to help prevent the dog from quickly removing the chew.

CAUTION! Never leave your Airedale unattended with his Kong or chew. Remove it from his possession before leaving or sleeping. Our year-old male chewed the top off of two of the large Kongs within a month, so we switched to the XXL. So far that’s working okay.

In addition to dental health benefits, these chew toys help address the Airedale’s natural desire to chew everything he can get his teeth on for the first year and a half.

Fun Training At Home

Airedales love a job, so we incorporate fun games into our training using Pup-Peroni Dog Beef Sticks. They’re an excellent positive training tool.

With this smart breed, adding to his understood vocabulary and commands seems to be limitless. We try to add at least one new command/word per week, such as:

“Stay” command at the doorway, so we go out first

“Stay” in cage when taking him out

“Collar” command while in the cage

“Take to the recycle” bin

“Checking the chickens” in their coop

“Let’s go check the mail”

“Bring in recycle bin”

“Bring in trash can”

“Go to the back door” for potty time

“Check the septic line” clean out plug (due to April/May massive floods)

“Go for a ride in the car” in the neighborhood

“Catch it” treats in his mouth

“Backup” command

“Come” command in the driveway with long 30-foot lead after “Stay”

Additional Formal Training- Tracking Class

At eight months we enrolled in a six-week introductory “Tracking” class taught by AKC-certified officials and instructors. He did very well. This is not surprising, since he always is sniffing the ground with his enormous nose. This skill obviously could be very beneficial in a grid down setting. We were provided excellent methods and techniques for ground scent tracking. Using an old leather glove and his Pup-Peroni treats, he learned to track straight, long curves, left and right turns, et cetera. This provides a fun thinking exercise for his curious mind and his natural desire to work.

Grooming

We learned two methods of grooming– clipping and stripping. Several ladies from the local Airedale Club volunteered their time to teach these grooming methods. This enabled us to try different types of grooming equipment before purchasing them. Being a part of the Club also gave us an opportunity to glean from experiences of others in many aspects of having an Airedale. These wonderful ladies had been taught by someone previously and wanted to “pass it forward”. What a great mindset to have with any skill we have. Grooming can be very expensive to have done, so their help was greatly appreciated. As we compared these two methods, we saw that clipping was a much faster method, done more often, and typically on a clean and dried coat. It also changes the color and texture of the Airedale’s coat.

Completely stripping the dog takes several days to do but retains the beautiful deep color and texture of the hair. This method only has to be done several times a year and does not require electricity, allowing it to be done anywhere and anytime. Stripping is done on a dirty coat, saving on the washing and drying time. This method does not hurt the dog when it’s done correctly.

After trying these two methods, we found that our dog does better on the grooming table in multiple short intervals of time. We have decided to strip the jacket and clip/scissor the remainder of the coat. We purchased an extra-long, sturdy 30” tall grooming table, Andis clippers, blade #10, and a medium stripping knife. Clipping the head allows us to get the desired sharp angles for that “Brick head look” and the short clean ski slope appearance on his back end. We use regular and feathering scissors on his nose and furnishings.

Shedding has not been a big issue to begin with, and grooming takes care of what little shedding there was. We have also found grooming to be a great bonding time with our dog and important for the overall health and comfort of the dog, especially being mindful in scissoring between the pads of his feet and keeping his nails tidy. Good grooming has given us a fun sense of accomplishment when we walk our Airedale down the street and someone asks if he is a show dog, to which we reply, “No, but he thinks he is.”

What We Did Right

Up to this point, some of the things we did right include:

  • Quality breeder
  • Crate training in the beginning at eight weeks
  • Both of us attending formal training and using same commands
  • Early car riding practice
  • Grooming techniques, where my wife grooms and I assist
  • Consistent training
  • Socialized early with people and other dogs
  • Science Diet dog food
  • Establishing ourselves as the pack leaders, which is still in progress
  • Choosing a vet who was familiar with Airedales (Our local vet knows the breed.)
  • Keep both collars on with leash even in the house (It’s easier to control and train him when using them.)
  • Being consistent

What We Would Have Changed

Some of the things we would like to have done differently include:

  • Underestimating the tenacity of the breed
  • We should have started the formal puppy training earlier (before six months).
  • My frustration between 4–10 months old, thinking he would never behave; he does now.
  • Spring floods knocked down our back fences, and we’re still working on them surrounding our 1.5 acres, which has required the need for daily early morning walks after his breakfast and lots of training time and play time.

Pros & Cons of Owning an Airedale

The Pros of owning an Airedale include that they are:

  • Very loving
  • Good with people and older kids
  • Loyal
  • Very intelligent
  • Unique in appearance
  • Can be a quick learner
  • Once he decides to learn “it”, he’s got it
  • Quiet, unless he needs something or is alerting

The Cons include that they are:

  • Stoic
  • Stubborn
  • Require crate time as puppies
  • Mouthing
  • Owner’s thinking dog will never behave because of dog’s strong-willed nature
  • Lots of time spent in crate for now
  • Real need to keep the leash and collar on in the house because it’s easier to control the dog. (We’re looking forward to the point when this isn’t the case.)

I believe, in the days ahead, that medium- and large-size dogs will be invaluable for your homestead regardless of the size of your yard. Since most households have a dog, it could be beneficial for a dog to serve multiple purposes, including being a watchdog/protector, companion, friend, and work dog. As evidenced by the stats cited in my research listed earlier, small dogs are the majority currently owned for reasons such as size, ease of training, and cost of dog food. However, large dog ownership has increased, and it seems to be for protection/watchdog reasons. Whether the desire is for companionship, work dog, or protection/watchdog, we have found the Airedale breed to be the perfect combination of those desires. People we have visited with who have previously owned Airedales commonly say that they would love to own another one.

In a recent experience at a very large dog show where the Airedale Club invited club members to bring their dogs and allow dog show attendees to “Meet the Breed,” we were given a wonderful visual of the true nature of an Airedale. Our dogs were in the ring with many people of different ages. A young, special-needs boy got down on his hands and knees and stared at this still-young male dog square in the face. The pup licked that boy like he had known him all his life. Our Airedale behaved like a perfect gentleman the whole time.

In conclusion, this breed is a must-have if you are willing to put in the time required to train and adopt an attitude properly communicated to your Airedale. Remember, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference” and “Never give in”. These are thoughts expressed so memorably by the legendary late Winston Churchill.

Letter Re: Just In Case: Preparing for the Evening and Day After Election 2016

JWR,

Excellent article regarding ammo and magazine purchase strategies for a worst case scenario outcome of the election. I would urge readers to go ahead and resupply ammo stocks now while the prices are still low and supplies are still relatively plentiful. After reading the article, I immediately checked my inventory and discovered I had dropped below my comfortable minimum for the calibers I shoot. Here is what I found while researching common calibers:

Pistol Calibers 9mm, .40, and 45 ACP were readily available through the major online retailers; however, bulk range ammo was available but not in the quantities I normally see at local retailers. A local reloader who I use said business was normal and they have not seen the run on ammo they were expecting…yet.

Rifle calibers for hunting are in stock everywhere that I checked. The cartridges are typically your higher end for calibers such as 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, .270 WIN, 30.06. Note that stores are stocking what they typically sell during hunting season. Try buying 300 rounds of 7mm Rem Mag locally and you will be out of luck. The more popular hunting cartridges are available online but are becoming limited.

Common Rifle Calibers for Hunting and Defensive use: .223/5.56×45, .308/762×51, 7.62×39 I found were readily available online and in bulk. Prices were in the normal range. Locally the calibers listed above are available but not in the quantities normally seen. .308 was in stock at normal levels for hunting and range cartridges. I could not find 7.62×51 locally. The local reloader had no .223 and only match grade 5.56×45. The reloader also had no .308 but would reload .308 if the customer supplied brass.

There are no shortages of primers, brass, and bullets that I have seen.

There is tension in the world and things could change quickly. Now is the time to stock up while supplies last. – Florida Dave

Economics and Investing:

Silver Price Forecast: Silver Is Looking Really Bullish In Dollars, Euros and Rands

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Gun control groups spend millions on state ballot initiatives

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The potential ‘economic catastrophe’ that no one is talking about – G.G.

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Global Interest In Silver Investment Expands As South Africa Adds New Silver Krugerrand

JWR Warns: Because this design is almost identical to the gold Krugerrand, readers are warned to start watching for faked gold-plated silver Krugerrands! Caveat emptor.

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SurvivalBlog and its editors are not paid investment counselors or advisers. Please see our Provisos page for details.

Odds ‘n Sods:

Military Leader: Iran Sending Elite Fighters Into U.S., Europe – L.R.

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DC City Council Votes to Allow Physician-Assisted Suicide – DSV

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The Rise Of Mandatory Vaccinations Means The End Of Medical Freedom – H.L.

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Civil War II – Fourth Turning Intensifying (Part I) – B.B.

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From Mike Williamson, SurvivalBlog’s Editor at Large: King County using customer grocery store data to target pet owners, send licensing notices – We don’t spy on you. We contract that out so it’s not Big Brother.

Hugh’s Quote of the Day:

“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” – Matthew 24:37-39 (KJV)

Notes for Saturday – November 05, 2016

November 6th is the anniversary of the day that B-24 Liberator co-pilot Al Millspaugh was shot down over Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, in 1944. He ended up in a Luft Stalag, until 1945. I got to know Al at some John Birch Society chapter meetings back in the late 1970s. Hearing his stories was fascinating. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the California Air National Guard. He passed away on November 24, 2014 in Kelseyville, California. My 2014 novel Liberators was in part dedicated to Al Millspaugh. – JWR

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Today, we present another entry for Round 67 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $12,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Tactical Self-Contained 2-Series Solar Power Generator system from Always Empowered. This compact starter power system is packaged in a wheeled O.D. green EMP-shielded Pelican hard case (a $1,700 value),
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate that is good for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,195 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses, excluding those restricted for military or government teams. Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper with a hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel and a hard case to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel, which can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools and a compact carry capability in a hard case or 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Gun Mag Warehouse is providing 20 Magpul PMAG 30-rd Magazines (a value of $300) and a Gun Mag Warehouse T-Shirt; (an equivalent prize will be awarded for residents in states with magazine restrictions),
  6. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  7. The Ark Institute is donating a non-GMO, non-hybrid vegetable seed package (enough for two families of four) plus seed storage materials, a CD-ROM of Geri Guidetti’s book “Build Your Ark! How to Prepare for Self Reliance in Uncertain Times”, and two bottles of Potassium Iodate (a $325 retail value),
  8. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  9. Two cases of meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Second Prize:

  1. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  2. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  3. A transferable certificate for a two-day Ultimate Bug Out Course from Florida Firearms Training (a $400 value),
  4. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  5. A Trekker IV™ Four-Person Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $250 value),
  6. A $200 gift certificate good towards any books published by PrepperPress.com,
  7. A pre-selected assortment of military surplus gear from CJL Enterprize (a $300 value),
  8. An infrared sensor/imaging camouflage shelter from Snakebite Tactical in Eureka, Montana (A $350+ value),
  9. RepackBox is providing a $300 gift certificate to their site, and
  10. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A custom made Sage Grouse model utility/field knife from custom knife-maker Jon Kelly Designs, of Eureka, Montana,
  3. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  4. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  5. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  6. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances,
  7. Montie Gear is donating a Y-Shot Slingshot and a $125 Montie gear Gift certificate.,
  8. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value), and
  9. Fifteen LifeStraws from SafeCastle (a $300 value).

Round 67 ends on November 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

“Surviving” an Airedale– Lessons From a First-Time Owner – Part 2, by S.M.

Crate Training Your Puppy: 8 weeks to 10 months

This was the most difficult stage with our Airedale. The crate was located in our family room, so he was integrated with us most of the time, except when sleeping. We purchased a large wire crate for the house and a separate 10’ x 10’ exercise pen for outdoors with a top cover from Tractor Supply purchased during a Labor Day sale. The top was included free. Most breeders begin crate training as pups. This is an effective training method for your dog and creates a secure den-like atmosphere where the pup can feel safe while sleeping. It prevents rowdy behavior, such as destroying property when left alone, especially with teething puppies. They love to chew, and there’s no better place than in his cage with a safe toy. (We use the XXL large Kong toy).

Our Airedale has spent a fair amount of time in his pen/cage inside the house because of his tendency to mouth and chew everything, and I mean everything. We bought a green dog toy for both inside and outside for him to chew and play with. It is common for pups to chew on electrical cords and shock themselves, and this must be avoided.

The crate is also where he learns to control his bladder. Dogs will go to great lengths to keep from soiling their den. Your puppy will be housebroken more quickly and experience fewer accidents when taken outside regularly. Our pup was housebroken by three months of age, but he still had the occasional accident because of training his bladder. During this stage, I discovered how smart the Airedale is and his ability to manipulate. He would sometimes do “his business” (no. 1) in the cage when he wanted my attention or when he wanted to play outside. He would stare at me as if to say, “It is play time so take me out, and I know just how to get you to take me.”

The foldable crate we have doubles as a breathable car transport in hot weather and provides a safe place to rest or sleep while enjoying a ride in the car. During cooler weather, we open up our SUV back hatch and roll down the window. Our Airedale enjoys the breeze while staying in the cage. I found a good used XL Solvit dog ramp at a local Goodwill. I use this rather than stressing his joints jumping in and out of the back of our four-wheel drive SUV. It’s made out of light-weight aluminum that folds up and fits nicely in my SUV cargo area. Note: One final word about crate training, rescue centers have indicated that the most frequent reason given for surrender of dogs is often that owners just couldn’t take the destruction of their property and home. We picked up our pup in August– the hottest part of the year. Leaving a dog out for any more than 30 minutes to an hour (sometimes that’s even too long) in the summer heat and humidity can be dangerous and even fatal. We put a baby pool full of water in the exercise cage to help the pup stay hydrated. The pool can be turned over or spilled et cetera, so supervision is still recommended. I zip tied a hose with a brass sprayer to the pen for constant misting into the pool. Airedales love the water, and he thoroughly enjoys drinking from the sprayer. The downside to this pleasurable habit was the mud he created and the dirt he then brought into the house and indoor crate. We cleaned his cage out regularly with an earth friendly product called Whip It. Sadly, we found out one of our dog’s siblings died because the owner left their pup out in the Gulf coast August heat all day.

Chewing and Mouthing

Airedales are loving dogs, but they are infamous for chewing, mouthing, and as mentioned earlier destroying anything they put their mouth on. We thought he would be like a “normal” puppy. This breed is the most tenacious puppy we’ve ever had. We can‘t say that enough! Previously, we owned a Boxer and an Australian shepherd. They were no comparison to the Airedale’s combination of energy, stubbornness, and intelligence level. Even at 14 months of age he still occasionally likes to mouth. This bad habit requires a consistent reprimand. We use the firm command “no mouth” to address this. We understand from our Airedale club that this “mouthing” may continue up until he is two years old. This is not biting. Using his front teeth to squeeze gently, he is sending a message that he doesn’t particular like what’s being commanded. We also learned this gentle mouthing might also be a sign of his affection for us. Nevertheless, he has to learn that this habit is not acceptable.

Formal Training

We found a dog-training program that has been operating for over 50 years. Their mission statement: To encourage and assist members and other interested persons to train their dogs to compete in trials according to the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club Rules and Regulations.

We signed up for six-week Obedience 1 class. Detailed information was provided at the first class outlining each week’s commands to be learned. They provided Leadership for “Being Top Dog”, Pack Leader’s Bill of Rights, and Do’s & Don’ts on How to Become a Pack Leader.

We also got a copy of The Canine Good Citizen by Jack & Wendy Volhard ©1964

Being Top Dog

It’s not a matter of choice. Since dogs are pack animals, you and your family are now part of the pack. As far as your dog is concerned, no pack can exist without a leader, and it’s either you or him. That’s the way it has to be. You may think that you just want to be friends or partners with your dog, and you can be, but for the well-being of the dog, you must be the one in charge. In today’s complicated world, you cannot rely on your pet to make the decisions. Few dogs actively seek leadership and most are perfectly content for you to assume that role, so long as you do. But you must do so, or even the meekest dogs will try and take over. Remember that it’s not a matter of choice. For everyone’s safety, you have to be the one in charge.

Pack Leader’s Bill of Rights

2. To stand, sit, or lie down where they want.
3. To have access to the “prime spots” in the household.
4. To control entry to, or from, any room in the house.
5. To proceed through all narrow openings first.
6. To initiate the hunt and dictate where to hunt.
7. To demand attention from subordinate pack members.
8. To ignore or actively discourage unwanted attention.
9. To restrict the movement of lesser ranking pack members.
10. To win all games.

Formal Training – Eight weeks to four months

We introduced the collar and leash as we continued with outside bathroom training. He didn’t like the leash training. He jumped on us and used his sharp puppy teeth on our clothes, shoes, et cetera. This is typical puppy stuff but with an Airedale attitude. We reinforced the “no jumping,” “down,” “off,” “stop” commands, et cetera. The breeder encouraged us by letting us know that the female they kept from the same litter was already very familiar the “No” word, so we continued reinforcing. At six months of age, we began the obedience training with a well-established dog school. Positive reinforcement methods were used, both positive praise and food-based rewards. Our Airedale was fitted with a German-made Sprenger prong collar, choker chain, and leather 6-foot leash. CAUTION: Always remove the prong and choker collars when the dog is unsupervised, because they can get caught on the cage and strangle the dog.

It’s very important for your dog to be fitted properly with both a prong and choker collar. The choker provides a backup for the prong collar, which occasionally can come unhooked.

He passed Obedience 1 and Obedience 2 shortly after that. Obedience 1 covered basic commands, such as dog under control, no barking, down, down/stay, settle, Heel on leash, leave it, place and automatic sits, circle right, circle left with serpentine healing, come front on leash and get it, stand and stay for five seconds, and walk around dog. The class was made up of 10 dogs varying in size and age. At six months of age, our Airedale was the youngest participate. Obedience 2 covered a review of first class plus get in, stand while handler walks full circle dog, fast recall on 15-foot leash (with sit and short finish), short and long finish, back beside wall for three steps, and twist and catch. Because he was so cute, he passed both classes even with some “minor” infractions.

Breeder Recommended Dog Food

We feed high-quality dry dog food only. Science Hill Dog Food or Purina Pro was recommended by our Breeder.

Letter Re: Five Things Women Need, by J.W.

JWR,

Another great article, thank you. One of the things I would like to comment on, that unfortunately must be strongly considered when working with our youth, is “prohibited places”. Volunteering and picking up the kids at my children’s school, I am constantly un-holstering and securing my weapon (at home or work, never in the car) BEFORE I make the trip. I carry wherever and whenever I am legally allowed. However, there have been times I was late because I realized I was armed and had to turn around to secure my firearm. Could you imagine the joy of the liberals in NYC with the headlines “Store owner brings gun to school for show and tell”. I do not need a perp walk. So, deep concealment is not an option for me, and I will do all I can to remain law abiding and not lose such a precious right, especially here in NYC, where it is so difficult to obtain a carry permit. The Donald said he will fix that! I hope and pray. So ladies and gentlemen, be ever vigilant and look at the various methods of protection, legal weapons and self defense in “prohibited places”. JWR, perhaps you could in a future article expand upon that. Thank you again for a great article and of course a great blog. – R in NYC

HJL Comments: One more reason to get out of the public indoctrination education system and participate in homeschool or private school.

Economics and Investing:

Yuan Devaluation Triggers Exodus of Wealthy Chinese, US West Coast Primary Target “60% of high net-worth individuals (HNWI) in China are planning to buy real estate in other countries over the next three years, with the target of moving one-third of their wealth overseas, according to an annual survey” – T.P.

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Gold & Silver Bullion Jewelry Closer To Spot Price: Mike Maloney – T.P.

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Cash-strapped Zimbabwe to print $75m in ‘bond notes’ – JWR’s Comment: They sound so compassionate when they say “The Bank “hopes that the cash injection will boost exports, benefit local businesses and ease the suffering” [of Zimbabwe’s poor population]. Don’t believe that. The real beneficiaries will undoubtedly be the ZANU-PF cronies who are handed this fiat currency to put it into circulation.

UPDATE: Zimbabwe finally launches Bond Notes ‘token money’

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Banks Are Hoarding $2.4 Trillion of Bonds

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