Makes sense. Dogs as sentries and to provide a "skirmish line" seems reasonable.

In Vietnam the locals often used ducks, guinea hens, etc. as sentries. Devilishly effective. Often couldn't see them in time to prevent their god-awful squawking, shrieking or whatever they chose to do. Folks on recon and night missions often carried a silenced .22 to assist these critters make the transition from sentry to dinner.

As far as eating dogs, if given a choice most humans will not eat land animals which feed on flesh. We tend to eat animals which eat vegetables. I know, pigs are an exception, as well as sea creatures, but as a general rule we don't eat meat-eaters. And pigs normally eat vegies.

Lewis and Clarks' people were so damned sick of salmon they'd eat anything else. And in England way back when there was a law against serving lobster to servants more than 6 times a week. Lobsters were junk animals.

Times and tastes seem to change.

Arf