Mike.....
IMO - The definition of "Help Dog" Is acute. That being said.....regarding ability.....the spectrum is grand! A "Help Dog" can be anything from a dog that keeps you company till the first bark (not my preference) to a well seasoned dog that strikes its own. The common factor among ALL "help dogs" is that they must contribute to the pack.....in one way or another they should help you achieve your goal. This could be a dog that specializes in putting the breaks on a hog if at all possible. It could be a small framed dog that gets through briars quick. It could be a leggy dog that will suck up a runner on open ground.
You could try and argue that an up and coming pup or a seasoned hunting dog that has or does strike hogs is not a help dog I guess but facts is facts....if the dog is not striking the majority of the hogs....he's just helping complete the job
