DOGS 503 
In ranging, the dog should adjust his efforts to fit 
the circumstances of cover and open, casting closer 
in a broken cover country than in an open country, and 
he should come into view of the shooter at reasonable 
intervals to note the proper course as a base line to 
guide him in keeping within proper bounds. When 
hunting in cover exclusively, as in hunting ruffed 
grouse and woodcock, his proper range should not 
much exceed that of the spaniel; that is, gunshot. 
Back, back stand, or back set, is when one dog stands 
stanchly at sight of a pointing dog, the attitude of the 
backing dog being much like that which he assumes 
on a point, though in many instances it is more or less 
relaxed. In any case, as the dog advances in years, 
he backs with less intensity. 
If the pointing dog has pointed false a few times, 
the backing dog, observing that the act is deceptive, 
loses confidence in his fellow worker, disregards his 
points, and goes on about his own affairs, or breaks 
in to see what it is all about. 
Dogs quickly comprehend the significance of each 
other’s movements. Some deferential dogs will back 
when they observe their bracemate drawing on game, 
being satisfied to take a subordinate position at every 
opportunity. Other dogs, on the contrary, may cast 
in ahead at top speed when they see a dog roading or 
drawing, being ambitious to secure the point. Some 
will back well for a moment, then move forward a 
few steps at a time, playing craftily to steal the point. 
Some dogs, again, will back or point honestly when 
