BREAKING AND HANDLING. 47 



formal methods; others which work till fatigued and then 

 will quit; some have the energy without the ability, or 

 vice versa; others will work diligently if permitted to have 

 their own way; others will sulk if offended or restrained, or 

 maliciously do the work badly; others are chilled if shown 

 any unkindness. All the peculiarities of temperament have 

 to be considered in training the dog and the methods adapted 

 to them. So far as training is concerned, the characters 

 commonly met with are the timid, the obstinate, the rattle- 

 headed, the vicious, the sulky, the cunning, and the one 

 which is difficult to handle from excessive enthusiasm. 



The timid dog is the most difficult to train if handled 

 improperly, harshness or continual restraint sometimes 

 totally spoiling him, and always injuring his capabilities. 

 He may have courage and energy when not in his handler's 

 presence; this self-reliance must be preserved when the dog 

 is in training, regardless of slow progress. If the dog's 

 confidence is lost, there is then no training. One exhibition 

 of temper, or inopportune punishment, may obliterate the 

 effects of weeks. On the other hand, if handled gently, 

 and developed by opportunity and experience, they fre- 

 quently make excellent field dogs, and are handled with 

 ease when trained. Punishment must be lightly and care- 

 fully applied; and none should be given, whatever fault is 

 committed, when birds are being worked on, if there is any 

 timidity with respect to them, or any gun shyness. All 

 timid dogs should be thoroughly yard broken before any 

 orders, except the most common and most easily obeyed, are 

 enforced in the field; although the directions as given under 

 the head of Preparatory Field Work should be observed at 

 the same time. If the timid dog will chase birds and rab- 

 bits, and point, flush and run riot generally, so much the 

 better; such faults are easily remedied in proper time; and 

 the advantages are great. There are many intelligent dogs 



