54 MODERN TRAINING. 



as possible. If it is necessary to correct him when he is 

 working in the field, it is better not to resume work until his^ 

 good nature is restored. By aggravating this unpleasant* 

 trait, it can be greatly developed, much to the injury of the 

 dog's value; hence the necessity of keeping it dormant. 



The cunning dog displays admirable address in his 

 schemes to have his own way. He flushes, affects an air of 

 innocence and submission, and pretends it was an accident; 

 he will pretend to misunderstand an order which is not 

 pleasing to him, and will cheerfully proceed to work at 

 something else, or go in some other direction which is more 

 consonant with his inclination; he well knows when he is 

 out of sight of his master, and can therefore flush and chase 

 with impunity. At such times, if the whistle is blown, he is 

 oblivious to it; but the moment his trainer comes in sight, 

 he is all obedience and decorum. Like other animals en- 

 dowed with reason, he may, in his peculiar way, be dishonest; 

 when sent to retrieve a bird which fell out of sight he may 

 eat it, although strictly honest when under the eye of his 

 trainer. He learns a thousand little wiles and artifices, and 

 by success in their exercise learns to play his master with 

 the greatest finesse, if the master unhappily should attribute 

 all his acts to pure instinct, and should therefore be uncon- 

 scious of his inventive powers. A few wholesome correc- 

 tions stimulate the dog's perceptions extensively. He 

 knows when his tricks are discovered, and if once com- 

 pletely circumvented in all his wiles, he is cunning enough 

 to know that working in his handler's interest is the more 

 agreeable course to pursue. 



The dog which is difficult to train from excess of enthu- 

 siasm usually comes gradually under control, if given work 

 plentifully. Enthusiasm is one of the most excellent traits. 



A general knowledge, at least, of the peculiarities of 

 different dispositions is necessary, and must be duly observed 

 in the methods of training. 



