94 



MODERN TRAINING. 



and perpetually, whether there is need of it or not. Such 

 is insufferably annoying to a companion, particularly if he 

 has a well-broken dog at work. Professional handlers are 

 not all free from this disagreeable practice, as may be ob- 

 served in the methods of the more unskillful while handling 

 their dogs at the field trials. Hence it is evident that the 

 whistle should only be used when necessary, and then should 

 always have the correct notes on it to signal the desired 

 order. If the trainer should make a mistake in the signal 

 and the dog should obey it, it is better to let him continue, 

 as two or three different signals only tend to confusion. 

 The error can be corrected a few minutes later. 



Nearly every trainer has his own peculiar signals, there 

 being nothing conventional in this respect. At field trials 

 particularly, it has been learned by experience that it is un- 

 desirable to have uniformity of signals, one handler, when 

 like signals are observed, being able to slyly manage another 

 handler's dog. It is also very undesirable, when hunting 

 with a companion, to have one's dog minding his compan- 

 ion's whistle, or nice versa. 



. Many men acquire a bad habit of carrying the whistle in 

 the mouth continually, therefrom frequently acquiring the 

 habit of blowing it excessively. It looks much better to 

 blow it when required and carry it in the pocket the re- 

 mainder of the time; otherwise it will surely be blown un- 

 necessarily, and the act will soon become habitual. When 

 noise and violence once become a fixed habit, they are 

 seldom cured. 



The checkcord has many useful places in a dog's educa- 

 tion. It serves to keep him under control if he is unsteady 

 on point, back, or to shot and wing. It is of constant use 

 in giving the preparatory yard lessons. 



A braided checkcord is the best, it being more flexible 

 and less liable to kinkiness. Different sizes are required for 



