BREAKING AND HANDLING. 99 



this to using the voice, but such does not find general favor, 

 and is unnecessary. 



Every command should be given in a firm tone, but the 

 greatest care should be taken to use the ordinary tone of 

 voice; and the ordinary demeanor should also be observed. 

 No other tone or demeanor will be required if the dog is 

 broken in a proper manner. After a time the ordinary tone 

 becomes habitual; also loud tones and excited exterior be- 

 come habitual if practiced, hence the necessity of avoiding 

 objectionable habits. 



A dog can be taught to obey the slightest signals with 

 the greatest nicety. . When he is too far away to distinguish 

 them, the whistle comes into play. The awkward, ungraceful 

 style of delivering signals with the arms widely extended 

 and the whole frame stretched should be avoided. Some 

 trainers unconsciously put force enough into a signal to 

 give the impression that they lifted the dog along by main 

 strength. A light, graceful motion is every bit as effective 

 and much less laborious. 



It is surprising that a dog can be taught to obey a slight 

 signal to such a degree of perfection. The common block 

 trick which is performed by many trick dogs, illustrates the 

 capacity of the dog to comprehend very slight sig- 

 nals. For the benefit of those who never have seen it, it 

 may be mentioned in this connection to show the uselessness 

 of very demonstrative signals. A number of blocks, hav- 

 ing the necessary letters or figures printed on them, are 

 placed in a row a few inches apart. A certain name or 

 number is given, the letters or figures of which the dog is to 

 pick out in the correct order of succession to spell the word 

 or notate the numbers correctly. The dog walks along the 

 row, stops, picks out the correct letter or number, one at a 

 time, and carries it to his trainer. This trick never fails to 

 mystify the spectators. The eye of his master, though ap- 



