I2 g MODERN TRAINING. 



of his mouth forcibly, or any force applied to it. Simply 

 grasp it gently and command him to Give, at the same time 

 stepping on his fore foot, pressing harder and harder until 

 he will release it. Very little pressure will accomplish the 

 purpose. It is astonishing how quickly a dog will learn the 

 meaning of this order, when taught in this manner. After 

 three or four orders conjoined with the pinching of his 

 toes, he will release the ball instantly to the order, Give; 

 thus by a very little care he may be prevented from acquir- 

 ing a very disagreeable, harmful fault, which he would 

 always retain. Only by observing and perfecting these lit- 

 tle details is the finest training established. 



In teaching retrieving by this method, the lesson should 

 never be continued so long as to fatigue the dog, or impair 

 his interest in it. The associations with each lesson should, 

 so far as possible, always be pleasant, that he will anticipate 

 them with pleasure and conduct himself with spirit, bearing 

 in mind also that this method is dependent for its success 

 on the pleasure or willingness of the dog; and if the affair 

 at any juncture becomes too serious to please his fancy, it 

 may then and there end, so far as it usefully relates to 

 retrieving. 



After the puppy is fairly proficient, he should be re- 

 quired to bring various objects which he can conveniently 

 carry. If trained too long on one object, he may become 

 partial to it, and refuse to bring all others. By neglecting 

 this important consideration, the amateur will learn that, 

 while the dog may readily retrieve a glove or ball, he, from 

 having become habituated to them, will not retrieve any 

 other objects. The transition from one stage to another, 

 and one object to another, can be made gradually ; for in- 

 stance, if a dog will fetch a glove and will not fetch a bird, 

 the wings and large feathers can be neatly attached around 

 the glove, beginning with a few ; then, as the lessons ad- 



