BREAKING AND HANDLING. I2Q 



vance, adding more and more. In this manner the repug- 

 nance which some dogs have to grasping feathers will be 

 overcome. Also, the glove may be increased in size and 

 weight from time to time, by stuffing it with scraps of cloth; 

 thus he will learn to grasp a larger and heavier object. 



The most precise regularity should be observed in giving 

 these lessons, since only by constant repetition and diligent 

 attention can obedience be established as a habit. Regular 

 discipline must be depended upon to bring his will into sub- 

 ordination. If the lessons are given in a desultory-manner 

 till the puppy reaches maturity, it is useless to attempt per- 

 fect training afterward by employing this method. Even 

 by omitting two or three lessons, or conducting the lessons 

 in a heedless manner, progress may be impeded. 



As to the quickness with which the dog's fun can be grad- 

 uated into steady obedience, much depends upon the tem- 

 perament of the dog, and his interest in the work. The 

 training does not always progress with uniformity even when 

 all the requirements of skillful training are observed. The 

 dog may be capricious and develop successive obstructive 

 crotchets, and frequently progress is thus brought to a stand- 

 still. Under such circumstances it is impossible to progress 

 faster than the humor of the dog will admit, if at all. It is 

 very injudicious to attempt any compulsory treatment un- 

 less the system is entirely abandoned. Such would surely 

 chill his ardor, and have a corresponding ill effect on the 

 training. 



Moreover, whatever care may have been taken in yard 

 training, the greater number of natural retrievers soon 

 acquire a slovenly manner of retrieving. He may come in in 

 segments of circles ; he may deliver the bird with reluctance 

 or give it a vicious pinch as he releases it; he may toss or 

 roil the bird in his mouth ; he may drop it several yards 

 from his handler and resume hunting, and no persuasion 



