136 MODERN TRAINING. 



is very brief. Permit him to rest and collect his ideas, then 

 pull gently on the rope and let him struggle again if he 

 will. Let him have his own time, for there is no occasion 

 for hurry, or gain by it. Repeat this as long as he will 

 struggle, which is rarely over three or four times; at all 

 events it must be continued till he will lead promptly and 

 easily with the collar; if it is done thoroughly it will save 

 trouble at a later stage of the lessons. If the dog is not in 

 good health, his lessons should be held in abeyance until 

 such time as it is good. 



Next, the dog should be taught to come in promptly to 

 order from a short distance, say ten feet. This will be the 

 outside distance that he will be required to be away from 

 his handler in the early lessons. Give the order, Come in, 

 and jerk at the same time with sufficient force to hurt him a 

 little; continue this till he comes in, then pet him and let 

 all punishment cease. After awhile, walk away to the length 

 of the rope, and repeat the lesson. When he will lead easily 

 with the collar, and obeys the order Come in, the first direct 

 lessons in retrieving may be given. For this purpose select 

 a vacant room, or some secluded, quiet place where they 

 can be given free from interruption. The hands should be 

 protected by heavy gloves, a precaution that should never 

 be neglected. They prevent the rope from, chafing the 

 hands, and protect them from abrasions, bites or scratches. 

 If the lessons are given in the summer time, early in the 

 morning or awhile before dusk in the evening being coolest, 

 are the best times for the purpose. If given during the 

 heated part of the day, the dog becomes distressingly warm 

 and listless, and he is then in no condition to train; in fact, 

 if heated during any lesson, it should end, or else permit the 

 dog to rest till he cools off sufficiently. When the dog is 

 panting severely, it is painful to him to keep his mouth closed, 

 and he has neither the power nor inclination to hold any- 



