BREAKING AND HANDLING. 137 



thing in it for other than the briefest period of time; hence 

 he is incapable of receiving his lesson in a satisfactory man- 

 ner when in that condition. A yard, for obvious reasons, is 

 much better for summer training. After the lessons are 

 begun once, they should be given punctually every day. 

 This is specially necessary to teach thoroughly, and make 

 proper progress. Frequently by neglecting the puppy for a 

 few days, he may develop some whim, crankiness or objec- 

 tionable trait, when the lessons are recommenced, which 

 will add greatly to the trouble of teaching him; furthermore, 

 a puppy's memory is not always retentive, therefore it is 

 pleasanter, better and quicker to observe precise regularity. 

 Nevertheless, if the dog is cowed much by the use of the 

 spike collar, suspension of the lesson for a week or two, or 

 until his confidence and spirits are restored by the kindest 

 treatment, providing he has been trained to a stage in 

 retrieving where little punishment is required, is frequently 

 very beneficial to timid dogs, and sometimes to obstinate 

 ones. If, in this interval, the trainer can secure the affec- 

 tions of the obstinate dog, he may, by flattery and kindness, 

 induce him to take an' interest in retrieving without much 

 punishment. The trainer will have to rely on his own judg- 

 ment as to the propriety of giving the dog a rest. The res- 

 olutely obstinate, sulky,* churlish, or ill-natured dog will 

 not be benefited by it. 



One lesson in the morning and evening respectively are 

 sufficient for one day; and the lesson should not be long, 

 say fifteen minutes, unless the dog is unusually stubborn or 

 vicious, when it may be longer. When he does nicely it 

 may be shorter. It is well to make the lesson end with 

 some little act of pleasant obedience. Pet the dog for 

 doing well, and learn to stop without attempting to force 

 him through the whole course at once. The true system is 

 to teach the simple elements one at a time, perfecting the 



