BREAKING AND HANDLING. 139 



taining fixed conditions it may be mentioned that, even 

 when the dog is half trained in the primary lessons, if the 

 trainer takes the collar in his left hand, thus reversing the 

 positions if he is right-handed, the dog will become as con- 

 fused and incapable as an average man who is right-handed 

 would be, in wing shooting, if required to shoot from the 

 left shoulder. A light jerk should be given at first to test 

 the dog's temper and the effects of the collar, there being a 

 variety of effects produced on different dogs, some will cry 

 out at the slightest pain, others become apathetic, others 

 again become obstinate or vicious, or frightened or sulky. 

 Every different phase requires a special treatment. The 

 timid dog, or the one which will cry out at slight punish- 

 ment, should be forced to retrieve with the greatest delib- 

 eration and gentleness. The others must be forced to obe- 

 dience, always, noting the effects of the punishment, and 

 modifying or increasing it according to requirements. 



The first punishment is merely to make the dog open his 

 mouth. If he will cry out at slight punishment, that is all 

 that is necessary or desirable in the beginning. Immedi- 

 ately, when he opens his mouth, place the object in it, giving 

 at the same time, in a quiet tone of voice, the order, Fetch. 

 The very instant that the corn cob is in his mouth, a cob 

 being the best to begin on, the collar should be slackened 

 and punishment should cease; however, he should be forced 

 to remain steadily in place and hold the cob. In the first 

 stages it is better to retain a hold on the cob with the left 

 hand to prevent him from ejecting it, any such effort meet- 

 ing a warning pull on the collar. The instant cessation of 

 punishment, when the dog obeys or has the semblance of 

 obeying, holds good throughout every stage of retrieving. 

 If the dog will not cry out when the collar is jerked lightly, 

 it is unwise to jerk him severely. Catch the collar close to 

 his neck with the right hand, give the hand a firm twist to 



