140 MODERN TRAINING. 



the right backward, thus drawing the collar very tightly 

 around his neck and shutting off his wind; his mouth will 

 open instantly; place the cob in it, at the instant loosening 

 the collar. After two or three punishments of this kind, the 

 most obstinate dogs will open their mouths when they feel 

 the collar tightening. Thus the beginning is a light jerk 

 for those that will cry out easily, and a choke for such as 

 will not. The latter is less painful and terrible to the dog 

 than violent jerks which he cannot possibly comprehend. 

 Now, the amateur should make a firm stand to avoid the 

 fault which is common to all amateurs, and which has the 

 most pernicious effects, namely, he should not begin the 

 next stage before its preparatory stage is completed. Keep 

 the dog in the first stage until he will open his mouth, with- 

 out punishment, when the order Fetch is given. If it re- 

 quires five or six lessons, or five or six dozen lessons, give 

 them faithfully, for it is self-evident that, if the dog cannot 

 perform the simple parts, he cannot reasonably be expected 

 to perform the more complex. 



The greatest consideration should be shown the dog at 

 this stage. Remember that he is wholly ignorant of what 

 is required. Even if he does not perform any part of the 

 act perfectly, he should be excused, providing he shows any 

 willingness to please. Nothing is so worthy of supreme 

 contempt as punishing a willing dog which from ignorance 

 cannot obey. Such dog should be shown how to perform, 

 and repeated lessons are necessary by which to teach him. 

 Remember that force is purely an accessory, to be used 

 only when needed. The amateur may think that so much 

 pains with details are unnecessary, and he may force the 

 training unreasonably fast. If the dog happens to be of the 

 right temperament to endure the punishment, the amateur 

 may make a success ; but for one success of this kind, he 

 will make a dozen failures if he should attempt to tram 

 many dogs. 



