BREAKING AND HANDLING. 155 



able to the puppy without being fatiguing, it is easily under- 

 stood and readily learned. Punishment is inadmissible and 

 unnecessary. It is one of the few methods that, from its 

 simplicity, has not been susceptible of improvement, the old 

 methods therefore holding good. 



The lessons may be given in any suitable place, in the 

 house, yard or field, according as the state of the weather 

 or the inclination or convenience of the trainer dictates. 



The trainer provides himself with about fifteen or twenty 

 small pieces of meat, weighing- each about a half ounce or 

 ounce. He takes but one piece in his hand at a time while 

 giving the lesson, the rest being placed in a position where the 

 dog cannot smell or reach it. If all of it is held in the hand, 

 it will wholly engage his attention, thus impeding the lesson. 



If in the fields, place a piece of the meat on the grass, 

 permitting the dog to note the proceedings, since it is desir- 

 able that he should know where the first few pieces are con- 

 cealed, so that his interest will be excited. Lead him three 

 or four steps away, then give the order Find, releasing him 

 at the same instant, whereupon he will go directly to the 

 meat. 



After a few pieces have been given in this manner, he 

 knows that, when he hears the order, there is something 

 desirable to search for. The method is then slightly 

 changed. He is required to find the meat without any pre- 

 vious knowledge of its whereabouts. Place one hand over 

 his eyes, or throw out the meat when he is not looking, then 

 give the order, Find. If he is backward in his attempts, or 

 gives up the search quickly, assume an air of interest and 

 pretend to search for it yourself, engaging his attention also 

 in it. By observation and imitation, he will soon learn to 

 search keenly for it, particularly if the trainer takes the pre- 

 caution to give the lesson when the dog is hungry. With 

 an indolent dog it occasionally is beneficial to pretend to 



