X 66 MODERN TRAINING. 



The dog can be broken from hunting, either wholly or par- 

 tially, quite as well as from any other act, and he very nat- 

 urally interprets constant restraint and frequenfpunishment 

 as being inflicted for the act of hunting, and not for the 

 manner of it. When permitted to self-hunt, the progress is 

 not obstructed by arbitrary rules. 



The amateur is disposed to think that if the puppy points, 

 the greatest difficulty has been overcome, and the main part 

 of the training completed. The act of pointing, while in- 

 dispensable, is but one of several equally important. Dash 

 and range, being essential, should be cultivated from the 

 first, which cannot be done if the dog is not given his head. 

 Pointing will be established in due time almost to a cer- 

 tainty; however, without the ability to range and find birds, 

 the mere ability to point well is of little value. 



In giving the preparatory work, the puppy should be 

 taken afield in the morning hours when the birds are out in 

 search of food, when the scent is good, the temperature 

 cool, and therefore when the conditions are most favorable, 

 if the training is in fall or early spring. Rarely is it advis- 

 able to run two puppies together, their mutual jealousy 

 prompting them to repeated errors, or the mutual confidence 

 inspired, prompting them to willful disobedience. 



When the dog's field work is begun, the trainer should 

 note the condition of the dog's health. If he is not in good 

 health and physical condition, he is wholly unfit for work. 

 Dogs which have been in close confinement should be started 

 to work very gradually. Also the greatest care should be 

 taken to avoid overwork. When the puppy has had 

 enough, let him rest well or quit for the time being. 



Thrashing a dog at this stage, for mistakes, conveys no 

 profitable educational experience; he derives no knowledge 

 therefrom which will enable him to perform better at the 

 next opportunity. No expectations need be entertained 



