j82 MODERN TRAINING. 



many instances requires quite a long while to determine 

 this. 



When the puppy is drawing to a point, after he has learned 

 how to point, he should be permitted to do so in his own 

 manner. If there is danger that he will flush and chase, he 

 may be given a word or two of caution; but the disgusting 

 and interminable bawling out of orders, and the loss of 

 temper common to amateurs, and a few who are not pre- 

 cisely such, are wholly unnecessary and accomplish no good; 

 on the contrary, they do much harm. Such turbulence has 

 its origin in the fears of losing a shot rather than in intense 

 zeal in dog training. 



Now, in steadying a dog to his point, it should be borne 

 in mind that a short point, in most instances, will serve the 

 dog's purpose, /. e., to spring and capture when the birds 

 are located ; but by the art of the trainer, the point is pro- 

 longed and steadied to serve the purpose of the shooter. 

 In place of flushing the birds, he is taught to avoid doing 

 so. This, if properly taught, is done by slow degrees. 

 If it can be done by repeated opportunities and kindnesses, 

 such is the best method; if the dog is willful or heedless of 

 his handler, the whip must be administered after every 

 willful flush. In this connection, as with others where pun- 

 ishment is advised, the trainer must observe careful judg-. 

 ment as to the severity of the punishment and the disposi- 

 tion of the dog, for there is a turning point from the effects 

 of punishment that must be carefully watched for; if passed, 

 the most courageous dog may become cowed and blink, then 

 there is trouble for the trainer. 



If the dog is extremely difficult to control, a light check-- 

 cord should be attached to his collar. When he points, 

 the trainer can step on the checkcord and walk along it to 

 him. When the birds are flushed then, the dog is under 

 control. If he struggles hard to chase the birds, a spike 



