BREAKING AND HANDLING. 219 



his movements; the puppy is immediately impressed by it, 

 although the act should not be practiced as a deception. 



With the average dog, this treatment will be sufficient to 

 establish backing if the dog is afforded sufficient opportu- 

 nity. Yet a few dogs will be found which are very back- 

 ward, and the lessons may not have any visible effect in pro- 

 moting the purpose; nevertheless, the lessons must be con- 

 tinued precisely the same as if each one was the last, and 

 would effect the purpose. Other little arts may be intro- 

 duced. When a combination of circumstances combine to 

 favor it, the puppy may come running in while the dog is 

 pointing. He then should not be interfered with in any 

 manner. To caution him is sure to defeat the purpose. If 

 he does not see the pointing dog until he is close on him, so 

 much the better. When he does see him, his surprise is so 

 great and his caution, from a comprehension of the purpose 

 of the act, is so stimulated, that he may stop instantly and 

 back with great perfection. He may hold it with steadiness 

 or break it in a few seconds; but once done, it is easy to es- 

 tablish steadiness by repetition. This is the usual manner 

 in which many dashing, high-spirited puppies make their 

 first back; those which are backward in their lessons also 

 frequently learn in this manner. 



There are individuals which, notwithstanding a full com- 

 prehension of the act of pointing, will ignore all method 

 from their intense jealousy or desire to get to the birds. 

 With such dogs the whip is beneficial. If the dog presses 

 forward when he ought to remain on a back, whip him. The 

 same results are effected by fear of pain that should have 

 resulted from experience. This method requires discretion 

 in its application. Just sufficient to effect the purpose is all 

 that is necessary 



The dog which has no perception or interest in respect to 

 backing can be taught to drop when he sees a dog on point. 

 15 



