BREAKING AND HANDLING. 231 



CHAPTER XVI. 



TURNING TO WHISTLE. 



In most instances the dog learns readily to turn by ob- 

 serving the purpose of the whistle, if the same notes in the 

 same connection are regularly used. When first teaching 

 the dog to turn, the whistle merely attracts the dog's at- 

 tention; the trainer then gives the signal, walking at the 

 same time in the direction he wishes him to go; the dog 

 will, at all events, turn to take the course of his handler. 

 By repetition the dog at last learns the meaning of the 

 note on the whistle. There should be a distinct note 

 for him to turn and take a cast back again; there should be 

 another note which signifies attention ! so that the handler 

 can give a signal by hand to order the dog in any direction 

 he wishes; and there should be a distinct note which signi- 

 fies that the dog is to come in. 



But some dogs are self-willed, and will evade obedience 

 when they can do so with impunity. The better way with 

 one of that kind is to force him to instant obedience. Take 

 him into a securely inclosed yard, put a spike collar and a 

 stout rope about ten feet long on him. The trainer walks 

 the dog back and forth. Each time he turns, he blows the 

 signal to turn, jerking the dog around at the same time 

 with the collar. Prompt obedience is soon rendered to the 

 whistle, but the lessons, which should be about ten minutes 

 in duration, ought to be given regularly each day until he 

 will turn promptly without force being used. Then the col- 



