242 MODERN TRAINING. 



greater number of cases can be easily cured by deliberation 

 and tact. If the dog is apparently cured by harsh treat- 

 ment, it is by becoming habituated to it he could have 

 been cured much quicker by kind treatment. 



If a dog is intelligent and free from nervousness, but little 

 more than an opportunity to learn the uses of the gun is 

 required to effect a permanent cure. A few small birds 

 killed with light charges, shot under conditions favorable 

 for him to see them, frequently allay all fears. A light 

 checkcord should be kept on him at the start, if he evinces 

 any disposition to run away. 



If a sportsman does not intend to train his dog himself, 

 it is much better to refrain from any partial training. Train- 

 ers much prefer to have a dog wholly free from any exper- 

 imental attempts. If there is any good accomplished, there 

 are always a number of objectionable traits developed at the 

 same time, which overbalance the little which is taught. A 

 trainer always feels disposed to charge extra for a dog said 

 to be partially broken; and if he is not short of business, 

 he will probaly refuse him if offered, experience having 

 taught him that such engagements are far from satisfactory. 



Blinking, or the act of avoiding birds, is not infrequently 

 associated with gunshyness. Excessive punishment for 

 flushing or chasing, or to make a dog retrieve in the field, 

 also may cause it. The trainer thus effects unconsciously 

 what he purposely effects with respect to rabbits, chickens, 

 sheep, etc. In rare instances a dog will be found which is 

 so nervously fearful that the whirr of wings alone as the 

 bevy rises will cause fright and blinking. Instances are 

 known where dogs would have fits under such circum- 

 stances, and others would yelp and bark in a delirium of 

 fright. Blinking is simply bird-shyness the dog is afraid 

 of the birds, arid avoids them as much as possible. There 

 is a form of blinking which is extremely rare, although it 



