248 MODERN TRAINING. 



his dog thoroughly may do so profitably; but the benefit 

 accrues more from the general superiority of the discipline 

 in all branches than from the transient punishment it is 

 not discreet for the amateur to attempt it. 



On the prairie, the fault is not so difficult to cure, if the 

 trainer has a good horse. The worst runaway dog alive can 

 be cured, under such circumstances, in one or two lessons. 

 It is advisable to take the dog out on the prairie where there 

 is a clear course in every direction for a mile at least. Give 

 the order which the dog usually refuses to obey, and which 

 he considers sufficient provocation for bolting. The mo- 

 ment he starts, not sooner, begin the chase. The pace 

 should be made as fast as possible from the start, for if the 

 dog is not caught within the first mile he generally makes 

 good his escape. It is useless to attempt it without a good 

 horse. Generally, by hard riding, the dog can be caught 

 within the first quarter of a mile. Put on the spike collar 

 when caught, lead him back in a walk to the place from 

 which he, started, giving him a jerk with the collar occasion- 

 ally to keep his mind on his business. When at the place 

 from which he started, take off the collar, assist him to re- 

 gain his tranquillity, then cast him off, repeat the offensive 

 order, and let him run if he will. He may again bolt, but 

 it is very doubtful; if he does, catch him and repeat the 

 correction. The author, when in Louisiana and Minnesota, 

 broke several, first and last, by this method. The fault was 

 never repeated twice in succession. In most cases, one les- 

 son was sufficient to effect a permanent cure. The second 

 lesson was always all that was necessary. As soon as the 

 dog hears the horse coming and realizes the situation, he 

 extends himself to his utmost. The trainer should keep his 

 course a few yards one side or the other of the dog's course. 

 The dog may stop suddenly, roll on his back and beg, or 

 stop to give up the race. If directly in his trail, the trainer 



