252 MODERN TRAINING. 



in to a certain length, the dog refuses to chase; if continued 

 further, the dog refuses to hunt. In this connection, it is 

 worthy of note that in enforcing steadiness to shot and 

 wing, much more care and attention are necessary, since the 

 lessons have greater complexities than those with respect to 

 deterring him from chasing rabbits, therefore much more cau- 

 tion is necessary, and his love of hunting must always 

 predominate over his fears. Any time that he shows symp- 

 toms of distrust or hesitation in his work on birds, a modi- 

 fication of methods forthwith is in order. It is always 

 much the safer, and in most instances the quicker way to 

 steady the dog gradually, effecting the purpose little by 

 little. Timid dogs will often stop when they hear the ex- 

 clamation Hi! it being well to remember that dogs of 

 sensitive dispositions can be restrained without corporal 

 punishment, in many cases. 



In the case of an aged dog which has broken shot season 

 after season, until it has become habitual, a more radical 

 method is required. Such dogs usually have no fears, and 

 very little respect with reference to the handler. In most 

 cases, the better way is to make them afraid. In breaking 

 one, leave the spike collar on his neck when he is hunting 

 so that it is ready for use without loss of time, or disturb- 

 ance when he is pointing. Have a light checkcord, one 

 about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, twenty feet long, 

 braided, with a snap securely fastened at the end. Have 

 it neatly coiled so that it will run without snarling or kink- 

 ing. Walk gently up to him when he is pointing; secure 

 the snap to the ring in the spike collar; flush the birds and 

 permit the dog to run without any caution to check him 

 let him run to the full length of the checkcord. Do not 

 attempt to jerk him up short such might break his neck. 

 The lesson will be severe enough; if the handler eases the 

 shock a little, it will have even then sufficient force, if he 



