BREAKING AND HANDLING. 263 



overworked young puppy cuts a tame figure in a public 

 trial. In this immature and imperfect state, he will have 

 to compete against dogs which had work the previous fall, 

 winter and spring, with the further advantage of a better 

 experience in the same fall, wherein the one season puppy 

 is worked; also having the advantage of greater age and 

 consequent more mature powers. It is always the puppies 

 of full age and experience that do uniform work, show reli- 

 able capabilities and win the prizes, except in very rare in- 

 stances; indeed, a dog at two years of age has all the fire 

 and dash of youth combined with sufficient experience and 

 maturity to run with remarkable brilliancy with aged dogs, 

 as has been demonstrated at the trials when such puppies 

 have run in All-age stakes, they being capable of competing 

 on terms of equality. 



In handling a dog at a field trial, it is the correct course 

 to confine your attentions to your own dog. If the other 

 handler's dog flushes, chases, or makes other errors, make 

 no remarks about it. Nothing is more disgusting than for a 

 handler to turn around and exclaim: " That dog flushed, 

 judges!" It, besides being ungentlemanly and super-offi- 

 cious, is a direct reflection on the perception and knowledge 

 of the judges; moreover, it does no good whatever, for the 

 judges will not consider anything they do not see, and they 

 will not ask a handler's interpretation of what they do see. 

 A professional handler may submit to the indignity, a few 

 times, of having his rights invaded, but he is very sure to 

 protest against it sooner or later. 



If there is any part which unfairly works to your disad- 

 vantage, have no words with the competing handler. Pro- 

 test or ask for information of the judges. All rules justly 

 permit it, and the associations as they now exist are opposed 

 to any trickery or unfairness. Anything that is not frivolous 

 or malicious will be given a respectful hearing. 



