32 



CHAPTER IV. 



How to Rear and Manage. 



At three or four days old their tails should be docket 

 to fashion. A good rule to observe is to take about two- 

 thirds off with a sharp knife, pressing the skin back 

 before the cut is made. The skin will then in due course 

 cover the slight wound. Five weeks is the best age to 

 wean them, but before leaving their dam they should be 

 treated once or twice for worms. This will fit them in a 

 greater measure for their coming battle for existence. I 

 would advise that nothing but Areca Nut should be 

 given; it is always harmless, and generally effectual. 

 From now dates the time that is probably the most 

 crucial period of their lives. Not less than five meals a 

 day should be given ; absolute freedom from restraint, the 

 utmost fresh air possible, and all the sunshine possible 

 for them to revel in. At four months they will amply 

 repay the breeder for all the care lavished upon them. 

 At this age four meals a day are sufficient. At six months 

 to seven months their teething troubles should be over, 

 and they on the high road to future bench honours. I have 

 for years made it a hard and fast rule that instantly the 

 puppy reaches the age of six weeks he should be sent out 

 to walk. I have often seen it recommended, and prac- 

 tised it myself, the sending out of puppies by twos ; but 

 experience has amply proved that to get a puppy really 

 well done one to each cottage is enough. Many cottagers 

 will take one puppy, and make him one of the family, 

 with his box near the chimney corner. The natural con- 

 sequence follows, as night follows day, that when he has 

 romped and exercised to his heart's content, he curls up 



