36 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



the frivolous habits of puppyhood, besides having more 

 physical and mental capabilities. 



The trainer first gives the pupil a thorough course of 

 yard-training, teaching him to "Drop" (to lie down to 

 order and signal), to "Hold up" (to rise to order and sig- 

 nal), to " Go on " or " Hie on," to walk at heel, to "Come 

 in," and to retrieve, although the latter accomplishment is 

 better left out till his second hunting season. 



To teach the dog to drop, tie a cord, about three or four 

 feet long, to his collar; hold the cord in the left hand, a 

 whip in the right. Give the order "Drop" and a moderate 

 cut of the whip on the shoulder at the same instant; repeat 

 this till the dog lies down, being particularly careful to 

 avoid hurry and to use the ordinary tone of voice. After a 

 few moments, speak to him kindly and give the order 

 "Holdup." 



Be careful to guard against such noise or violence as will 

 frighten the dog. When done properly, no fears are 

 excited. Let the lesson last about fifteen or twenty min- 

 utes; then pet the dog a few minutes before giving him his 

 liberty, so that his fears, if he have any, will be dissipated. 

 Give two lessons each day, regularly, and regular progress 

 will soon be apparent. 



"Hie on" or "Go on" is easily taught when exercising 

 the dog; the order which frees him from restraint being- 

 consonant with his inclinations always, is soon learned. 



More time should be taken to teach obedience to the 

 order "Heel" during the yard-breaking, as, if taught thor- 

 oughly, the dog may become habituated to walking behind 

 his master, and may come in from hunting whenever 

 uncomfortably fatigued or warm, and thus acquire a very 

 annoying trait, which will be difficult to cure, or may pos- 

 sibly be incurable. 



When actual field-work begins, it is the better way to let 

 the dog have his own way for several days, and, if he be 

 timid or indifferent, several weeks, if necessary to develop 

 his courage or interest. Coincidently, he is learning 

 methods of pursuit and a general knowledge of details per- 



