156 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



until natural breathing returns. If very much exhausted, 

 a . little cold coffee may be given him from a bottle. 

 Blanket close, and keep moving briskly, out of draft. 

 After a course, wash and examine the stoppers, dew-claws, 

 nails, and feet thoroughly. When a nail or claw is partly 

 detached, trim it neatly with sharp scissors, bathe thor- 

 oughly in listerine, and before going to the slips for 

 another course, rub with caustic, which will deaden the 

 pain. 



Should the stoppers be injured, make a light cap or 

 patch, with soft kid, and apply with warm shoemaker's 

 wax. This is far preferable to the boot, as not interfering 

 with the movement and action of the legs. Should the dog 

 go lame in the fore-arms, through a wrench, twist, or over- 

 exertion, do not let anyone persuade you to "fire 1 ' him. 

 While it undoubtedly stiffens and strengthens the muscles 

 temporarily, the custom is a barbarous one, seldom effect- 

 ive, and the after-results disastrous. Try the effect of 

 complete rest, rubbing and bathing freely in Pond's 

 Extract. 



Never, under any circumstances, dispute the decision of 

 a judge. It is time wasted. If you are satisfied you are 

 not getting justice, draw your dog. 



If the dog is to be trained for track or flat racing, the 

 same treatment should be given, with the following excep- 

 tions : Limit the maximum distances to fifteen miles a day, 

 and at the commencement of the second week, take a pair 

 of well-mated dogs to a level stretch of country, or, better 

 still, a race or trotting track. Place them at the head of 

 the quarter or home stretch, in independent slips, handled 

 by an attendant with whom they are not familiar. Engage 

 and retain their attention as you walk off, say a furlong; 

 flourish a red flag, call them sharply, and as soon as both 

 are well sighted, have the attendant slip them. When they 

 reach you, show your appreciation of their smartness; 

 encourage them, pet and fondle them, giving each a small 

 bit of biscuit. This should be repeated several times, night 

 and morning, taking care to stop as soon as they show the 



