180 THE AMERICAN BOOK OF THE DOG. 



months old, be given slow work behind the saddle-horse 

 or carriage. This should continue for at least two months; 

 and if three months can be given to this conditioning work, 

 it will prove all the better. While a puppy is growing 

 rapidly and filling out, he takes on muscle slowly, and for 

 this reason his exercise should be continued for a longer 

 period than is necessary for old dogs. 



The Deerhound is used for hunting the deer, in the 

 Western country, in two entirely diiferent ways, and for 

 each the training must be distinct and precise, according to 

 the way he is to hunt his game. One is still- hunting, the 

 other is coursing the deer. For still-hunting, the Deerhound 

 is the dog par excellence. In training a puppy to still- 

 hunt, take him on a leash, and with a snap so arranged that 

 he can be loosened instantly. It is well to show him the 

 game before firing, and at the first move of the puppy let 

 him go. 



If the deer be only wounded, he will follow it, and if from 

 the right kind of sire and dam, he will catch and kill the 

 deer. If his family connections have been of the timid 

 kind, he will bay the wounded deer, and you can follow and 

 kill it; but if his ancestors have been used on game, and 

 your puppy is strong and of good age, he will kill the first 

 deer he sees just as a well-bred Setter will point the first 

 quail he scents. After a few lessons, your puppy will stay 

 to heel until you shoot, without a leash; and as he grows 

 older, he will frequently lead you to the game by his keen 

 scent, merely sniffing the air as he cautiously proceeds by 

 your side or just in front of you. 



Of course it is necessary to teach him obedience and not 

 to allow him to break away. Should this occur, he will 

 soon be coursing the deer, and leave you many miles be- 

 hind; then his lessons must begin again at the leash. If 

 carefully done, his teaching will be easy, and he will soon 

 stand with the game in full view and not move a muscle; 

 but will quiver with excitement, every muscle and nerve on 

 extreme tension waiting for his master to fire, when he is 

 away with the speed of the falcon. 



