THE POODLE. 627 



our servant we force him to study us much more than we 

 study him, and to make his lower intellect travel over more 

 than half that wide space, and even then not get credit for 

 having done much, and after all to be made to feel that if he 

 has misinterpreted a word or a sign he has disappointed the 

 one creature in the world that he most wished to please. 



Another important point in training a Poodle is, on 

 account of his inquisitive and excitable temperament, to 

 have him amidst familiar surroundings and without any 

 exciting causes. Most professional dog-trainers, I believe, 

 give their pupils lessons at two or three A. M. only, as at 

 that time greater stillness reigns; but this I do not think is 

 absolutely essential, and need not be followed out by the 

 amateur, who does not require such a high degree of pro- 

 liciency as does the professional. 



Though, as a rule, other dogs should not be present 

 when a pupil is learning a new trick, an old dog who already 

 knows it is often useful as an interpreter, and seems to be 

 able to communicate our wishes to the poor perplexed 

 pupil. 



And finally, never attempt to teach two tricks a once, 

 unless you wish to see an utterly bewildered and unhappy- 

 looking dog. It is an intelligent dog that can learn one 

 trick a day and know all his tricks thoroughly, and the 

 average dog can not master over two or three a week; but 

 each trick learned makes the next one easier, as we get more 

 and more en rapport with our eager, intelligent little serv- 

 ant, the Poodle. 



Appended is the comparative scale for judging Poodles: 



Value. Value. 



Skull ; 10 Tail 10 



Ears 10 Color 15 



Legs and feet 15 Symmetry 15 



Coat 20 



Eyes 5 Total 100 



[There are but few breeders of Poodles in this country. Among these 

 the following are noted : L. E. Wilmerding, 32 East Thirty-ninth street, New 

 York City; Prescott Lawrence, 196 Madison avenue, New York City; W. C. 

 Sanford, Amsterdam, K Y.; George S. Mott, Babylon, Long Island, N. Y.; 



