dogs; how to handle them and what to expect of them in the field. 



It is folly to want to have a green dog trained by the month, as 

 many require. This demand accounts for the many failures in training 

 by unscrupulous handlers, who promise what they know they cannot 

 perform, for the sake of getting the work other more conscientious 

 handlers have refused. 



If a dog is to be trained, let him be well trained, to retrieve, to 

 point, to mind gun or whistle, and be under good command at all 

 times, and he will show up a good nose and learn to handle it on 

 game. This cannot be done in one month. There are many things to 

 take into consideration— continued wet weather, cold, raw days, pos- 

 sibly the dog may get sick or lame, it may be too hot to work the dog, 

 or too windy or bad for game, and all. these things take time. 



The best thing to do is to make a contract with the handler, one- 

 half down when the dog is received, the balance when the dog is 

 broken perfectly, and is ready to show on game. 



Many delay the first payment for a month or two and then order 

 the dog home on the pretense that he has been sold and promise a check 

 on receipt of the dog. This they do, expecting to get a well broken 

 dog on the cheap plan. 



A handler will not do much with a dog till he gets his first pay- 

 ment, made according to contract, unless he knows with whom he is 

 dealing. 



Again, they will order the dog home by express C. O. D., and then 

 go and claim him and try to persuade the express company to give him 

 up. Sometimes they succeed and then there is more trouble for the 

 handler in making his claim good. 



Under my system, I get the dog to retrieve and understand what I 

 say during the first month. Then the work of the second month in the 

 field comes easy to him and the dog shows up in great shape. It takes 

 time for the handler to learn how good the dog's nose is and what he 

 is going to be good for. 



About the first of May is the best time to send a dog to the hand- 

 ler. Then the weather is generally fine and there is little sickness 

 among dogs. 



Of course, the handler will keep his dogs in a good kennel, dry 

 and clean, but if the dog has been kept in the house, the change will 

 be less sudden than in colder weather. Keeping a dog too warm, much 



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