some biscuit in your pocket to reward every right deed, 

 and talk to and scold it for every wrong one, but never 

 beat till wrong is thoroughly known from right, and then 

 only for rank insubordination, and on these occasions, if 

 possible, let the punishment be admini^ered by another 

 person, as after it, your dog will run for your protedion 

 instead of evading you. At, say, six months old, it should 

 be ready to retrieve dead game, and for this purpose 

 take it down wind to give it the scent till it has had plenty 

 of pradice at this. It is not wise to send it after wounded 

 game, for in the excitement some young dogs are apt to 

 kill, which is the last thing you want, as it may lead to 

 a hard mouth, which I consider only curable by an ounce 

 of shot. To break a young dog entirely from fur is the 

 mo^ difficult thing of all ; if very eager, the only sure 

 method is a collar and ten yards of strong line. Take 

 it to a field where there are plenty of hares, or out 

 ferreting rabbits, or have som.e bagged ones to let loose. 

 If the dog runs in, let it go to the end of its tether, when 

 the jerk will turn it over. Draw it back to you and scold. 

 A few repetitions will cure nearly any dog, but don't 

 let anyone think that a retriever once broken is broken 

 for ever. The very best can be spoilt in a fortnight by 

 a man who does not care for nor understand dogs, and 

 when this happens it is a great que^ion if you can ever 

 make one as steady as it was before. 



IS 



