73 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



best wildfowl dogs are only seen in the hands of those who 

 understand how to break as well as work their dogs. We 

 dismiss the point, however, by observing that an average dog 

 is much better than no dog at all, though in the pleasures 

 of shooting we find nothing to delight us more than a real 

 champion working dog. 



Good dogs need every care. Indeed they should have it, 

 because they are worth it. Do not allow anyone to molest 

 your trained comrade. Remember that he is highly strung 

 and is easily spoilt by interference. I need scarcely add that 

 attention to the dog's health is an important item relative to 

 its working abilities. If a valuable dog is ailing, a wise 

 man will solicit the services of a veterinary surgeon at once, 

 but I would advise that the "vet." be a canine specialist. A 

 dog failing in health may readily be detected by the dullness 

 of its eyes and the heat of its nose. 



