122 SPORTSMAN'S HAND BOOK. 



also have a better understanding why a really good dog is 

 valued at from three to five hundred dollars. 



Retrieving, as a rule, is a natural talent ; if you find 

 your dog inclined to retrieve, encourage him in it. In the 

 yard breaking it will be found quite easy to teach him to re- 

 trieve a ball, or bunch of rags; always use the same word, 

 such as "fetch," or "bring." If, when you go to the field, 

 you find him inclined. to bring a bird by using the word 

 "fetch," encourage him in it; but do not use force. Quite 

 often dogs will take to retrieving themselves, especially if 

 hunted in company with dogs that are good retrievers. 



Do not forget that prompt obedience is the all import- 

 ant point, the kind of obedience should be the dogs incli- 

 nation to please, not through fear of punishment. 



If properly managed, as soon as he learns just what you 

 want, he will take great pleasure in obeying. Do not for- 

 get it. 



