BREAKING DOGS. 457 



the tail, and measure down to the hock, and remove all over and 

 above what will reach to the middle of the joint of the hock. 



SPAYING. 



The question is frequently propounded : " Does the operation 

 of spaying impair the usefulness of a bitch ? " 



If the operation is performed at an adult age, it usually ener- 

 vates the animal, when of course their usefulness is impaired. 

 But if the animal is spayed while still in puppy-hood — the sooner 

 after it is four weeks old the better — no hami results, and such is 

 a very desirable animal to possess, except when one is required 

 for stock purposes. 



The operation is performed in two ways. In both an opening 

 in the flank is made ; and in one the uterus and appendages are 

 removed entire ; in the other the ovaries alone are extirpated. 

 This should never be undertaken but by a skilful operator, one 

 well acquainted with the anatomy of the animal. It is at best an 

 uncertain operation in its results, so far as the life of the animal is 

 concerned ; though the fatality is less than would be supposed by 

 any one acquainted with the anatomical situation and relation of 

 the organs removed. 



BREAKING DOGS. 



All that is really necessary in the breaking of dogs, is a thor- 

 ough knowledge of what constitutes a good dog and the manner 

 in which it should work in the field, added to such judgment as 

 will enable a man to determine between the different dispositions 

 and characters he has to encounter. Few can be handled pre- 

 cisely alike ; some are timid and need encouragement, others are 

 headstrong and demand strict, and at times, even severe treatment. 

 An absolute command of temper must be observed by the in- 

 structor during his teachings so that not an unnecessary blow may 

 be given ; for work done cheerfully and with a desire to serve and 

 benefit the master, is one hundred fold better than service per- 

 formed gmdgingly or only through compulsion. 



A puppy should have but one teacher, no matter how close 

 the methods of two trainers may agree ; he must learn your voice, 

 your manner, your very look ; therefore, if you determine to break 

 20 



