458 DOGS USED FOR SPORT. 



your dog, do it entirely yourself; do not break down in the midst 

 of your labor and leave it to be finished by another ; the result will 

 never be favorable. 



From the beginning attend to the feeding of your youngster 

 yourself, and if possible, let all food be taken from your hands. 

 This is advised that the puppy may the sooner attach himself to 

 you alone and look upon you as his master, for no dog, either 

 setter or pointer should ever be loaned, or hunted by others than 

 his trainer ; therefore the breaking of all field dogs is better done 

 by the sportsman himself, provided he possesses the requisite 

 patience, and can devote to it the necessary time. 



The check cord will be found of far greater assistance than the 

 whip, the most unruly and headstrong animals being readily 

 brought under subjection by it, while at the same time it can be so 

 applied as not to intimidate. Always bear in mind that a dog 

 should not be corrected, except it is certain he understands the 

 fault for which he is rated. Punishment becomes absolutely ne- 

 cessary at times with some dispositions, and that too of the most 

 severe character ; but you must be satisfied that the act which de- 

 mands it Vt'as committed with full consciousness of its wrong. 

 "Where you see a dog responding to command in a cringing and 

 supplicating manner, you may know that his master possesses an 

 ungovernable temper, unfitting him for training or managing any 

 animal possessing consciousness. Such a dog has been unmerci- 

 fully flogged, perhaps kicked, before he has been taught and made 

 to understand his line of duty, and fearful of a repetition of the 

 lash, for what he knows not, obeys the summons crouching and 

 creeping, an object of sympathy to the beholder, while his master 

 is viewed with disgust. 



From the moment you come into possession of your puppy, 

 say at three or four months of age, lessons of obedience may be 

 given at feeding time, before you undertake the more difficult part 

 of yard or in-door breaking; in fact, whenever you may choose to 

 offer him food, by placing it before him and not allowing it to be 

 touched until ordered, slightly tapping him when greediness or a 

 non-regard of your command is observed, persisting until you feel 

 he understands nothing can be gained by disobedience. 



The first important lesson to be given is that the puppy shall 



