472 DOGS USED FOR SPORi: 



animals an appeal to them by exhibitions of feeling is far more 

 effectual than severity ; hence, you cannot study your dogs too 

 closely ; always believe them to be endowed with a fair amount 

 of reason and allow them full opportunity to exercise it. Never 

 punish a dog for a mere blunder ; he is no more infallible than 

 yourself ; do not then, demand more of him than of his master. 

 The best of 'dogs will commit mistakes ; but he will recognize his 

 error as quickly as his master, when a simple reproof or warning 

 given quietly and gravely, as you would speak to a person, will be 

 all sufficient, causing him to go off with an air of mortification 

 which is not lost until the fault is fully atoned for ; now give him 

 that look of approval, and the word of commendation which he so 

 manifestly expects and desires ; for the dog is a physiognomist in 

 his way, and responds to the expressions of his master's counte- 

 nance, showing thereby a mental condition working more effectu- 

 ally in your interest than if stimulated by the application of the 

 lash. 



BREEDING. 



The following principles should be observed for the proper 

 breeding and rearing of the canine race : 



1. A perfect development, and sound vigorous health constitu- 

 tionally, especially in the generative organs, are conditions of 

 fertility. 



2. In the maintenance and improvement of a breed the truth 

 that " similia siniilibus generanttcr," — that the reproductive germ 

 will stamp upon the animal developed from it the characters of the 

 parent organism, is the backbone of success. 



3. We can, in a great degree, at will, produce variations and 

 improvements in breeds, as by care, a mild and salubrious climate, 

 moderate use, education, stimulation, or selection of desirable 

 qualities ; by disuse or rejection of undesirable characters and 

 properties ; by soliciting the weight of imagination in our favor, — 

 as Jacob piously swindled his too confiding father-in-law ; by allow- 

 ing the breeding animals to mix only with those of the stamp de- 



or she, as the case may be, takes position at the heels of the person indicated and 

 works properly and conscientiously until dismissed. 



Dr. Rogers uses no bluster, no whip, no signs. He addresses his dogs as intel- 

 ligent beings, and in the same manner as he would a servant. 



