278 USEFUL INFORMATION REGARDING DOGS. 



buy such drugs only in quantities for immediate use, and from those whose 

 judgment in selection and whose fair dealing can be depended on. 



Don't treat your dogs as simply so many animals that have to be fed 

 and housed. We can not understand keeping dogs under such conditions. 

 Handle your dogs, make friends with them, because they are dogs. A man 

 need never be ashamed of loving a dog. The dog's whole-souled look of 

 affection will repay the man of feeling for all the trouble he may put himself 

 to in this direction, and it will last longer than a good many other loves. If 

 you want to win prizes with them, accustom them to being handled and 

 to show themselves off to the best advantage. Nothing makes an owner 

 look so foolish as to try and show a dog that does not know him or that 

 is "contrary." A good puppy is often placed back because he is taken 

 into the ring without any thought of preparation for the trying ordeal. 

 Accustom your dogs to being shown up in collar and chain. They soon 

 grasp the idea, for there is vanity in dogs as well as human beings. 



Don't wash puppies when they are very young, unless they happen to 

 get into some filth that can not be removed when dry by the brush. Don't 

 wash puppies until at least six months old. Grooming and "elbow grease" 

 every day will improve the coat and do more good than washing. 



Don't let your pup, or pups, get into the habit of barking violently, 

 a most tiresome trick, coming of idleness and not enough out door exer- 

 cise, and also sometimes hereditary. 



Scold them, and keep a switch in the corner, for a nip now and then; 

 they will soon pay attention. 



BREEDING 



breeding — This article was written by Harry W. Lacy, Kennel Editor 

 of American Fancier, especially for this book: 



"Young bitches often exhibit symptoms of an inclination to breed at 

 the age of eight or nine months, but it is not advisable to do so until they 

 have come in season the second time. Remarks we made last week against 

 the advisability of resorting to the services of too young a sire apply with 

 even greater force when a youthful bitch is under consideration. Stunted 

 and puny puppies are almost sure to be produced from a young mother; 

 and the injury they are likely to do her constitution is incalculable. It 

 must be borne in mind that for weeks before birth her system is sorely 

 taxed to provide them with nourishment, and after the shock of labor is 

 gone through there is further strain upon her until they are weaned. 



"The first symptoms afforded by a bitch that she is likely to be soon 

 ready for breeding purposes is a desire on her part to romp and play with 

 any dog she meets. This may possibly arise from merely exuberance of 

 spirits, but it is always well to keep a close eye upon her as soon as any 

 undue levity is observed in her conduct. It is most desirable to use every 

 endeavor to keep the animal away from all risk of being got at by strange 

 dogs; and when the matter is placed beyond doubt all former precautions 

 should be doubled if possible. It must be remembered that there is not only 

 a great risk of dogs getting into the place where the bitch is confined, but 

 that she will probably be equally anxious to escape from her kennel, and 

 some bitches have performed almost incredible feats in their endeavors to 

 do so. 



"She should, if at a distance, be sent off to the kennels where the 

 dog is standing, a day or two after the earlier symptoms appear, so as to 

 be In time. If despatched by public conveyance, it is imperative that she 

 be securely confined in a box or basket from which escape is impossible. 

 AH breeders should be impressed with the absolute necessity of exercising 



