496 LETTERS TO YOUNG SHOOTERS LETTER 



and a whip in your hand. On seeing ground game 

 he is sure for the moment to forget all his lessons in 

 keeping at heel; allow him to leave you a few yards, 

 then pull him up sharply with the cord, ' down charge ' 

 him and call ' Heel ! ' several times, flicking him 

 lightly with the whip as you scold him. Invariably 

 order the dog to ' down charge ' after he has attempted 

 to chase, and rate him when in this position, as it is 

 one in which he will be forced to listen to your lecture. 



Persevere with your dog in this way, and treat him 

 patiently and firmly ; if you lose your temper or give 

 him a sharp cut with the whip you may terrify and 

 spoil him : what you want is to explain his duty to 

 him, not to punish him for merely acting according to 

 his nature. 



You will find the dog will slowly begin to under- 

 stand he is to keep at your heels at all times, however 

 great the temptation he receives to chase, and it will 

 take you quite a month to perfect him in this respect 

 without unduly frightening him into a temporary 

 obedience ; if you do this he will be good for nothing, 

 and will never be a quick, clever dog at his work. 



When the dog has learnt to keep at heel by the 

 assistance of the cord, allow him to run loose, keep 

 a sharp eye on him, and when a hare or rabbit springs 

 in view do not wait to see if he jumps forward, but 

 instantly flick him gently with the whip lash and cry 

 ' Heel ! ' Your dog will take this as a reminder, and will 

 finally connect your word of command ' Heel ! ' and 



