34 The Dog Book 



breeze will assist materially in the drying process, though one must use 

 judgment, for some dogs are almost too delicate for this exposure unless the 

 weather is exceedingly favourable. 



There is no question that strong soap will take the polish off a dog's 

 coat, but it is perhaps not altogether that. If a person takes a very warm 

 bath, or washes his face in hot water, there is a very decided subsequent feel- 

 ing of dryness about the skin, which is not the case when cold or tepid water 

 is used. The hot water of itself takes away the natural tone of the skin, 

 and it must have a similar effect upon the hair of the dog, hence the advisa- 

 bility of using as cool water as the conditions will permit. 



Cleanliness in the house is the great essential in the house-dog, and it 

 is very natural for a purchaser to insist upon its being guaranteed. Some 

 people will do so readily, but others will not give a guaranty with a dog, 

 and for a very good reason. They say, and with truth, that to a person 

 ignorant of dogs the assurance that the dog is house-broken will cause it 

 to be imposed upon to its possible serious injury, and the cleaner the dog 

 the greater the likelihood of its being imposed on. Such a seller will say: 

 "I will not guarantee this dog as house-broken, but I will tell you that he 

 has been in my house for some time and has not misbehaved. He is always 

 given a good run the last thing at night and liberated the first thing in the 

 morning; and during the day he is allowed to go out whenever he seems 

 desirous of so doing." A dog will conform to almost any habit desired, but 

 the responsibility of respecting the requirements of the dog falls as much on 

 you as on the dog. 



No puppy is house-broken, for that is a matter of education, and hence 

 a young puppy is better kept out of the house and permitted only to come 

 in occasionally and never before he has had a good run, if he has been sleep- 

 ing. Once in the house, he must be watched and put out the moment there 

 is any indication that it is advisable or necessary, and kept out till it is safe 

 to admit him. Of course the puppy is sure sooner or later to misbehave, 

 and then without the least delay he must be shown what he has done, scolded, 

 and put out-of-doors. Any further mishaps must be punished by switching; 

 but never punish unless you can at once associate the punishment with the 

 reason for it, otherwise he does not know what it is for. Sooner or later the 

 puppy will learn to let you know that he wishes to go out, and whenever he 

 makes a move to the door let him out. He soon learns that he can get out 

 if he wishes. 



