Training a Field Dog 157 



change his course and finally that his proper mode of progression is by 

 diagonals. 



Too much stress should not be laid upon quartering as an essential in 

 actual work. It is part of the education, the same as a boy is taught arithmetic 

 systematically, and when he is more advanced uses his head in the way of 

 short cuts to reach the desired end. Our game birds are not spread all over 

 the fields as partridges are in turnips in England, but haunt favoured 

 localities. When snipe shooting on marsh lands or pinnated grouse shooting 

 on the prairies ranging is an essential, and as a part of the education of the dog 

 to work to signal it is also essential. In actual shooting the dog should be sent 

 to probable localities for the game sought, and the intelligence of the dog will 

 eventually educate him to the knowledge of the most likely places for game. 



In all likelihood the youngster will fail to yield the implicit obedience he 

 did to signals he formerly respected, and it is better to let him have a little 

 leeway to begin with, as you want him full of go in his work. Let him have his 

 fling for a little, if he must, rather than curb his spirits. Then when he has 

 had a reasonable time for this exuberance of spirits to evaporate proceed to 

 put in practice some of his signal orders and see that he obeys them. When 

 he appears under control and you know where game is to be found, send him 

 in that direction, keeping him well in hand as you approach the place. You 

 will have taken no gun with you on this occasion. That will come later, the 

 present object being to have him steady to wing and to learn scent and point. 



As soon as any indication of game is seen, either from your own observa- 

 tion or the dog's action, "steady" him and keep him slightly checked. 

 If the birds flush, "to-ho" at once and try to hold him. Some say to let the 

 dog chase. Why, is not apparent, and the sensible thing is to start the dog 

 right if it can be done. It is not such a grievous offence as to call for 

 punishment, but he should be checked, stopped and brought back to the 

 point where he broke from and admonished to be careful. Then if by any 

 possibility you have marked down any of the birds, work him toward them 

 and use every precaution possible to get him to stand to the birds. Rome 

 was not built in a day, and the puppy is not likely to learn this lesson of his 

 in one day, though he may. Remember, however, that the bolder dog 

 will likely prove the better in the long run and take pains to set him right 

 without getting him cowed. If the dog after two or three trials persists 

 in running in, it will be necessary to use a check cord and use it with the "to- 

 ho." It is advisable when the dog stands steady on point, and you go ahead 



