DOG TRAINING 133 



birds, swallows, etc., should be checked at once 

 unless the dog is so backward as to need his hunt- 

 ing instincts aroused. After your dog is at large 

 (with the force collar still on him) you had best 

 take along an air rifle and sting him with it if 

 he disobeys any commands to come to you or stop 

 chasing birds. In working on birds, thirty feet 

 of cord and the force collar are essential, to check 

 flushing and breaking shot when the covey rises. 

 Teach quartering and ranging in the same way, 

 using a dog whistle to call attention each time you 

 change course, waving your hand and walking 

 with him in the direction you wish to quarter until 

 he gets the idea. 



LESSON IV. — GUN-SHYNESS 



No dog likes the gun at first. If of good hunting 

 stock he will not be naturally gun-shy and your 

 only care will be not to overdo at first. Only one 

 gun and one barrel to the covey, until he gets the 

 idea that the gun is part of the game and is meant 

 to kill birds with. Some dogs, particularly 

 hounds, are naturally gun-shy and must be intro- 

 duced to the gun with much caution. I am not in 

 favour of promiscuous shooting in the hope the 

 dog will like it. Better try first the excitement of 

 actual hunting. If the dog then proves gun-shy 



