, TEACHING TRICK.S. 1()9 



patience and good temper is reqiurod to l)ear up against 

 «uch discouraging results. By and by however, the 

 pupil will suddenly appear to realize what is required 

 of him, and will perform, his task witli surprising 

 accuracy at the very moment his teacher is about to 

 give up in despair. Then each successive lesson is 

 learned ^nth greater ease and rapidity than the pre- 

 ceeding one; the weariness and disappointment of the 

 trainer is changed to pleasure at his success, and even 

 the horse appears to appreciate his master's joy, and to 

 take pride in his performance. As it is impossible 

 to explain to an animal what is required of him he can 

 be taught an action only by its constant repetition 

 until he becomes familiar with it. When he knows 

 ^'hat you want him to' do he will in almost all cases 

 comply with your wishes promptly and cheerfully. 

 For this reason punishment should be avoided, unless 

 the animal is wilful. As a general rule it interferes 

 with the success of the lessons. If the pupil is in 

 constant fear of bl'ows, his attention will be diverted 

 from the lesson; he will dread making any attempt 

 iro obey for fear of failure, and he will have a sneak- 

 ing look which will detract materially from the ap- 

 pearance of his performance. This is the case with the 

 horses instructed by a trainer in our locality who 

 "trains his horses with a club," the animals never 

 appearing as well as those taught by more gentle 

 means. A sharp word or a slight tap with the whip 

 will as effectually show your displeasure as the most 

 severe blows. It is both cruel and unwise to inflict 



