115 



nature. For instance, the St. Bernard is a faithful 

 watch dog, while the setter will scent game without 

 training ; a terrier will catch rats, and the gre3^hound 

 takes to running from his birth. It is necessary, 

 therefore, in attempting to teach the dog, to bear in 

 mind these natural habits, being careful not to urge 

 upon him the performance of any duties or tricks, 

 which are manifestly not in his nature to do. When 

 selecting dogs for any particular lesson, study this 

 subject closel}^, as undoubtedly it is the most useful 

 lesson to be taught. In educating the shepherd to 

 drive, or the watch dog, I have not given so much 

 attention. 'Not being so fond of this kind as the 

 more intelligent class of dogs, learning them certain 

 tricks, &c., but I will give you the knowledge of the 

 above, as I obtained it from a celebrated dog trainer. 



Xraining- the Slseplterd to I>rive. 



Take a well-bred shepherd dog, about six months 

 old, reared in some secluded place, hearing no words 

 with a meaning intended to be attached, except his 

 name. He should know nothing of the ordinary 

 words in use towards clogs, and not have been 

 handled by boys or careless persons. Take him 

 alone with you in a large room. The first thing to 

 be done is to learn him to lead, placing a strap 

 around his neck, that cannot hurt him, to which at- 

 tach a cord six or eight feet in length ; stand still 

 and hold up on the cord for a few minutes, until he 

 ceases struggling to get away. It is best to give one 



