CHAPTER X. 



CONCLUSION. 



WE have given in the preceding chapters, as well as we 

 were able, the outlines of the course that for more than 

 a quarter of a century we have successfully pursued in pre- 

 paring our dogs for lives of usefulness, and we believe, yes, 

 we know, that if any one — we care not how wedded he may 

 be to the force system — will but give our method a fair trial, 

 henceforth the whip and check cord will form no part of his 

 kennel appurtenacces, for not alone does our system exercise 

 an ennobling influence upon our pupil, thu3 making him 

 much better qualified to become our companion, but the 

 better, finer feelings of our own nature are not blunted and 

 brutalized by the cruel associations necessarily present when 

 the lash is applied to the shrinking form, nor is our enjoy- 

 ment of the pleasures of the field marred by constantly 

 recurring struggles with the sharer of our sport, who should 

 be our obedient as well as loving friend. As the Hon. 

 George Ashmun once remarked to us : " The humane system 

 and the force system both accomplish the result of bringing 

 man and dog toward the same plane, the one by elevating 

 the brute, the other by lowering the humane creature." 



In all our lessons we have endeavored to impress upon the 

 reader the great importance of carefully studying the dispo- 

 sition of his pupil in order that he might intelligently apply 

 their teachings. We have also tried to show the paramount 

 necessity of a very cautious advance at each successive step. 

 Yet so very important a matter do we deem this that we can- 

 not forbear again calling your attention to it, and again 

 cautioning you to use the utmost care in all your lessons, 

 and to so manage tbat your dog shall not become over- 

 trained, for this, although quite common, is a very serious 

 fault, and one that will require a long time to overcome, if, 

 indeed, you can ever quite eradicate it ; and in order to 

 secure that cheerful, willing obedience that is so desirable, it 

 will be far better that you should devote plenty of time to 



