IRICKS TAUGHT TO DOGS. 89 



TO BRING HIS TAIL IN HIS MOUTH. 



The dog having been taught to fetch and carry, an amusing 

 application of this knowledge can he made by having him bring 

 his own tail in his mouth. This trick is exceedingly funny and 

 is always hailed with roars of laughter. The feat is rather 

 difficult for while his tail is in his mouth, the dog can only 

 advance in something like crab fashion, or sideways, with an 

 almost irresistible tendency to go around in a circle without 

 gettmg ahead any. To attain success in teaching this trick the 

 dog must be gifted with a good deal of tail, and the trainer with 

 a good deal of patience. Dogs will in play grasp their tails, 

 and most persons have noticed while frolicking with a dog that 

 if the dog's tail be taken hold of with one's hand, the dog will 

 attempt to seize the hand with his mouth, and if his tail be now 

 dexterously placed in his way, he will seize that. This per- 

 haps first suggested the idea of the trick, and this is the initial 

 step of the training. When the dog takes hold of his tail praise 

 him, and after he has held it a little while bid him " let go," 

 and reward him. Should he relinquish his hold before you 

 order him to, speak sharply to him and commence again. When 

 he has learned to retain hold of his tail until ordered to relin- 

 quish it, the more difficult part of his lesson may be taught — the 

 bringing it to the trainer. The trainer at first takes his place 

 a few feet from the dog in the direction in which the dog can most 

 easily advance, and calls the dog ; should he let go his tail to 

 come, he is to be scolded, and the tail replaced in his mouth. 

 When he comes without letting go, he should be rewarded. 

 Gradually the distance he is required to come may be increased, 

 but it would be cruel to make this distance more than half a 

 dozen yards. When the tail is placed in his mouth it is well to 

 say, ^^ Bring me your tail," to accustom him to the order. By- 

 and-by when you give this order merely hold his tail for him 

 to grasp, and at last let him seize it without any assistance 

 from you. 



THE ROLLING BALL. 



There are several modifications of this trick, or rather there 

 are several feats all performed with this instrument — a globe of 

 wood or other material some two feet in diameter. One of these 

 feats consists in the dog standing with his hind feet upon the 

 ground, and resting his paws on the ball, pushing it forward, or 

 up and down an inclined plane. This is easily taught, and the 

 only difficult part of the performance is the descent of the inclined 

 plane, where the ball is apt to roll away from the animal. To 

 teach this trick it is only requisite to place the dog^s paws upor 



