TEACHIXG DOGS TRICKS. 



91 



him to walk erect. A story is told of a dog who actually found 

 a wooden leg of practical use ; one having been furnished him 

 by a whimsical surgeon who had amputated an injured limb for 

 him. 



TO GO UP A>^D DOWN A LADDER. 



In teaching this trick two ladders should be provided about 

 six feet in length and joined together at the top ends so as to 

 form an angle when the other ends are placed on the ground. 

 The bars of these ladders should be flat and sufficiently near 

 together to enable the dog easily t^o step from one round to 

 another. Standing at the side of this ladder with a switch in 

 your right hand you whistle to the dog, or call him by name, 



CLIMBING THE LADDER. 



and tap the first round of the ladder with your switch to indi- 

 cate he is to step upon it. When he places his fore paws on 

 this round, tap the next in the same manner, saying, " Go on," 

 to him. If he does not obey strike his hind legs lightly from 

 behind, while you encourage him with your voice and snap your 

 fingers in front of him to urge him forward. A tid-bit of some 

 kind held in tempting proximity to his nose may have an encour- 

 aging effect. After ascending one ladder he should be made to 

 go down the other. He will be inclined to jump to the ground 

 in preference to descending step by step ; should he do this he 

 must be punished and made to commence over again. When 

 on the ladder if be hesitates about proceeding gently tap the 

 toes of the foot he should next advance. When two dogs have 

 been taught to go over the ladders a race may be arranged, the 

 dog who first goes three times over to be rewarded. The dogs 



