SIMPLE DOG TRICKS. 95 



" Nor must it be supposed that Poodle's instinct was limited 

 to forming a judgment of the execution only. His intelligence, 

 trained by hearing classical works, seemed to have penetrated 

 some of the secrets of composition. An abrupt modulation, a 

 false resolution, would produce symptoms of doubt on Poodle's 

 muzzle 5 consecutive fifths made him shudder, and a halting 

 melody set his teeth on edge. Sometimes Herr Schwartz and 

 his intimate friends, in the privacy of a snug little quartette 

 party, would amuse themselves by producing discordant sounds, 

 for the sake of tormenting the sensitive animal. On such occa- 

 sions Poodle lost all self-command : his hair stood on end, his 

 eyes became bloodshot, and frightful bowlings answered to the 

 discord produced by the fiddles of the mystificators. Moreover, 

 they were obliged to keep within certain bounds. Poodle pos- 

 sessed only a limited stock of forbearance. If the cacophony 

 was too intense or too prolonged, Poodle, carrying out his sense 

 of duty, upset everything. Music-stands, music-stools, and in- 

 struments, were strewed in confusion about the room." 



THE LUMP OF SUGAR TRICK. 



This consists in placing a lump of sugar on the dog's nose, 

 and having him toss it up and catch it in his mouth. It is not 

 essential that sugar should be used ; any other dainty will do 

 as well, indeed a piece of meat will answer better in teaching . 

 the trick. In teaching, hold your switch under the dog's chin, 

 and tap him whenever he tries to lower his head to let the meat 

 drop. If he does not presently jerk his head up, and so throw 

 the morsel into the air, you should strike him under the chin a 

 pretty smart rap to make him do so. When it leaves his nose 

 there will be no instruction required to make him seize it 

 promptly before it has a chance to reach the ground -, should it, 

 however, touch the ground, it is well to take it from him, and 

 make him toss it again. 



TO FEIG:N' DEATH. 



A dog may be placed on his back or in almost any other 

 posture, and by speaking sharply to him and threatening him 

 with your forefinger, you can prevent his changing his position. 

 In this manner the trick of feigning death is taught. It a 

 special word of command be used when placing him, he wil? 

 learn to take the position on hearing that command. 



