52 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



any knowledge. It should be made to him a source 

 of constant delight. 



Play with his fellows, chasing butterflies and little 

 birds, crude attempts at chasing rabbits, galloping 

 over the fields in the wantonness of surplus energy 

 and ecstatic spirits, and gratifying his curiosity as 

 to the meaning of things, etc., are quite serious 

 enough by way of occupation during the months of 

 his puppyhood. 



Many amateurs proceed on the theory that if left 

 to himself the puppy will learn many things that are 

 wrong, that from the beginning he must be under 

 constant supervision, and that therefore his develop- 

 ment must be in accord with certain finished educa- 

 tional standards useful to the gun. No theory could 

 be more fallacious. The true practice, it may be re- 

 iterated, is to permit the dog to develop in his own 

 natural manner, and then so train him that his efforts 

 are made subservient to the purposes of the gun. 



