FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. 85 



CHAPTER VI. 



YARti BREAKING. 



THE preliminary schooling of the dog, commonly 

 called yard breaking/ consists in teaching him the 

 proper acts of obedience in response to certain com- 

 mands which are of general and special utility in con- 

 trolling him in his work afield and at other times. 

 By establishing a habit of prompt and cheerful obedi- 

 ence to such commands before the more serious 

 training in the work afield begins, it is readily appar- 

 ent that a distinct educational gain is made. Inci- 

 dentally, these preliminary lessons, by the opportuni- 

 ties of companionship which they afford, establish 

 the most friendly relations between teacher and pu- 

 pil, if they are kindly and sympathetically conducted. 



From his hours of play, wherein the puppy frisks 

 and frolics as he pleases, hardly any fatigue ensues. 

 He then is following the simple impulses of his own 

 mind, which do not cause great nervous strain, over- 

 heating, confusion, or intense worry. He abhors 



