FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. 153 



that he is not to go forward when his fellow is point- 

 ing. The cord and peg may be applied usefully to 

 keep him in place if he is difficult to manage. 



After the birds are flushed and a kill is made, the 

 puppy will gain a comprehension of the purposes of 

 the acts. Some puppies learn to back quickly ; with 

 others it may be necessary to repeat the lessons 

 through many days or weeks. 



Even after weeks of teaching, a puppy may seem 

 to have no interest in backing, yet some day when 

 he comes suddenly and unexpectedly on his brace- 

 mate pointing, he may astonish and gratify his 

 trainer by backing instantaneously and well. The 

 trainer may devise ways to run him on sight of the 

 pointing dog when he does not suspect a point, ar- 

 ranging, however, to be in a position to interpose if 

 he attempts to steal the point or to flush. 



Pointers as a rule are much more easily taught .to 

 point and back than are setters. Some dogs are so 

 deferential that they will play to take the backing 

 position the moment that they see their fellow mak- 

 ing game, while others will steal the point on oppor- 

 tunity, or back and draw alternately till the point i 

 stolen or the birds are flushed. 



