FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. l8l 



lessons. An old pistol using percussion caps is quite 

 sufficient. As to the manner of using it, the trainer, 

 with a check cord five or six feet long, leads the dog 

 about, snaps a cap at a favorable juncture, taps the 

 dog on the shoulder as aforementioned, and enforces 

 obedience to the report in the same manner as if it 

 were an oral order. This is repeated, lesson after 

 lesson, till the dog will drop promptly to the report. 



The lesson should be given kindly and pleasantly. 

 It can be conducted without filling the dog with ter- 

 ror and the consequent desire to escape, or fear of the 

 gun. Common sense on the part of the teacher is 

 essential to determine how the lessons should be con- 

 ducted. Under no circumstances should he attempt 

 this part of the dog's education if the least degree 

 of gun-shyness is exhibited, nor is it wise to attempt 

 enforcing it in the field if the pupil has any faults 

 which require punishment to correct them. 



Dropping to wing and all attempts to teach it 

 should be kept in abeyance till the latter part of the 

 dog's field education ; in the early part there are com- 

 plications enough without importing any unneces- 

 sary extra ones. 



It is taught a,t first by ordering the dog to drop 



