l86 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG. 



which must be determined by the good judgment of 

 the trainer. 



While giving the puppy's unsteadiness serious con- 

 sideration, the amateur should avoid any exhibitions 

 of it himself. If he breaks shot to capture a wounded 

 bird, or manifests undue haste and excitement when 

 in the vicinity of birds, it is unreasonable to expect 

 steadiness under such circumstances on the part of 

 the puppy, or indeed on the part of a thoroughly 

 trained dog. The enormity of the offense as mani- 

 fested by the puppy consists not so much in the act 

 itself as in spoiling a shot for the trainer. Many 

 amateur trainers are more intent on the pleasures of 

 the sport than on the advancement of the dog's 

 schooling, and therefore the error of the puppy is in 

 the nature of a personal interference with their pur- 

 pose. 



Chasing rabbits should be corrected first. Viewed 

 from a schooling standpoint, the act may be a fault 

 or not, accordingly as the dog may or may not need 

 an incentive to effort. Timid dogs gain self-confi- 

 dence and boldness, while lazy dogs acquire more in- 

 dustry and enthusiasm from indulging in it. 



When the trainer attempts to teach the dog to for- 



