TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



whose purpose is the furtherance of his master's in- 

 terests. 



When the puppy first grasps the bird and makes 

 what is termed a natural retrieve his every expres- 

 sion and purpose denote that the act has an entire 

 reference to himself. His eyes glare with the triumph 

 of possession; he grasps the bird with unnecessary 

 firmness, oftentimes rolling and crushing it in his 

 mouth, and he goes near to where his master stands 

 as being the most secure and restful place under 

 the circumstances. He would do precisely the same 

 thing when he ceased work and wished to rest. At 

 the juncture when the dog is near to him the trainer 

 interposes, and by intimidation and restraint robs 

 him, as it were, of his prey. If he is of mild or timid 

 disposition he may yield his prize to his trainer at the 

 first stern word or act in reference to it. Under 

 similar circumstances he would in like manner desist 

 from any other purpose or act in which he was en- 

 gaged. But if the puppy is left to his own pleasure 

 in the matter, he retains possession of the bird, lies 

 down in a place to his liking and proceeds to de- 

 vour it. 



The mere picking up of the bird in the presence of 



