FOR THE FIELD AND FIELD TRIALS. 2OI 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE NATURAL METHOD. 



THE term "natural method" is a misnomer. It is 

 distinctly misleading in its significance, for instead of 

 being a natural manifestation, the vanity and 

 pleasure of the dog are catered to by the trainer from 

 start to finish to induce retrieving. The dog's self- 

 interest is thus in a manner the basis of the trainer's 

 lessons and success. 



To the dog the lessons in this method are moments 

 of mere delightful play. They are combined with 

 flattery and petting by the trainer, which inflate the 

 dog's body and spirit with pride and delight. His 

 performance being thus dependent on his own 

 pleasure, his advancement in retrieving, as a serious 

 work, or, indeed, whether he advances well or not at 

 all, is accordingly exceedingly uncertain. His own 

 whimsical inclination is always the dominant factor. 

 He engages in the lesson with ardor if he feels in a 

 frolicsome mood, or disdainfully ignores it if he feels 



