224 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOG 



the preceding lessons have been hurried, or if they 

 have been imperfectly taught, either or both of 

 which are quite probable in the first attempts of the 

 amateur. If progress is made in a proper manner, 

 each stage is easy and certain, with the infliction of 

 little pain or none at all. If the trainer cannot con- 

 duct the spike-collar lessons in a proper manner, it 

 is much better for himself and infinitely better for 

 the dog that the system be abandoned. 



If at any time the dog shows a disposition to bite 

 the cob, some slim ten-penny nails should be tied 

 half an inch apart, lengthwise to it, so that its sur- 

 face is protected by the iron. This, against his teeth, 

 is abhorrent to him. He will at first refuse to grasp 

 it, but when forced to do so will carry it, and with 

 exceeding tenderness. 



Next he is given lessons in retrieving a dead bird. 

 It is better to protect it with nails at first, both to 

 prevent him from pinching it with his teeth, to asso- 

 ciate it with pain to the teeth if grasped too hard, and 

 to insure a habit of tenderness from the first to the 

 last attempts in retrieving birds. He will require a 

 number of lessons to perfect him in this. 



Next he should be taught to refrain from going 



