254 TRAINING THE HUNTING DOC 



pendent in action, and take the initiative whenever 

 it is possible to do so. To be fitted naturally for such 

 performance he must have speed, intelligence, stam- 

 ina, enthusiasm and pluck, self-confidence, a good 

 nose and a good disposition. 



The preliminary fitting of the dog for field trial 

 competition is a matter to keep in mind at all times. 

 During the summer months he should be kept in 

 reasonably good physical condition by exercise, good 

 food and a wholesome place in which to sleep. His 

 field work, beginning with short hunts, is gradually 

 increased, till he is given all the work he can stand 

 without lessening his enthusiasm and energy in it. 

 He should when at work be thrown entirely on his 

 own resources, consistent with the conditions ex- 

 acted by the competition. 



If the dog has not the knowledge of how best to 

 hunt his ground or go to his birds, etc., before the 

 race, during the race is a badly chosen time in which 

 to teach or assist him. While the handler is endeav- 

 oring to help his dog to accomplish a certain act, the 

 competing dog, more confident and able, may do it 

 readily on his own initiative. 



The information already presented in this work 



