108 THE COMPLETE SHOT 



in seeing how long he could be about it. But in the field, and 

 in the presence of hares, such deliberation is a premium on 

 forgetfulness of the breaker's existence. Then a hare is very 

 likely chased, and a season's unnecessary work, and of a negative 

 value, has become obligatory in an instant. 



On the other hand, if the last lessons in hand breaking are 

 of a kind which make the puppy think that a word and a 

 blow are not separated by distance between the man and dog, 

 hares will never prove a trouble or distance a danger in the 

 field or on the moor. 



The way the author brought about prompt obedience was 

 by trickery. Puppies romping in lines were ordered to drop, 

 then the lines would be passed round a tree in front of them, 

 which would, by its position, give a free run to the dogs of 

 40 or 50 yards when they were called on. But the instant 

 before they reached the limit of the cord the order to drop 

 would be given, so that any hesitation would inflict a sharp 

 tumble by reason of the full limit of the cord having been 

 reached at a gallop. One lesson of that sort gives the dog a 

 sense of the wonderful powers of his breaker, who may be 

 hundreds of yards away when the sudden power is exerted ; 

 and about two or three such experiences, in the last week of 

 hand breaking, give the man in the field apparently mesmeric 

 powers over his pupil. It need hardly be pointed out that, 

 to succeed, the dog must expect, or suspect, no trap. Con- 

 sequently, he must be regularly exercised in his cord, and the 

 trick must not be repeated until the former attempt has been 

 totally forgotten. This can be the more readily brought about 

 by several times dropping the dogs in the ordinary way, and 

 allowing them to find themselves free when the order to come 

 forward is given. In the mind of the pupil, it must not be the 

 cord, but the breaker's order, that does the jerking. 



Usually the author has associated this jerk with the ex- 

 plosion of a pistol, of course after making sure that the dogs 

 did not fear a pistol, and were not "gun-shy," or to be made so. 

 See what power this gives a breaker at distances beyond the 

 travel of his voice or whistle ! A puppy is ranging beautifully 



