I06 KENNEL SECRETS. 



takers should not be unmindful of the fact that to push it 

 past the point of fatigue will cause even greater injury 

 than a denial, and it will be well for them in regulating 

 the amount to be largely influenced by the effects upon 

 themselves under like conditions. The brain-worker of 

 sedentary habits knows well that were he without any 

 preparatory work to run a half, or even a quarter, of a mile 

 at the top of his speed he would be literally " broken up," 

 and for several days suffer in consequence of the indis- 

 cretion, even if he escaped serious and lasting injury. 



And yet such a man is not at all unlikely to unchain his 

 old dog, but rarely released from his kennel, and make 

 him follow his team until he drops from exhaustion. And 

 often men who now and then hunt for a day will lay up 

 their dogs for months even, with only occasional rambles 

 in the streets and always at heel, and without any pre- 

 paratory exercise send them into the field and make them 

 " run their legs off." Assuredly that such inflictions as 

 these are simply barbarous and ruinous to health must be 

 self-evident to every person having a fair amount of intel- 

 ligence. 



Never allow a dog to take violent exercise within two 

 hours after eating a hearty meal. Prepare him for hard 

 work as the athlete is trained — by easy stages — remem- 

 bering always that the development of strength and endur- 

 ance requires time as well as exercise, also that one too 

 hard run while the system is unprepared is sure to 

 derange it seriously and may produce convulsions and 

 grave organic disease. 



"The merciful man will be merciful to his beast." Let 

 owners bear in mind that were they to take a brisk walk 

 and while heated up stop and lie down uncovered in a 

 cold room they could scarcely escape the penalties of the 

 indiscretion, no matter how hardy they might be. Duly 



