TRAINING DOGS FOR THE GUN. 119 



manner, as encouragement is very apt to induce a dog to commit 

 errors. A plurality of teachers should, if possible, be avoided; 

 one instructor being amply sufficient; 



Whenever a dog is corrected, either at this period or after* 

 wards in the field, he should not be suffered to leave you till he 

 is satisfied that you intend him no further chastisement : for ex- 

 ample, if a dog be guilty "of so great a fault, when hunting, as 

 to render a severe flogging indispensable, you should not allow 

 him to run away immediately after the flagellation, but compel 

 him to remain at your feet for some seconds or a minute, other- 

 wise, you will not be able to catch him, perhaps, should he re- 

 quire a second chastisement. When a severe flogging is necessary, 

 it is adviseable to put a cord round the neck of the dog, by which 

 means the punishment may be administered more effectually. 



After the dog has been thus brought under subjection, or re- 

 duced to the requisite obedience, at any period, from the age of 

 eight to eighteen months, according as he is strong and healthy, 

 he may be taken into the field, either with or without another 

 dog, and suffered to hunt whatever he pleases, (except sheep or 

 domestic animals,) and, in fact, to run riot. Larks, as they so 

 frequently present themselves, will, most likely, be the first ob- 

 ject of his attention ; these he will spring and chase very eager* 

 ly ; if partridges come in his way, he will do the same, with this 

 difference only, that his eagerness will much increase ; it will be 

 still greater should he come in contact with a pheasant ; and if a 

 hare happen to rise before him, he will not fail to chase, with all 

 imaginable ardour, and will, most likely, open in the pursuit. In 

 this way he may be indulged till such time as he has become so 

 attached to the sports that he may be checked without the least 

 danger of his being overfaced, and thus induced to blink his game, 

 or be otherwise rendered shy. 



In a short period you will perceive him draw more cautiously 

 upon the scent ; on approaching his object, he will pause even 



