TRAINING DOGS FOR THE GUN. 125 



their game ; and when once this habit is contracted, it will re- 

 quire more than ordinary pains to eradicate it. Many young 

 dogs will be much alarmed at the report of a gun ; and yet, 

 when reconciled to it, prove excellent. Few shy dogs are very 

 prizeable ; 1 never saw a good one. 



As I have spoken of the various methods to be employed to 

 render a dog steady at the point, to range, and also to 6ack, I 

 must observe, in this place, that a dog should never be suffered 

 to break fence ; or, in other words, to leave the field till you are 

 ready to accompany him, as much mischief may ensue from his 

 being suffered to ramble out of sight, or to a great distance. On 

 his attempting to break fence, the whistle should be used, the 

 dog should be called by his name, (in an angry tone,) followed 

 by the words, 'ware fence ! the whip, &c. to be resorted to, 

 as in other cases, if necessary, to procure obedience. 



Generally speaking, as little noise as possible should be made. 

 Tbe voice or the whistle should never be used, but when abso- 

 lutely demanded : the dog will thus hunt steadier ; and if you 

 accustom him to the motion of your hand, he will regularly look 

 for the signal whenever he is at a loss. 



It is thought by some, that dogs broke on the grouse moun- 

 tains are superior as to ranging : this is doubtful, if not a mis- 

 taken notion altogether. In this respect, much will depend upon 

 the animal himself. 



Young dogs in general hunt with their noses closer to the 

 ground than old ones, and are apt to puzzle on the scent a con- 

 siderable time after the game has left the spot. A little practice 

 will, however, most likely remedy these defects : if not, recourse 

 must be had to the muzzle-peg, an instrument very well known 

 amongst sportsmen, but which I will, nevertheless, describe. 

 The muzz!e~peg is merely a piece of wood hollowed out and 

 formed at one end so as to fit or receive the under jaw of the 



dog. From the dog's nose to the other end, projecting about 



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