12 ON SHEPHERDS' DOGS. 



when he approaches, and do not advance on the side, 

 where they see him a centinel, on the borders of a 

 prohibited ground. 



Q. How do dogs serve to direct the course of a 

 flock? 



A. When a shepherd drives his flock before him, he 

 can greatly hasten its speed, and that of the sheep, 

 which remain behind ; but he cannot prevent it from 

 going too quick, nor the sheep from running forward 

 too fast, or straying to the right or left ; it is neces- 

 sary, he should have the aid of dogs, to place round 

 the flock, to send forward, or to restrain such as go 

 too fast, to bring up those which remain behind, or 

 stray to the right or left. 



Q. How can a shepherd make his dog perform 

 these different manoeuvres? 



A. He must train them from their youth, and ac- 

 custom them to obey his voice. The dog goes on 

 all sides ; before the flock to stop it ; behind it, to 

 make it go forward ; on the sides, to prevent it from 

 straying : he remains at his post, or returns to the 

 shepherd, according to signs given him, which he 

 understands. 



Q. What is necessary to be done to train a shep- 

 herd's dog ? 



A. He must be learnt to stop, to lie down, to bark, 

 to stop barking, to place himself on the side of the 

 flock, to walk round it, and to seize a sheep by the 

 ear, at the command of the shepherd, when given 

 him by the sound of his voice, or by the motion of 

 his hand, 



