OTHER MANAGEMENT OP PUPPIES. 159 



tribe included, bring forth their young in secluded places, 

 as caves, holes in the earth, burrows, etc. 



As soon as the whelps are old enough to move about, 

 their surroundings are favorable for cleanliness and exer- 

 cise, while they can readily resort to their natural shelter 

 in case of storms or other stress of circumstances, and for 

 undisturbed repose. 



What better grooming for the skin than that fur- 

 nished by fresh earth, grass, forest brush, dry leaves, etc. ? 

 Earth is a perfect deodorizer, if not an actual disinfect- 

 ant ; it furnishes a means of removing dirt and vermin ; 

 and tends to produce those ingoing nervous influences 

 which have, as already pointed out, such a salutary influ- 

 ence. 



Now, if we but imitate these conditions, our puppies 

 will be fairly healthy, notwithstanding that in breeding 

 and in many features of the environment we must depart 

 from Nature in keeping pure-bred dogs around human 

 habitations. 



Puppies, when well, always play much the best exer- 

 cise they can get. What is wanted, then, is a shelter to 

 which they can resort for quiet and shade during the day ; 

 a kennel free from draughts or other source of danger at 

 night, with free ventilation and cleanliness. 



Puppies can not develop sound bodies, especially good 

 legs and feet, without liberty to run ; hence they should 

 have a yard, if not a field ; they must be free to scrape up 

 and burrow in earth, and this should be encouraged ; their 

 stools must be constantly removed ; and they should have 

 access to good, cool water. A grass run is very desirable, 

 but not as the sole resort, for it is very difficult to keep it 



