470 DOG-BREAKIXG. 



and well disposed, perfectly obedient ; and, except that 

 he will not have a well-confirmed, judicious range, almost 

 perfectly made ; at least so far made, that he will only 

 commit such faults as naturally arise from want of expe- 

 rience. Let me remind you also that the keep of dogs 

 is expensive, and supplies an argument for making them 

 earn their bread by hunting to a useful purpose so soon 

 as they are of an age to work without injury to their 

 constitution. Time, moreover, is valuable to us all, or 

 most of us fancy it is. Surely, then, that system of 

 education is best which imparts the most expeditiously 

 the required degree of knowledge. 



CHAPTER n. 



INITIATORY LESSONS WITHIN DOORS. SHOOTING PONIES. 



13. IT is seldom of any advantage to a dog to have 

 more than one instructor. The methods of teaching 

 may be the same ; but there will be a difference in the 

 tone of voice and in the manner that will more or less 

 puzzle the learner, and retard rather than advance his 

 education. If, therefore, you resolve to break in your 

 dog, do it entirely yourself; let no one interfere with you. 



14. As a general rule, let his education begin when he 



