476 DOG-BREAKING. 



mine exactly where the game is lying, preparatory to 

 rushing in to seize it which you prolong by art,* whilst 

 the other is wholly opposed to nature. The one affords 

 him great delight, especially when, from experience, he 

 has learnt well its object : the latter is always irksome. 

 Nevertheless, it must be firmly established. It is the 

 triumph of your art. It ensures future obedience. But 

 it cannot be effectually taught without creating more or 

 less awe, and it should create awe. It is obvious, there- 

 fore, that it must be advantageous to make a distinction 

 between the two signals especially with a timid dog 

 for he will not then be so likely to blink on seeing you 

 raise your right hand when he is drawing upon game. 

 Nevertheless, there are breakers so unreasonable as not 

 only to make that one signal, but the one word " Drop," 

 or rather " Down," answer both for the order to point, 

 and the order to crouch ! How can such tuition serve 

 to enlarge a dog's ideas ? 



24. To perfect him in the " Down," that difficult part 

 of his education, difficult, because it is unnatural, 

 practise it in your walks. At very uncertain, unexpect- 

 ed times catch his eye, having previously stealthily taken 

 hold of the checkcord a long, light one, or a whistle 

 to call his attention, and then hold up your left arm. If 

 he does not instantly drop, jerk the checkcord violently, 



* I know of a young man's reading the first edition of this book, 

 and taking it into his head to teach his Terrier to point according 

 to the method just recommended. He succeeded perfectly. Some 

 Terriers have been made very useful for cover shooting. 



