598 DOG-BKEAKING. 



no other cause in the excitement of the moment he 

 actually rushes in and seizes the bird, he must be punished, 

 I am sorry to say it ; but however much we may deplore; 

 it, Tie must for he has been guilty of great disobedience, 

 and he well knows that he has been disobedient. But the 

 temptation was strong, perhaps too strong, for canine 

 nature that is to say, for canine nature not early taught 

 obedience. The wounded bird was fluttering within 

 sight and hearing it was, too, the first he had ever 

 seen, and this is almost his first glaring act of disobe- 

 dience ; be therefore merciful, though firm. Make him 

 "drop." Get up to him at once. Probably he will 

 relinquish his grip of the bird ; if not, make him give it 

 up to you, but do not pull it from him : that would only 

 increase the temptation to tear it. Lay it on the ground. 

 Then drag him back to the spot from which he rushed ; 

 there make him lie down. Rate him. Call out " Toho."* 

 Crack the whip over him and, I am pained to add, 

 make use of it but moderately, not severely. Three or 

 four cuts will be enough, provided he has not torn the 

 bird ; if he has, his chastisement must be greater. Let 

 him now have one nibble without punishment, and soon 

 a whole carcase will not suffice for his morning's meal. 

 Do not strike him across the body, but lengthwise. 



222. An ill-tempered dog might attempt to bite you. 

 Prevent the possibility of his succeeding, by grasping 



* ' Toho," rather than " Drop," y our object now being to make 

 him stand at, and prevent his mouthing game ; for you are satisfied 

 that he would have " down charged " had the bird been missed. 



