16 PUPPIES AT PIGEON MATCH. [CH. n. 



pup into the field to show him game, should insist upon 

 having ocular demonstration that he is perfect in the 

 "Drop." 



27. When he is well confirmed in this all-important 

 lesson, obeying implicitly, yet cheerfully, you may, 

 whilst he is lying down, (in order to teach him the 

 " down charge,") go through the motions of loading, on 

 no account permitting him to stir until you give him 

 the forward signal, or say " On." After a few times you 

 may fire off a copper cap, and then a little powder, but 

 be very careful not to alarm him. Until your dog is 

 quite reconciled to the report of a gun, never take him 

 up to any one who may be firing. I have, however, 

 known of puppies being familiarized to the sound, by 

 being at first kept at a considerable distance from the 

 party firing, and then gradually, and by slow degrees 

 brought nearer. This can easily be managed at a rifle 

 or pigeon match, and the companionship of a made-dog 

 would much expedite .matters. Whenever, in the les- 

 sons, your young dog has behaved steadily and well, 

 give him a reward. Do not throw it to him ; let him 

 take it from your hands. It will assist in making him 

 tender-mouthed, and in attaching him to you. 



28. In some cavalry regiments in India, the feeding- 

 time is denoted by the firing off of a pistol. This soon 

 changes a young horse's first dread of the report into 

 eager, joyous, expectation. You might, if you did not 

 dislike the trouble, in a similar manner, soon make your 

 pup regard the report of a gun as the gratifying sum- 

 mons to his dinner, but coupled with the understanding 

 that, as a preliminary step, he is to crouch the instant 

 he hears the sound. After a little perseverance you 

 would so well succeed, that you would not be obliged 

 even to raise your hand. If habituated to wait patiently 



