62 BROUGHT TO LIFT WEIGHTS. [on. iv. 



to the temptation of picking up one of them in lieu of 

 that he was sent for. Should he on any occasion do so, 

 neither scold nor caress him ; quietly take what he "brings, 

 lay it at your feet, to show him that you want it not, and 

 endeavour to make him renew his search for what you 

 threw in ; do this by signs, and by encouragement with 

 your voice, rather than by chucking stones in the right 

 direction, lest he should seek for them instead of search- 

 ing for what you originally sent him. 



106. Some teachers make a young dog fetch a round 

 pin-cushion, or a cork ball, in which needles are ju- 

 diciously buried ; nor is it a bad plan, and there need 

 be no cruelty in it, if well managed. At least it can 

 only be cruel once, for a dog's recollection of his suffer- 

 ings will prevent his picking up the offending object a 

 second time. Others, after he is well drilled into 

 " fetching," and takes pleasure in it, will make him 

 bring a bunch of keys. There are few things a dog is 

 less willing to lift. Most probably they gave him some 

 severe rebuffs when first heedlessly snatching at them ; 

 and the caution thereby induced tends to give him a 

 careful, tender mouth. A fencing master, I knew in 

 France, had a spaniel, singularly enough for a French- 

 man, called " Waterloo," that would take up the smallest 

 needle. 



107. When your dog has picked up what you desired, 

 endeavour to make him run to you quickly. Many who 

 teach a dog to fetch, praise and encourage him while he 

 is bringing what he was sent after. Clearly this is an 

 error. It induces the dog to loiter and play with it. 

 He thinks he is lauded for having it in his mouth and 

 carrying it about. Eeserve your encomiums and caresses 

 until he has delivered it. (see 153.) If you walk away, 

 the fear of your leaving him, will induce him to hurry 



