224 BEST DOGS. [CH. xin. 



the moment he gets the signal, as all-important, as the 

 very key-stone of the arch that conducts to the glorious 

 triumphs of due subordination. Notice every fault, and 

 check it by rating, but never punish with the whip un- 

 less you judge it absolutely necessary. On the other 

 hand, following Astley's plan (10), reward, or at least 

 praise, every instance of good behaviour, and you will 

 be surprised to find how quickly your young dog will 

 comprehend your wishes, and how anxious he will be to 

 comply with them. Remember that evil practices, un- 

 checked until they become confirmed habits, or any 

 errors in training committed at the commencement of 

 his education, cannot be repaired afterwards without 

 tenfold nay, twentyfold trouble. Never let him hunt 

 from under your eye. Unceasingly endeavour to keep 

 alive in him as long as possible his belief that you are in- 

 tuitively aware, as fully when he is out of sight as within 

 sight, of every fault he commits, whether it arise from 

 wilfulness or mere heedlessness. This is a very impor- 

 tant admonition. Remember, however, that the best 

 dogs will occasionally make mistakes when they are 

 running down wind (especially if it blows hard), and 

 that there are days when there is scarcely any scent. 

 (Note to 174.) 



384. I said, " Make him," (your pupil,) " as much as you can, 

 your constant companion." Many breakers seem not to consider, or, 

 at least, seem not to be sufficiently influenced by the consideration, 

 that it is companionship with us, through successive generations, 

 which alone has led to the dog's becoming the useful servant we find 

 him. In his wild state he may have as much sagacity as when 

 domesticated ; but this he displays in a manner in no way advan- 

 tageous to us ; it is shown in the mode in which he procures his 

 food, avoids his enemies, &c. We hear much of the different de- 

 grees of " natural sagacity " evinced in different breeds ; of the 

 wonderful intelligence of collies, &c. : but surely it is chiefly associ- 

 ation with man that awakened that apparently greater intelligence ; 

 or, to speak more correctly, that gave them the greater habit of 

 observation, of watching their master's looks, of listening to his 



