DOGS 503 



In ranging, the dog should adjust his efforts to fit 

 the circumstances of cover and open, casting closer 

 in a broken cover country than in an open country, and 

 he should come into view of the shooter at reasonable 

 intervals to note the proper course as a base line to 

 guide him in keeping within proper bounds. When 

 hunting in cover exclusively, as in hunting ruffed 

 grouse and woodcock, his proper range should not 

 much exceed that of the spaniel ; that is, gunshot. 



Back, back stand, or back set, is when one dog stands 

 stanchly at sight of a pointing dog, the attitude of the 

 backing dog being much like that which he assumes 

 on a point, though in many instances it is more or less 

 relaxed. In any case, as the dog advances in years, 

 he backs with less intensity. 



If the pointing dog has pointed false a few times, 

 the backing dog, observing that the act is deceptive, 

 loses confidence in his fellow worker, disregards his 

 points, and goes on about his own affairs, or breaks 

 in to see what it is all about. 



Dogs quickly comprehend the significance of each 

 other's movements. Some deferential dogs will back 

 when they observe their bracemate drawing on game, 

 being satisfied to take a subordinate position at every 

 opportunity. Other dogs, on the contrary, may cast 

 in ahead at top speed when they see a dog reading or 

 drawing, being ambitious to secure the point. Some 

 will back well for a moment, then move forward a 

 few steps at a time, playing craftily to steal the point. 

 Some dogs, again, will back or point honestly when 



