82 LEWISES AMERICAN SPORTSMAN. 



relieve the dog of all discomfort not absolutely necessary to over- 

 come his will. The order to surrender the roll is " give," at which 

 we take hold of it, and if necessary at first gently open his jaws. 

 This part of the lesson must be thoroughly taught or the dog may, 

 when he takes pleasure in retrieving, refuse to surrender, and bite 

 his birds badly in the effort to retain them. 



To confirm what we have already taught we next practice the dog 

 in taking the roll from the hand in all positions, high, low, and on 

 one side, pushing his head gently towards it, and increasing the dis- 

 tance as he improves. There must be no coaxing in this any more 

 than in other parts of the instruction. The head must be pushed 

 till the dog comprehends what is wanted, and then if he does not 

 move towards the roll at the order the twist must be applied and the 

 head turned at the same time, but approval and encouragement 

 should be made very marked, that the dog may perceive the differ- 

 ence in the results of refusal and obedience. 



The next lesson is in picking up from the floor, and if the last 

 has been well taught this will be comparatively easy. The roll 

 must be dropped, and with the hand touching it the usual command 

 given, and the twist applied if the dog refuses, dragging his head 

 by the nose to it if necessary, but he must at first be aided to get 

 it into his mouth. If, as often happens, he seizes it with a savage 

 crunch, which if allowed to become habitual will cause him to bite 

 his birds, we must, as soon as he picks it up readily, say " carefully," 

 and, slipping the thumb into his mouth under the roll, press it 

 sharply up between the junction of the lower jaws just back of the 

 teeth. The dog will have no inclination to bite the hand, but, on 

 the contrary, may at once release the roll ; but with a little patience 

 he can be brought to hold it while the thumb is in position, and will 

 eventually become very tender-mouthed. He may now be taught 

 to fetch by the breaker stepping back a step or two with the com- 

 mand " come," and, if necessary, holding his hand under the dog's 

 jaw, with the usual command if the dog attempts to drop the roll. 

 A few hours' practice at different times will teach him to carry well, 

 and proper encouragement will make him take great pleasure in 



