BREAKING. 83 



doing so, besides preparing him well for the next step, fetching 

 from a distance. 



We throw the roll at first only a step or two, and, with a wave of 

 the hand and an encouraging " pick it up, good dog," advance with 

 him if necessary, make him pick it up and return with us to the 

 place from whence we started. As he improves the roll can be 

 thrown farther and farther, till he will fetch it from wherever it 

 falls. Up to this time we have encouraged him to start immedi- 

 ately when the roll is thrown, but as this will incline him to break 

 shot to retrieve when in the field, we now, as soon as he becomes 

 eager to fetch, stop him by the " ho," and make him stand till 

 ordered on by "pick it up" We do not use the usual command to 

 advance in this case, because we wish the object of the advance to 

 be present in his mind, and to insure this we remind him of it. 

 If necessary to restrain him, we simply take him by the collar, 

 throw the roll, and, after a very brief pause, at first send him for it. 

 Later the pause may be made longer, and any attempt to advance 

 immediately checked, till the dog understands he must not start till 

 ordered. All kinds of light objects must now be substituted for 

 the roll, and the dog familiarized with them, forcing him to pick 

 them up as before ; lastly, a freshly killed bird must be used. Care 

 must be taken to see that he brings everything tenderly, and a sharp 

 " carefully, sir," be instantly given if he appears in the least inclined 

 to crush what he brings. 



Heretofore we have accustomed him to fetch objects in sight, 

 and we come now to hunting for them, which will oblige him to 

 depend upon his nose. To this end the object used must have scent 

 imparted to it, and this may be done either by carrying the roll in 

 the pocket, or by rubbing it lightly with a piece of raw meat. We 

 throw the roll a short distance when the dog is not looking, call him 

 up, and saying, " find it, good dog," stoop and pretend to search for 

 it ourselves, thus by example prompting him to hunt. We grad- 

 ually work him to where the roll lies, and when he finds and fetches 

 it, reward him by expressions of pleasure and encouragement. An 

 intelligent dog will soon get the idea, and will persistently hunt for 



