Training and Care 229 



a great deal of speed and almost no style. The 

 superficial observer would have called him a good 

 reliable shooting prospect. Under sensible train- 

 ing he gradually increased his range and speed 

 until he reached the form which made him the 

 crack pointer in both his Derby and all-age years. 



A finished dog retrieves promptly to order 

 from land and water ; " heels " at a word and 

 remains until ordered out ; he is quiet in buggy 

 or wagon ; respects the whistle and obeys the 

 hand of his handler at any distance ; is steady 

 to shot and wing; neglects rabbits and all fur; 

 backs at sight of a decisive point. 



Comparatively few dogs are polished to the 

 extent of being perfect in all these respects. 

 Field trial work calls for the least allowable 

 restraint. In America the tendency is to break 

 dogs, even for the gun, as little as comfort and 

 efHciency permit. The main proposition is that 

 the dog must find birds, and without delay. An 

 American shot will pardon mistakes and lack of 

 polish ; incompetency, never. Fancy accomplish- 

 ments only irritate the American when the "get 

 there " abilities are weak. Still, a really educated 

 dog does all these things I have named, and does 

 them cheerfully. Since American shooting calls 

 for a higher class of efficiency than the sport 

 demands in Great Britain, it is the more impera- 

 tive that a trainer should have plenty of time in 



