THE POODLE 73 



No strict lines are drawn as regards brown, and all shades 

 ranging from cream to dark brown are classed as brown. 

 Mrs. Robert Long a few years ago startled her fellow-enthus- 

 iasts by exhibiting some parti-coloured specimens ; but 

 they were regarded as freaks, and did not become popular. 



The points to be looked for in choosing a Poodle are, that 

 he should be a lively, active dog, with a long, fine head, a 

 dark oval eye, with a bright alert expression, short in the back, 

 not leggy, but by no means low on the ground, with a good 

 loin, carrying his tail well up ; the coat should be profuse, 

 all one colour, very curly, and rather wiry to the touch. 



If you buy a Poodle puppy you will find it like other in- 

 telligent and active youngsters, full of mischief. The great 

 secret in training him is first to gain his affection. With 

 firmness, kindness, and perseverance, you can then teach him 

 almost anything. The most lively and excitable dogs are 

 usually the easiest to train. It is advantageous to teach your 

 dog when you give him his meal of biscuit, letting him have 

 the food piece by piece as a reward when each trick is duly 

 performed. Never attempt to teach him two new tricks at 

 a time, and when instructing him in a new trick let him 

 always go through his old ones first. Make it an invariable 

 rule never to be beaten by him. If as frequently is the case 

 with your dogs he declines to perform a trick, do not pass 

 it over or allow him to substitute another he likes better ; 

 but, when you see he obstinately refuses, punish him by 

 putting away the coveted food for an hour or two. If he 

 once sees he can tire you out you will have no further authority 

 over him, while if you are firm he will not hold out against you 

 long. It is a bad plan to make a dog repeat too frequently 

 a trick which he obviously dislikes, and insistence on your 

 part may do great harm. The Poodle is exceptionally sensitive, 

 and is far more efficiently taught when treated as a sensible 

 being rather than as a mere quadrupedal automaton. He 

 will learn twice as quickly if his master can make him under- 

 stand the reason for performing a task. The whip is of little 



