CHAPTER IX. 



Yard Bueaking. — The old lesson of to-lio ; stopping to oi'der : 

 stopping to uplifted hand. 



AS stated in a previous chapter, the yard 

 training of a dog is by the best trainers 

 deferred until the young dog has had some 

 experience on game, and nothing is at- 

 tempted in the way of getting the prospective 

 pupil under control that might possibly affect 

 his courage, dash and energy. 



Most amateurs, however, are anxious to be- 

 gin working with their dogs, and, as the ama- 

 teur breaker has much to learn in the way 

 of controlling himself as well as the dog, there 

 is no better way for him to occupy his time 

 than to teach his dog to "to-ho" at his food 

 every day at feeding time. It is an old-fash- 

 ioned lesson that professional trainers seldom 

 spend any time on. Its utility may be doubt- 

 ful to the experienced handler, but it is a val- 

 uable lesson for the amateur, as it gives him an 

 insight into the technique of breaking and an 

 opportunity to study his pupil, as well as a con- 

 trol over his own feelings that will assist him 

 further on in the art. A dog is taught to 



