CHAPTER II. 
FIRST LESSONS IN RETRIEVING. 
“To fetch” is the very first lesson which 
should be taught. I hold that all propensities 
and inclinations of a dog which tend to his 
ultimate good, and especially those which assist 
the trainer, should be assiduously cultivated, and 
surely there are none earlier developed than this 
desire to run and fetch a ball, a glove, or other 
object thrown for his pleasure. Here is where a 
pup practically learns the meaning of ‘ fetch,” 
which he will never forget when taken out on 
game. This practice becomes, as it were, a habit, 
and fixed habits in man and beast are second 
nature, the power of which maintains its sway 
through life. Some trainers advise the deferring 
of this branch of a pup’s tuition ; then, when it 
is commenced, to use the spike collar as the first 
means of teaching him to retyieve. I am sur- 
prised at their doing this before trying a simpler 
and more pleasing plan. It may answer very well 
I 
