FIRST LESSONS IN RETRIEVING. 13 
one fully qualified in every branch of the service, 
still another season of practice will be needed. 
Now, as teaching to “fetch” is unattended, or 
should be, with acts of violence, a pup is admis- 
sible to this department of learning at the age of 
three months, and, if well grown and healthy, 
even earlier. Commence with him by rolling a 
ball, or throwing a glove, across the floor. You 
must sit down, in a position that will induce him 
to return to you after he goes for the object. 
When he picks it up, say “Fetch,” and caress him 
if he does so. Use no other word than * Fetch,” 
lest you confuse him. Continue to exercise him 
twice a day in this manner, during your leisure 
moments; in three weeks’ time you will be 
pleased’ to see how well he obeys, and, at the 
command “Fetch,” looks about in search, even 
before you have cast the ball or glove for him. 
Never strike or cuff him when he refuses to come 
back, or stops to play with his ball, as is often the 
case. The little rascal will probably roll over, 
gnaw his plaything, and apparently taunt you 
with this delay, or, if fatigued, no amount of urg- 
ing will move him. You must be patient and 
considerate with him at this age, remembering 
