8 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 
. 
Animal food (except an occasional bone) is not advisable 
in any breed of young dog, until four or five months old, 
and it should then be gradually, not suddenly, introduced. 
into the diet. 
EXERCISE. 
Exercise is equally beneficial to canine as it is to human 
health. The mind is diverted not only in the performance 
of the act, but also in the novelty of fresh scenes, new faces 
and objects, bright weather and pure and bracing air. 
To the young dog it is indispensable. Compare the ani- 
mal, which, from a puppy, has had full freedom, with one 
cooped up until it has arrived at maturity; in the former 
Nature has asserted her right, and, unchecked given sym- 
metry, full development, and health ; in the latter, crooked 
legs, deformed body, and stunted growth is the picture she . 
presents of an interference with her laws. Who will deny 
the fact that some poor creatures are kept on the chain 
from one month’s end to another after growth is complete, 
with the idea that it is then not hurtful? Fallacy! Out at 
the elbows and bowed arms, with spreading -toes, will in 
time result, and become a permanent deformity. Again,loose 
such an one, and the exuberance of spirits immediately 
manifested, the wild scampers of delight until exhaustion 
takes place, will exhibit even to the doubtful mind the en- 
joyment of freedom and exercise. 
Other tender little morsels of caninity are carried, pro- 
tected from every breath of wind, in the arms of their mis- 
tress, and thus have, as it is termed, “ their airing,” the 
most invigorating and muscle-developing part of it being 
denied them ; and so they go their way yelping and snarl- 
ing, in all probability with envy at the gambols of those 
taking exercise in a natural manner. 
Exercise should not be allowed so as to produce undue 
fatigue, as in carriage-followers and sporting-dogs ; in the 
latter, I am aware, it is under certain circumstances un- 
