Training a Field Dog 157 
change his course and finally that his proper mode of progression is by 
diagonals. 
Too much stress should not be laid upon quartering as an essential in 
actual work. It is part of the education, the same as a boy is taught arithmetic 
systematically, and when he is more advanced uses his head in the way of 
short cuts to reach the desired end. Our game birds are not spread all over 
the fields as partridges are in turnips in England, but haunt favoured 
localities. When snipe shooting on marsh lands or pinnated grouse shooting 
on the prairies ranging is an essential, and as a part of the education of the dog 
to work to signal it is also essential. In actual shooting the dog should be sent 
to probable localities for the game sought, and the intelligence of the dog will 
eventually educate him to the knowledge of the most likely places for game. 
In all likelihood the youngster will fail to yield the implicit obedience he 
did to signals he formerly respected, and it is better to let him have a little 
leeway to begin with, as you want him full of go in his work. Let him have his 
fling for a little, if he must, rather.than curb his spirits. “Then when he has 
had a reasonable time for this exuberance of spirits to evaporate proceed to 
put in practice some of his signal orders and see that he obeys them. When 
he appears under control and you know where game is to be found, send him 
in that direction, keeping him well in hand as you approach the place. You 
will have taken no gun with you on this occasion. That will come later, the 
present object being to have him steady to wing and to learn scent and point. 
As soon as any indication of game is seen, either from your own observa- 
tion or the dog’s action, “steady” him and keep him slightly checked. 
If the birds flush, “to-ho” at once and try tohold him. Some say to let the 
dog chase. Why, is not apparent, and the sensible thing is to start the dog 
right if it can be done. It is not such a grievous offence as to call for 
punishment, but he should be checked, stopped and brought back to the 
point where he broke from and admonished to be careful. Then if by any 
possibility you have marked down any of the birds, work him toward them 
and use every precaution possible to get him to stand to the birds. Rome 
was not built in a day, and the puppy is not likely to learn this lesson of his 
in one day, though he may. Remember, however, that the bolder dog 
will likely prove the better in the long run and take pains to set him right 
without getting him cowed. If the dog after two or three trials persists 
in running in, it will be necessary to use a check cord and use it with the “to- 
ho.” It is advisable when the dog stands steady on point, and you go ahead 
