Shooting Dogs 



setters, instruction in obedience cannot well 

 begin too early. The dog must be so 

 schooled as to be under ready control, 

 answering at once to a whistle, and dropping 

 to hand. If he should not take kindly to a 

 signal by hand he should be fastened to a 

 long cord and pulled up peremptorily if orders 

 are disobeyed. Get him in the habit of 

 mouthing some soft object, such as a tobacco 

 pouch, checking him immediately if he dis- 

 plays any inclination to bite it. Next drop 

 the object and encourage the puppy to find 

 and bring it to you. Ultimately he must be 

 taught to carry a pinioned pigeon or young 

 rabbit. When you are satisfied that he will 

 carry a bird or rabbit without hurt, you 

 may hide the living quarry in a tuft of grass 

 and encourage him to " seek dead." 



Needless to say, when you get your 

 beginner in the field you must instantly 

 reprove any disposition to chase a hare or 

 rabbit. He must only pursue a wounded 

 bird or hare when ordered to do so. The 



75 



