FOREST AND STREAM. 
481 
he Memd* 
SCHOOLING THE DOG.— I. 
[This paper is the first of a series oa the education of the dog as it 
relates to sport with the gun in field shooting. The subject will be 
fully treated in all its details. 
In the education of the dog, as in the education of hoys 
and girls and men and women, there are no educational sys- 
tems which compensate for ignorance and inefficiency on the 
part of the teacher, or for incapacity on the part of the 
pupil. There must he ability to convey knowledge* on the 
one hand, and on the other an ability to receive it, else there 
is no proper progress. The mental capacity of the dog and 
the knowledge necessary to serve him through life are in- 
finitely less than those required to serve man, but none the 
less his manner of acquiring knowledge is much the same as 
man's. Still, while the manner of it is similar, the dog's 
sources of information are much narrower, for, being of a 
lower order of intelligence than man, and having no power 
of speech worth considering in this connection, he can learn 
only from repeated, direct experience. 
Man learns much from his fellow man through the medium 
of speech, besides having the knowledge of the world to 
draw upon, as preserved in writings. The dog's lessons, as 
between teacher and pupil, must always be object lessons. 
Continued discourse conveys no knowledge to him, as it does 
between man and man. 
This is considering the matter in the narrow scope as it 
relates to teacher and pupil. It may be possible to show 
that the dog has faculties of a higher order than the mere 
recognition and relation of objects; but he must acquire his 
knowledge before he is able to apply it, and the matter of 
acquiring it is what is herein considered; hence, without 
going into any abstruse treatment of the objective and sub- 
jective, it is sufficient for the purpose to ignore herein the 
more intricate phenomena of mind. 
Thus, any system held forth as having some inherent 
virtue, whereby a dog will b? trained quickly and thoroughly 
regardless of his capacity to receive a training or the trainer s 
ability to give it, denotes that the claimant of such system 
is either very simple in the matter of which he treats, or is 
not very scrupulous as to his manner of tieating it. 
Every one cannot train a dog, but every one can try to 
train, and after trying he will know more about it than if he 
had never tried ; in fact, without having tried, one will never 
know definitely whether he can or cannot train. Nor are 
there any men who are born trainers. Some men may have 
a natural aptitude for it, and learn it quickly and accurately, 
as they learn anything else quickly and accurately for which 
they have an aptitude. Contrary to common belief, there- 
fore, the training of a dog is not one of the things which 
come intuitively. In theory, every man knows a sure cure 
for his friend's cold ; what is the correct thing to do to start 
a balky norse, and without a moment's thought he can give 
an ex eatliedra opinion on any great public question of the 
day— and they are all very good as theories. If they fail 
consecutively a thousand times in practice, they are equally 
as good to serve again on occasion, 
Tire more inexperienced the man the more impractical and 
opinionated he is certain to be. If he be experienced and cor- 
rectly practical in certain specialties he may be visionary con- 
cerning those of others, of which he has little knowledge. 
It is not strange then that nearly everyone thinks he can 
train a dog. 
Nor is dog-training a matter of set forms, and arbitrary 
methods of applications on the part of a competent trainer, 
though the beginner generally proceeds on the theory 
that he has but to learn a metbod by rote, and the applica- 
tion of it is a matter of course. A method of training, as set 
forth in books, may be thoroughly efficient so tar as a 
method can be expressed in words, but there is much beside 
all that, and essentially supplementary to it, which the be- 
ginner must acquire by observation and experience and 
which he must learn for himself. Having the theory accur- 
ately set forth, he must thus qualify himself for its practical 
application, and in applying it, nothing is more important 
than a thorough understanding of the dog himself; that is to 
say, the understanding on the part of the trainer of the dog's 
capacity to understand and of what the dog understands of 
his teachei's purposes; and he should be able to judge 
of the dog's peculiarities of character. If the dog is incap- 
able of learning quickly owing to stupidity, or, though 
highly intelligent he from obstinacy refuses to learn, the 
former would need the most patient consideration; the latter, 
due consideration with unremitting firmness, and perhaps 
punishment. Yet the novice would be likely to use the same 
set method in the same way on both, and also on all others. 
There are hundreds of little differences of dog character and 
capabilities to be censidered, and until the trainer reaches a 
point of discernment where he can perceive, understand and 
take advantage of them, his attempts as a teacher will be 
but little more than mechanical. He may, now and then, 
have success with a dog from the accident that the set, arbi- 
trary method happens to fit the dog's peculiarities, but it is 
merely a happening. "With a little thought over it, it is 
clear that it is palpably absurd to apply one set method to 
the nervous, the stupid, the intelligent, the lazy, the timid, 
the diligent, the fast, the slow, the weak, the strong, etc. 
Such must result in many failures, and the best success will 
be moderate. 
Methods should be modified to the circumstances of each 
inJividual case, compromising with the idiosyncrasies of 
the pupil, and applying with a view to securing certain 
results and not with a view to preserve arbitrary methods of 
teaching. By kindness, and preserving the dog's interest, 
always keeping progress within his capacity, success will be 
the result in every case where it is possible. There will be 
failures betimes, as in cases where the dog is mentally weak, 
so much so that he is a dullard, or understanding what is 
taught him for the moment, he cannot remember it from 
day to day; or if he is proficient in learning, he may be too 
indolent to work afield, so that if trained he is merely a 
trained loafer; or he may be well trained and diligent yet 
incapable of good performance, owing to the functional 
powers of the nose, as an organ of scent, being deficient or 
absent. In such cases the trainer is powerless to correct the 
dog's shortcomings, also he may not be able to recognize the 
cause of the trouble, and therefore the greater need of close 
and careful observation of details from the start. 
JSTo trainer can supply qualities which nature has omitted. 
To be able to determine nicely all these points requires close 
observation. A knowledge of dog character will come to a 
trainer after a certain experience, even if he is left entirely 
to his own resources, but such is from a long experimental 
experience; but what is learned slowly from many experi- 
ments, losses and failures could have been much better 
learned at the beginning from the observance of advice given 
in approved methods and the exercise of perception and 
judgment. 
Thus having given some consideration to the dog, he -next 
would act wisely in giving a great deal to himself. He will 
need to study himself from a new standpoint. As a teacher, 
he will find a new character in himself, differing essentially 
from his every day one. As teacher he will find that he is 
irritable, impatient, and unreasonable in his requirements of 
the dog; that he becomes angry over the dog's failure to do 
in a few moments what the trainer directs, and that his 
anger increases when the dog shows utter ignorance of the 
language which the trainer knows so well Knowing the 
language himself, he does not consider that the dog is ignor- 
ant of it, and has to learn the sound of the order so as to keep 
it in memory, and next its meaning and its application. At 
this juncture the amateur generally falls to and gives the dog 
a sound beating, and calls the tumult dog training. At the 
next lesson the poor dog associates the whole affair with a 
sound beating, and is in a state of mind for anything else 
rather than receiving lessons. 
When a dog's fears are aroused, or he is made to feel need- 
lessly uncomfortable, worried and uneasj', his progress as a 
pupil is slow. If the lessons are made obnoxious to him, the 
trainer has succeeded in making him more intent on avoid- 
ing them or having them ended than in learning their pur- 
pose. With a violent teacher the dog's life is truly a sad one. 
Knowledge is then acquired under the most disheartening 
difficulties. Under the same violent conditions the teacher 
would rise in rebellion and implore the world to witness his 
wrongs. If, when learning his A B C's, the good pedagogue 
had told him the names of the letters two or three times, 
then failing to receive proper answer, had jerked him vio- 
lently by his neck, kicked him in his ribs and slashed him 
with a heavy whip, he would have considered a lesson as 
something devoid of pleasure. The harshness and inefficiency 
so deterrent to the boy's progress and so harmful to his nature 
are equally so to the dog's. The same patient labor on the 
part of the teacher in dealing with the education of the boy 
is the same required in dealing with the education of thedog. 
Their manner of gaining knowledge differs but little. Pun- 
ishment teaches nothing in the way of acquiring knowledge 
excepting that his teacher is an tmpleasant person, and one 
to be avoided. Punishment serves in its place to prevent a 
dog from doing certain things, and that is the extent of its 
mission. It is good in its place as a preventive, but it de- 
velops nothing useful. But when it is applied for the 
reason that the teacher is angry, it is enthely outside of the 
purposes of dog training, though the teacher may imagine 
the violence is a part of it. Until the trainer can control his 
temper and fit his efforts to the dog's capacity and progress, 
he vdll be inefficient. And these things no one can do for 
him. His own judgment and self-control are his only re- 
liance, as they are entirely outside the scope of any system. 
A. K. C. MEETING. 
The regular quarterly meeting of the American Kennel 
Club was held in its offices at 55 Liberty street, May 20. 
There were present American Fox Terrier Club (H, H. 
Hunnewell, Jr.), Boston Terrier Club (L. A. Burritt), But- 
terfly Bench Show Association (D. E. Waters), Collie Club 
(James Watson), Irish Terrier Club (W. L. Beadleston), 
Metropolitan Kennel Club (G. M. Carnochan), New 
England Kennel Club (Edward Brooksj, Pointer Club 
(George Jarvis), Southern California Kennel Club (C. D. 
Bernheimer), Poodle Club (H. G. Trevor), National Beagle 
Club (H. F. Schellhass), Gordon Setter Club (J. B. Blos- 
som); Associates (G. W. H. Ritchie and A. C. Wilmerding). 
Vice-President Edward Brooks presided. Capt. Knocker 
was accepted as the delegate of tbe San Francisco Kennel 
Club. 
The treasurer's report showed a balance of $4,018.66 on 
hand. The secretary's quarterly report was accepted and 
placed on file. The report of the advisory boarol (April 6) 
was read as already published, accepted and placed on file. 
The report of the Stud Book committee was accepted with 
the adoption of its recommendations, as follows: Ee the 
pedigree of the black and tan terrier Pittsburgh Ben (38,- 
195) on application of W. H. Davis, for the cancellation of 
this dog's registration, was refused, there being no evidence 
to support it. 
Be application of Robert Walker, in the matter of the 
breeder of Dunrobin Ossian, Oswald, Noel and Torfrida, 
the committee recommended that the original entries be 
canceled, as they are wrong, and that Mr. Albion L. Page 
register them correctly, paying the fee the same as for an 
original entry. The wins and records of Dunrobin Ossian 
and Dunrobin Oswald to stand. Mr. Page was under a 
mistaken belief that he was the breeder, but on having his 
attention called to the error he asked for its correction. 
The application of Fred J. Roromell, Chicago, for rein- 
statement was dismissed. 
Tiie committee recommended the suspension of Joe 
Saks, Washington, till he gives information concerning the 
pedigree of the fox terrier Dixie II., given as by Blemton 
Valiant— Belgrave Viola, which is thought to be incorrect. 
Mr. Saks had ignored the committee's inquiries concern- 
ing the matter. 
The complaint of Wm. Grebe, re the breeder and pedi- 
gree of the corded poodle Black Prince (39,424), the com- 
mittee concluded to permit the registration of Black 
Prince; not as now in the stud book, but by Tell (Othello 
— Desdemona) out of Flora. 
Two other cases were mentioned by the committee 
which were not ready to be reported on, each being in re- 
spect to false pedigrees traced to Miller, of Westchester, 
Pa., who was disqualified last year. Endeavors to obtain 
the necessary evidence upon which the postal authorities 
could act have in previous cases failed, but it is hoped 
that in these cases the required affidavits may be secured. 
The committee on rules reported that it has under con- 
sideration general amendments to the rules governing dog 
shows and clubs holding such shows. It will conclude its 
labors so its recommendations may be published in July 
or August. Mr. Vredenburg made a verbal report in behalf of 
the special committee appointed to confer with the special 
committee of the- Canadian Kennel Club. He reported that 
thelollowinghadbeenagreedupon: ThattheC.K.O. should 
be the Canadian Advisory Board of the A. K. C; that all 
questions relating to Canada should be acted upon by that 
committee or board, subject, however, to confirmation or 
appeal to this club; that every show held iii Canada must 
be held under A. K. C. rules,'and that every show held in 
Canada must pay the A. K. C. the sum of $10, the same as 
is exacted fi-om A. K. C. members; that the A. K. C. cease 
receiving money for registrations; that all listings for 
Canadian show must be made with the A. K. C. This 
was agreed to by the C. K. C, with the following condi- 
tions: That so far as challenge classes are concerned, the 
A. K. C. should make the same exceptions in their favor 
that was made in favor of the Pacifi.c Coast; that Canada 
should be entitled to a representation in the A. K. C. with 
three delegates, one of whom was to be chairman of the 
Canadian Kennel Board, and by virtue of that position he 
was to have a seat on the Executive Board. 
As this memorandum was changed materially by the 
Canadian Kennel Club in its application, the agreement is 
still in abeyance. The special committee's report was ac- 
cepted and placed on file, and .further negotiation will be 
allowed them. 
The following kennel names were granted: Bayonne, to 
Mr. Leslie A. Burritt; Beaumaris, to Mr. Bulkley Wells; 
Bridge, to Mr. J. H. Mullins; Dorchester, to Mr. C. 0. 
Kammerer; Fashion, to Mr. H. Shearman; Golden, to Mr. 
J. B. Martin; Scaleby, to Mr. John A. Detweller; Shady- 
side, to Messrs. Frederick S. Stedraan and W. F. Bender; 
Tippecanoe, to Mr. Joseph Missenheimer; Verona, to 
Mrs. P. A. Hearst and Mr. J. E. de Ruyter. 
The charges of misconduct by Mr. W. L. Washington 
against Mr. Alfred Von Cotzhausen, and the complaint of 
Mr. F. P. Kirby in behalf of Mr. Walter Griscome against 
the National Greyhound Club for non-payment of the club 
medal, won at the late New York show, were referred to 
the executive board. 
The secretary reported that he had requested the Pacific 
Advisory Board to investigate the question of Mr. A. Rus- 
sell Crowell accepting money on behalf of the A. K. C.and 
forgetting to send the same to the A. K. C. 
Mr. Harry Malcolm, on appeal, was reinstated. 
The action of a judge on the Pacific coast in giving so 
many equal firsts and seconds and thirds was declared to 
be reprehensible, and was referred to the committee on 
rules. 
The Bull Terrier Club of America was dropped from the 
roll of membership. 
The question of the relief to the dog show clubs whose 
forfeits of |25 have been forfeited for violations of the 
rule, was laid on the table pending the report of the com- 
mittee on rules. 
The Seattle Kennel Club was dropped for non-payment 
of dues. 
A resolution was passed as follows: 
'eas, It is reported in the public press that the 
British Board of Agriculture has issued orders restricting 
the importation of dogs from America, based upon the 
idea that rabies is prevalent here, and, 
WJiereas, It is well known to those most closely con- 
nected with dogs as owners that rabies is practically un- 
known in this country, and that alleged cases of hydro- 
phobia arising from the bites of dogs claimed to be rabid 
are in nearly every case published for sensational pur- 
poses, and with no knowledge of the actual condition of 
the dog, and the alleged cure of such persons is therefore 
purely imaginary and mercenary, be it therefore 
Resolved that a special committee may be appointed by 
this club, whose duty it shall be to obtain information of a 
reliable nature regarding the existence of rabies in the 
LTnited States, by communicating with dog owners 
throughout the country, and by such further steps as it 
may deem necessary. 
The chairman stated that he would appoint a committee 
of five, three of whom would be expert veterinarians, and 
two members of the club. 
National Beagle Club of America. 
An executive meeting of the National Beagle Club of 
America was held at the rooms of the American Kennel 
Club, May 13. Members present: H. F. Schellhass, Chair- 
man; James W. Appleton, George B. Post, Jr., A. Wright 
Post and G. Mifflin Wharton. 
Voted that the eighth annual field.trials be held during 
the week commencing Monday, Oct. 25. Carried, that the 
chair appoint a field trial committee, members of which 
will be published later. Georoje W. Rogers, Sec'y. 
208 Wkst Eighit-kighih sthkkt, New York. 
POINTS AND FLUSHES. 
From a correspondent we learn that the Manitoba Dog 
Owners' Association purpose having an amateur meeting, 
followed by the Manitoba Club, with the Continental 
switched between at the conclusion. The Northwestern 
will have a champion stake, the prize of which probably will 
be an illuminated Diploma (cost $25). In addition thereto 
Messrs. Walker & Sons will give a silver trophy costing 
$100. There will be no entry or starter's fees, and the 
winner will take the cup and diploma. Mr. Edward Dex- 
ter was invited to accept the patronship of the Northwest- 
ern Field Trial Club in place of the late highly respected 
patron, A. P. Heywood-Lonsdale. Mr. Dexter accepted, 
and said he was thoroughly in accord with the desires of 
the Northwestern Field Trials Club, viz., to have and hold 
field trials for the sake of encouraging sport in its purest 
and truest form, rather than from the usual incentive of a 
monetary consideration. The Northwestern Field Trial 
Club also think that in offering a trophy and diploma, 
with the reputation and story that go with such trophies, 
that their efforts will be appreciated by those who have a 
desire to find by an honest test if they own a champion, 
and especially when there is absolutely no expenditure in 
connection. 
The doings of the A. K. 0. afford a standard theme for 
some writers, in so far as they can find something to criti- 
cise adversely or something which can be forced to seem 
like error. Its beneficent works are rarely touched upon. 
When there is error, it is good and proper to point it out 
and disapprove it; but the manufacture of error is in itself 
a most reprehensible error. The latest "kick" against the 
A. K, C. action is in respect to the cancellation of the pug 
Hooker's win in the challenge class at the late St. Louis 
show. The rule governing such entry specifies that "'it is 
necessary to specify on the entry blank a sufficient number 
of first prize winnings to entitle it to compete in such class 
until such time as it has won in a challenge class, after 
which one challenge win shall be sufficient." The entry 
of Hooker mentioned his eligibilitv as follows: "Win- 
nings—First, New York, Chicago, S"t. Louis." Now that 
does not specify winnings "to entitle it to compete." It 
specifies wlierd the winnings were, but not what they were. 
