74 
Beagles and Beagling 
all other assertions to the contrary notwithstanding. 
If the word “drop" is selected, call your puppy 
to you in a suitable place, press him down into the 
position you wish him to assume and give the com¬ 
mand, “Drop!" not in a loud, but in a low, firm 
voice. Hold him down in position and keep repeat¬ 
ing the word. Naturally, as soon as you take your 
hands off of him he will get up. You must put him 
in position again and repeat the command. Practice 
this the first day, ten minutes, but increase the time 
as the puppy begins to understand. Eventually he 
will remain where he is put. Always reward him 
with a tid-bit of some kind after the lesson, if he 
does well. When you have him so he will remain 
in position until you want him to rise, call him and 
say “Come," or to “hold up" if you like, but use 
only one form of command. It will be much easier 
to teach him to come than to drop. 
“Heel” 
It is time enough to teach the puppy to remain 
at heel when he is about eight months old, or just 
before his practical field work is begun. This is an 
accomplishment, however, that all beagles should 
be taught. In the previous chapter I mentioned 
“Charlie’s" two well broken beagles, which remained 
at heel until the command was given to go on, and 
it is a most satisfactory situation to have dogs under 
such thorough control. Indeed, two thirds of the 
pleasures afield consists in having well broken dogs, 
whether they be beagles, pointers or setters. 
The first lessons may be given in the yard. Put 
the lead on the puppy and instead of allowing him 
