94 
Beagles and Beagling 
about here they are sure to ruin the scent. Many 
a promising drive has thus come to naught in a 
field trial. It is in reality not the fault of the dogs 
that they are thus checked, hut due to bungling 
handlers and judges, and especially the latter; for 
judges should insist upon giving the dogs absolute 
right of way. The alert handler keeps both eyes 
open all the time for by doing so he can keep toler¬ 
ably good tab on the rabbit, and by watching where 
he goes he is very frequently able to give his dog 
a little help. Even the experienced dog will turn 
a glance toward his master at times and frequently, 
when the latter is alert, he can, by waving a hand 
or taking a step in the direction the rabbit has gone, 
give his dog the cue that will put him right. The 
handler in such contingencies should keep well out 
of the crowd so his dog can see him. These little 
helps to the dog are entirely within bounds, and 
no one can take exception to them. 
The dog must be of the right calibre to win 
field trials, but the handler on more than one occa¬ 
sion can assist him in doing so. by remaining alert 
at all times while the heat is in progress. For in¬ 
stance, should the opposing dog start a rabbit, be 
right there to hark your dog in, for it is possible 
he might not have heard the other dog’s opening 
notes. If your dog is not a good barker or will 
not come readily to your call or horn, go to him 
and bring him over to where the other dog is 
running. 
“Marking the hole” is another important thing 
that is being given due credit at field trials. In the 
preceding chapter I dwelt upon that and how dogs 
