GETTING ON GAME 
25 
many thousands of good dogs are misused 
through ignorance as well as lack of sym¬ 
pathy and appreciation. 
For the benefit of those amateurs not ac¬ 
quainted with the use of the check cord 
(which does have its place, of course, if used 
in the proper way and at the right time) let 
me explain that a good plan is to take about 
forty feet of stout cord or light clothes line, 
at the end of which is tied a small ring, 
through which the cord is passed to make 
a loop, with plenty of play. When on 
birds, slip this loop or noose over the dog’s 
head and hold him to a point by restraining 
his desire to run in and flush. He will soon 
learn, then, what it is all about and what is 
wanted of him. The noose pinches as the dog 
strains forward, and thus his impetuosity 
is overcome. It is also a good idea at such 
times to repeat some such word as “Steady” 
or “Careful” or “Whoa”—so that the dog 
associates the word used with the restraint, 
and later on, without the cord, he will re¬ 
spond to the word alone. Such a word may 
then be used ever afterward in hunting when 
you want to urge caution or curb some tern- 
