36 BREAKING A BIRD DOG 
not do so willingly. Training by the force 
system is different. I didn’t use it on Byrd 
—but just the same I recommend the force 
system as the safest and most satisfactory 
for permanent and unfailing results. There 
are several methods in vogue, but the fol¬ 
lowing is probably at least the equal of any 
of them and I am pleased to be able to 
offer it to my readers. It is the system used 
for many years, with the most successful re¬ 
sults, by Mr. R. J. McCullagh to whom we 
are indebted for the balance of this chapter. 
Force Retrieving 
No. i. Devote time and energy toward 
interesting the dog to take an object from 
the hand and hold it until you take it from 
him. 
No. 2. Never begin this step until he has 
thoroughly understood No. i. Then induce 
him to pick up the pad or corn cob and turn 
with it to you. All the while keep him on a 
short line, and keep his attention concen¬ 
trated on his work. This may last one day 
or perhaps weeks, according to the disposi- 
