42 THE AMATEUR TRAINER, 
observing dog’s movements closely, and preventing 
dropping of cob. Put in the full time teaching this 
lesson and do it carefully. 
“FETCH!” “HOLD IT!” “LET GO!” 
Up to this time the dog has only been required 
to hold, carry and let go the cob, when placed in his 
mouth ; it is now time he should take hold himself. 
Let him sit down, drop cord out of both hands, 
lay the cob on your outstretched flat hand, evenly 
balanced, shove hand slowly forward, pass the fingers 
under jaw till cob touches his mouth ; now pass left 
hand over upper jaw in former manner, press on 
both sides as heretofore, give order, “Fetch!” and 
as the mouth is opened roll the cob into it, at the 
same time order, “Hold it!” Remove the hand if 
he holds, pat, etc. Then order, “Let go!” Remain 
at place and repeat fifteen times. Rest yourself and 
the dog by a few circles and repetitions of former 
lessons, then repeat the same. Be content if the 
dog only shows slight inclination to grasp the cob, 
and continue to assist in his endeavor to do so, and 
as soon as you notice he has understood the mean¬ 
ing, let him hold; order, “Fetch here!” stepping 
off quite slowly after each time of grasping. 
In forcing the dog’s mouth open with left hand 
over upper jaw it will not be necessary to press too 
hard to effect this, and the pressure must be 
diminished more and more till a mere touch in con¬ 
nection with order “Fetch!” will be sufficient to 
