54 THE AMATEUR TRAINER, 
gradually increase the distance to about ten feet, 
-and always accompany him to the object, waving 
the right hand in that direction. Ultimately the 
signal by hand alone will be all the order necessary, 
while the trainer remains at the spot from whence 
the object was thrown, but always insist upon the 
dog coming in on a direct line to you, sitting down 
and holding till ordered, “Let go !” Never fail to 
flatter and praise your pupil whenever he performs 
any part of his lesson to your full satisfaction, with 
kindly spoken words and a little caressing. On the 
other hand be cautious with words and gestures of 
disapprobation. Never fail to correct any fault of 
his, especially disobedience to orders and slovenly 
execution, at the moment, and have him repeat 
every exercise in their regular order until he com¬ 
prehends and executes the same perfectly, but not 
beyond the limit of attention and physical strength. 
Vary the exercises as often as you deem it prudent 
by repeating former orders. Adhere strictly to the 
rule, never to take up a new lesson until he is per¬ 
fect in all the foregoing exercises. Do not expect 
too much proficiency, alertness or style in execution 
at this stage of the dog’s education, so long as he 
fully understands every order given and obeys the 
same fairly well. As we progress with this method 
his educational faculties will strengthen, and 
practice will make him master of his task, and the 
trainer will then consider himself richly repaid for 
the time and patience devoted to his dog. 
