104 THE AMATEUR TRAINER, 
gunshy any more than whipshy, watershy, birdshy, 
etc., etc., but may become so by carelessness; one 
thoughtless act may result in any of the mentioned 
faults. Naturally timid, nervous or eccentric dogs 
are the ones most apt to acquire these troublesome 
faults to a more or less damaging degree, through 
seemingly such slight provocations that usually no 
conception is had of the origin, and the fault will be 
attributed hereditary. Faults are acquired, not 
inherited, hence can be cured if the proper methods, 
with sufficient judgment, be applied. Gunshyness 
is the most difficult fault to overcome permanently, 
and requires the best understanding of dog-nature, 
coupled with unlimited patience, but can and 
should be corrected, if the afflicted dog is worth the 
trouble. It may be stated at the outset, that 
violence is inadmissible throughout the entire course 
of correction. Kind treatment and hunger are the 
only means by which the fault can be cured success¬ 
fully. Apply the following method, in accordance 
with the requirement of each individual case, 
which varies to a certain degree in each dog so 
afflicted. 
Securely chain the dog to kennel; give abun¬ 
dance of fresh water from time to time, but do not 
offer anything to eat for twenty-four hours. Next day 
come up to dog with gun in one band and a dish of 
tempting food in the other; if he comes out to par¬ 
take of his feed while the gun is being handled, 
then the fault is not of a very grave nature and may 
