70 
The Shepherd or Police Dog 
The training of the guard dog is merely the first 
stage of the training for police work and the per¬ 
fection that is sometimes attained in this is a reflec¬ 
tion of the perseverance, the care and the intimate 
interest of the trainer. The word trainer I have 
always thought a misnomer, I would rather call him 
an instructor, for the knowledge of a perfect police- 
dog is not a mere bag o’ tricks. 
The preliminary exercises of all trained dogs are 
known as the obedience exercises and they are the 
foundation of his future perfection. First of all 
the dog must he trained to the leash, walking with 
the trainer, his head parallel with the trainer’s left 
knee, at no time must he go forward or lag back 
of this position. This exercise may be started to a 
great advantage in a closed room or hall, the trainer 
walking with his left side toward the wall in this 
way controlling the dogs position by crowding him 
against the wall if he seeks to go forward or pulling 
him forward with short sharp jerks with the com¬ 
mand “Heel.” After several rounds of the wall are 
made the trainer makes a quick right face and 
crosses diagonally to the other wall. The exercise 
can then be repeated in the open along a fence or 
along a row of trees or palings, thus compelling the 
dog to keep his place. 
After this is thoroughly acquired the dog may be 
worked without the lead but no second exercise 
must be attempted until there is a perfect mastering 
of the preceding one. 
Without the lead the dog must still maintain his 
position at the trainer’s knee, though many trainers 
