Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 40.djvu/253

 there is only one way of accomplishing these things, as many previous writers seem to have thought, with the result that many who have attempted to follow these rigid rules have disgusted themselves and spoiled their dogs.

It is to be remembered that all lessons require frequent repetition. "Little and often" applies to training as a cardinal principle.



No one should undertake the training of a dog to work on game who is not possessed of patience and good temper. Lacking these, the puppy is apt to cause the trainer great worry and to get little good from him, if he be not actually spoiled. It is, in fact, better to go afield expecting that the puppy will do nothing as desired at first; then one is prepared for the worst, and may soon lay his plans to accomplish what he aims at, which must always be done in relation both to the dog and the circumstances.

But with dogs example is strong for good or evil. A steady, old trained dog is invaluable, while a disobedient, headstrong one will most assuredly ruin the puppy. But it is clearly foolish to expect a pappy under a certain age to work on game with an older dog—indeed, to work on game at all—though ranging, obeying the whistle, dropping, etc., should all be taught