thing was strange to him, (for it was the first time he had been associated in the field with other dogs,—nay, almost the first time of his being hunted at all,) yet, from his comprehension of the several orders that he received, and perfect obedience, he acquitted himself so creditably, that he was allowed, not only to be one of the best, but nearly the very best broken dog of the party. Indeed, the sportsmen who accompanied the owner (for three guns shot together—a mal-arrangement attributable to accidental circumstances, not choice) could hardly be persuaded that the dog had not been shot over the latter end of the preceding season.
140. I name this instance, and I can vouch for its truth, not as an example to be followed, for it was most injudicious to have so soon taken out the youngster with companions, but to prove to you how much you can effect by initiatory instruction; indeed, afterwards, you will have little else to do than teach and confirm your dog in a judicious range,—his own sagacity and increasing experience will be his principal guides,—for, consider how much you will have taught him.
RULES KNOWN.
141. He will know—
I. That he is to pay attention to his whistle,—the whistle that you design always to use to him. I mean that, when he hears one low blast on his whistle he is to look to you for orders, but not necessarily run towards you, unless he is out of sight, or you continue whistling (19).
II. That “Toho,” or the right arm raised nearly perpendicularly, means that he is to stand still (19 to 22).
III. That “Drop,” or the left arm raised nearly perpendicularly, or the report of a gun, means that he is to crouch down with his head close to the ground, between his feet, however far off he may be ranging. Greater relaxation in the position may be permitted after he has been a little time shot over (23 to 27).
IV. That “On,” (the short word for “hie on”,) or the forward underhand swing of the right hand, signifies that he is to advance in a forward direction (the direction in which you are waving). This signal is very useful. It implies that you want the dog to hunt ahead of you. You employ it also when you are alongside of him at his point, and are desirous of urging him to follow up the running bird or birds, and press to a rise. If he push on too eagerly, you restrain him by slightly raising the right hand—XII. of this paragraph (19 to 22).
V. That a wave of the right arm and hand (the arm being fully extended and well to the right) from left to right, means that he is to hunt to the right. Some men wave the left hand across the body from left to right, as a direction to the dog to hunt to the right; but that signal is not so apparent at a distance as the one I have described (36).
VI. That a wave of the left arm from right to left (the arm being fully extended and well to the left), means that he is to hunt to the left (36).
VII. That the “Beckon,” the wave of the right hand towards you, indicates that he is to hunt towards you (37). See also 71.
VIII. That the word “Heel,” or a wave of the right hand to the rear (the reverse of the underhand cricket-bowler’s swing), implies that he is to give up hunting, and go directly close to your heels (44).
IX. That “Fence” means that he is not to leave the place where you are. After being so checked a few times when he is endeavouring to quit the field, he will understand the word to be an order not to “break fence” (46, 47).
X. That “Find,” or “Seek,” means that he is to search for something which he will have great gratification in discovering. When he is in the field he will quickly understand this to be game (34, 35).
XI. That “Dead” (which it would be well to accompany with the signal to “Heel”) means that there is something not far off, which he would have great satisfaction in finding. On hearing it, he will come to you, and await your signals instructing him in what direction he is to hunt for it. When, by signals, you have put him as near as you can upon the spot where you think the bird has fallen, you will say, “Find;” for, until you say that word, he ought to be more occupied in attending to your signals than in searching for the bird. When you have shot a good many birds to him, if he is within sight, in order to work more silently, omit saying “Dead,” only signal to him to go to “Heel” (19, 34, 35, 44).
XII. That “Care” means that he is near that for which he is hunting. This word, used with the right hand slightly raised (the signal for the “Toho,” only not exhibited nearly so energetically), will soon make him comprehend that game is near him, and that he is therefore to hunt cautiously. You will use it when your young dog is racing too fast among turnips or potatoes (39).
XIII. That “Up” means that he is to sniff with his nose high in the air for that of which he is in search (41).
XIV. That “Away” (or “Gone,” or “Flown”) is an indication that the thing for which he was hunting, and of which he smells the taint, is no longer there. This word is not to be used in the field until your young dog has gained some experience (45).
XV. That “Ware” (pronounced “War”) is a general order to desist from whatever he may be doing. “No” is perhaps a better word: it can be pronounced more distinctly and energetically. If the command is occasionally accompanied with the cracking of your whip, its meaning will soon be understood (47).
XVI. He will also know the distinction between the chiding term “Bad” and the encouraging word “Good;” and, moreover, be sensible, from your look and manner, whether you are pleased or angry with him. Dogs, like children, are physiognomists (40, end of 134).
142. You will perceive that you are advised to use the right hand more than the left. This is only because the left hand is so generally employed in carrying the gun.
SHEPHERD’S DOG.
143. By often and uniformly employing the signals I have named, you will find it more easy to place your pupil, and make him hunt exactly where you wish, than you may at first suppose. In an open country the movements of sheep are entirely controlled by dogs; and if you never have had the opportunity of observing it, you would