This, however, with all deference to Mr Colquhoun, requires to be
received with qualification. One man may work himself very nearly to
death at grouse-shooting with no more success than another who takes it
leisurely. If you go out with numerous relays of dogs, letting loose a
couple, or perhaps three high-bred and far-ranging pointers at a time,
you will undoubtedly, on any average moor, get exercise enough to knock
you up long before the day is over. You must necessarily walk up to
every point, whether it be a real one or not; and great is your travel
accordingly. Our method is different. We never let out more than one dog
at a time. The very best of dogs are not improved by emulation,
especially at the beginning of the season. They stand upon the honour of
their noses; and, rather than not make points, will take up the faintest
scent out of sheer jealousy of each other; whereas a single dog knows
that he is in a situation of trust, and will not willingly betray you.
Contrary to the popular dogma, we prefer a setter to a pointer. The
former is a more intelligent and docile animal than the latter, and, if
you take proper pains with him, will always understand you better, and
accommodate himself accordingly. The only disadvantage of setters is
that they require water, and are liable to be much distressed when the
moor is particularly dry. Still we give them the preference over the
other; and, if you have your dog fully under command, you will kill as
many birds over him, with infinitely less fatigue to yourself, as if you
were to let out three. Of course you must take care not to let him be
overworked; for there are limits to the endurance of every living
creature, however willing he may be. A really good dog will not give in
readily, for he enjoys the sport as much as you do yourself. And here we
would entreat our young friends to beware how they are harsh to their
dogs. Be kind to your dog, and he will love you more sincerely and less
selfishly than almost any human being. Do not be in a hurry to conclude
that he is stupid. Nature has gifted him with a nose in many respects
superior to your own; and he is far more likely to be in the right than
you are. Some faults there are undoubtedly which you must check, but
never with unnecessary harshness. No more hideously brutal picture can
be conceived than that of a hulking fellow in fustian, with a flushed
face and angry voice, belabouring a prostrate pointer.
Mr Colquhoun has some very sensible observations on the instinct of
dogs, which we transcribe for the benefit of those who think that a
pointer or a setter can display no sagacity except in the field.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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