Page:Master Frisky (1902).djvu/34

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Chapter V.
Some Lessons in Good Behavior.

About a week after his stealing Mrs. Maloney's meat, Master Frisky's education began; for no dog, it matters not how well behaved he may be naturally, but is improved by a few lessons in good behavior.

The first step in the training of a dog is to teach him to mind the whistle. This is very important, for one can handle him so much easier if he will come when he is called.

I got a long, light cord, and tied one end in Master Frisky's collar, and the other I let him drag upon the ground, and together we went for a walk across the fields. He was all eagerness and excitement, for he thought I had come out to see him hunt grasshoppers; but that was not my intention.

When he had gotten real interested in following up a grasshopper, I whistled to him, at the same time taking hold of the loose end of the cord. He looked up, wagged his tail, and plainly said in dog language, "I had rather stay here," and began to look for the grasshopper again.