HUNT CLOSE! A REALISTIC GUIDE TO TRAINING CLOSE-WORKING GUN DOGS FOR TODAY'S TIGHT COVER CONDITIONS. By Jerome B. Robinson.

1978 1st edition. 8vo (154 x 235mm). Ppxiv,221,ad. B/w photographs and illustrations. Green boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Today's upland bird hunter isn't looking for a dog that can win a race to the birds nor does he want a dog that can course out to the farthest reaches of the hunting area in search of birdy-looking objects. Instead, he's looking for a dog that will excel within a restricted range and work at a pace compatible with a man walking. Moreover, he wants a dog that can move with grace and hunt with style. How to obtain such a dog, how to train and care for it, how to make it become the kind of hunting dog you want it to be, how to house it... are some of the things this book is about. ...A good close-working bird dog has all the style and class of a field trial dog but works on a shorter string. He also hunts the cover that you - the hunter - have chosen, giving you the pleasure as he quarters before you, freezes on point (or backs a colleague) awaiting your instruction to break point and retrieve. ...While the joy of the hunt and the instinct to freeze on point are inherited, most of the rest must be taught". Chapters include: Don't buy mail-order dogs; Start with a pup; How to prevent gunshyness; Tone of voice; Four lessons every dog must learn - come, sit, no, heel; The early months; Time for live birds; How to build a callback quail pen; The harnessed quail; First time afield; Second-year madness; Teaching the dog to quarter ahead of the gun; The time to teach the dog to whoa; A trick that makes him whoa with a high tail; The crucial moment; Bird work - at last!; Use the wind to your advantage; Steadiness to wing; The importance of the stop to flush; Steadying to multiple flushes; Retrieving - the force method; Steadying to the shot; Backing another dog's point; How to establish artificial training coveys; Transition to wild birds; Don't let your hunting companion ruin your dog; Use of the electronic collar; Hard mouth - easier prevented that cured; Be a buddy as well as a boss; Your kid can be your best assistant; If the dog doesn't point, don't shoot; Pre-season condition for you and your dog; What not to feed your dog; How to ship dogs safely by air; How to build the ideal dog kennel; How to build a lifetime dog crate; Don't let your dog die of snakebite; So, you want to have puppies.