Читать книгу Haney's Art of Training Animals онлайн

44 страница из 65

ssss1

Give the horse a few pieces of apple from your hand, then place a piece between your teeth, letting it project so that the horse can readily seize it. When he has become used to taking the apple in this way, say, “Kiss,” or “Kiss me,” to him each time before putting the apple in your mouth, and he will by and by put his mouth to your lips at this command. In every case he should be rewarded by a piece of apple, for, to him, “kiss me” means apple, and if he is deceived in getting it he will not so readily obey.

ssss1

For this purpose a small basket or some light article which he can easily seize with his mouth, should be used. Place the handle in his mouth and shut his mouth upon it. Should he drop it when you remove your hand, speak sharply to him, and replace it in his mouth. When he retains it you are to let it remain a few moments, then remove it, pat him, speak encouragingly to him, and reward him. In a short time offer it to him again saying, “Take it,” and he will probably do so; if not place it his mouth and repeat the course already described. When he has learned to take the basket on its being offered, let him follow you around with it in his mouth; then let some one else give it to him while you stand at a distance; now call him toward you and reward him for bringing it to you. He will thus learn in a short time to bring you any article given him. After this, place the basket upon the ground, call his attention to it, order him to “take it,” and he probably will obey, if not, place it in his mouth and repeat the instruction until he will pick it up from the ground. Then a handkerchief or other article may be substituted for the basket, which articles he will soon understand are to be picked up also. He will soon learn to pick up anything you may drop in his presence, or to seize hold of any article that may be offered him, and this latter act may be applied to many tricks, as hereafter described.