The intention of the present volume is to initiate the reader into all the mysteries and secrets of the “Art of Training Animals,” and to give full and clear explanations of, and instructions in, every branch of that art. It is believed that the reader will find it acceptable whether he desires using its instructions practically either for profit or as an agreeable recreation, or as merely a curiosity to know how the feats herein described are taught.

This is believed to be the first and only attempt made to treat this subject fully and systematically. Fragmentary articles have occasionally appeared, and some works, treating of one or another of the various animals, have given a few brief though interesting paragraphs touching their educatability or sagacity. Even combined these form but a comparatively meager collection, and the volume herewith presented has the essential part of all this as well as a very large amount of matter which is entirely new. The aim has been to make the book as complete as possible, and to do this the author has profited by the experience and writings of others wherever they could be made available. He has, however, striven in all such cases to give full credit. As far as it was possible to communicate with the parties in question, their consent was explicitly obtained, and in no case to the best of his knowledge (certainly not intentionally) has any material been used contrary to the wishes of its owner, or without due acknowledgment, and he would respectfully ask any who may desire to make use of any part of his own labors to a reasonable extent, the same courtesy of full credit to Haney’s Art of Training Animals.

To many gentlemen in the profession we are indebted for details of their experience, and material of various kinds. Much of information relating to birds is derived from the works of the celebrated German fancier Bechstein; while to Mons. Emil de Tarade is due a portion of that about the French dogs. To Mr. Robert Jennings, whose works on the horse, as well as on cattle, are deservedly popular, we are also indebted; also to Mr. Smith of the New York Courier.

While attempting to give plain practical instruction in the art we profess to teach, we have also designed to make a readable book, and it is hoped that its perusal may prove pleasant as well as profitable. That money can be made by training animals, is unquestionably true—even a boy can make his pets more valuable by teaching them a few simple tricks.

In conclusion we may add that to amateurs interested in the subject, a visit to either of the really fine collections of trained and wild animals of Van Amburgh or “Yankee” Robinson, will prove most thoroughly enjoyable. To the proprietors of both of these establishments we are indebted for valuable assistance.