ACCIDENTS

Every man or woman who trains animals has what are termed “accidents.” Animals differ in temperament¹, mood, and nature as human beings do, and the trainer learns to read the intent of each in his eye, in the motions of his tail, in his walk and movement.

Animals are erratic² and uncertain at times, and one can never tell just what the animal will do. He may have done the same things a great number of times easily and willingly, and yet may, without any warning, suddenly refuse to do anything further. He comes out with a plain, blunt refusal, without any apologies, either in voice or manner, and he usually makes it pretty clear that he means what he says. He has grown rebellious³; his sense227 of wrongs, his hate, and his desire for revenge appear to have culminated⁴ suddenly, and his only wish is to get even with those who have been making him do things which made him look ridiculous.

In a case like this there is generally an accident, and if the trainer is not alert and self-possessed he is apt to lose his life. Again, an animal may lose his temper suddenly, and in one of those swift rages or frenzies⁵ into which all wild animals are liable to fall at any time try to kill his trainer, and a few moments afterward⁶ crawl back and show his repentance⁷. It is most unwise to punish an animal when this happens. He will probably do the same thing again, and may succeed in killing⁸ his trainer the next time, but to punish him when he is repentant⁹ would only make him vindictive¹⁰ and revengeful, and wild animals do not forget easily.

分享到：