Springer Spaniel

[petasux]

Last spring my wife was talking to a lady who had a springer spaniel puppy she had to get rid of, her kid got it and didnt have time for it.Then her husband fell while ice fishing and fractured his spine so she had to get rid of it.

I already had a 4 yr old lab but decided to take the spaniel anyway.Its a great little dog around the house with the kids but i never really thought about hunting with it untill yesterday.

Pheasant season opened and I took the lab out with me first thing in the morning.I stopped backl at the house for something and when I opened the car to leave again the spaniel jumped in.I figured what the heck and took her along.

She has the general idea already after 2 days with my lab, she stays in range good and when a bird flushes shes all over it.The lab does all the retrieving and such at this point.

I guesse Ive never hunted with this breed before and really only got her as a housedog and playmate for my lab so Im not really sure what to expect out of her, anyone have any experience with these?They seem rather timid so Im not sure how much to push her.Right now Im just letting her hunt with the old dog and hoping she figures out the game herself but would like any hints on training or other info anyone can give me on these dogs.Thanks

[byrosemuj234]

Spaniels date back to the 1500's, when these sporting dogs first started showing up in historical documents as coming from Spain to Europe.

In the 1800's, these dogs were seperated into two groups, "****ing" spaniels, weighing under 25 pounds were chiefly used for hunting wood****s, and spaniels weighing around 40 pounds became known as "Springers" and "Field", and were used to "spring" game for a hunting net.
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[Jimmy S]

I have a Springer that is a wonderful bird dog. He's 7+ years old and still intact. He is absolutely relentless and it's enjoyable to hunt over a dog and watch him do what he was bred for.

I will be happy to help in any way. Please PM me if you have any questions or concerns.

Jimmy

[Redskin_Archer]

I also have a ESS. He is only about a year and a half. from all the dogs I've been around he has to be one of the most sensitive. Not that that is bad actually, I found him easier to train, they are very eager to please you. just be consistant. A change in the tone of your voice is often all that is needed for correcting behavior. I have not hunted with him a lot yet but he has great drive and really loves it. overall a great companion to share the outdoors with.

[spaniel]

I have one who is 6. I feel guilty I haven't had a bird in front of him in 3 years, but the populations went to hell in MI and we didn't even see one the last year we lived there and there are none in IN where we are now.

He has EXCELLENT instinct for it, just lacks the polish from formal training. He'll hunt hard all day and ask for more.

[sportsman22]

Love my ESS. One of a kind.

[roo3006]

I think you might want to take her hunting a few times without the lab. See how she does. Get her on some birds and lots of them.