Thanks for the input Jay..I live in NH and have checked my dog each time he goes into the woods. Because he had ticks real bad last Fall, we have been keeping him treated with a monthly dose of Advantix and that seems to work well. I know you may have a tick problem far worse than we do. My MA hunting buddies tell me of the ticks they see on the deer that they shoot. By the way, I also have a Springer...2yrs old (in May) male.