Springer Spaniel advice

[DavyG]

Hi

My partner is looking at getting another dog, between us we've never had a Springer but that is what she's leaning towards.

She wants it mainly as a pet but something she can take beating (which is why she stopped looking at Teckels). And also something that she doesn't need to worry about around my dogs (HPRs + Labs). Not too sure what to look out for when looking at litters, any advice much appreciated.

Get both…

 

[AMoorlen]

Also as Finbar pointed out, docked and dew clawed is an absolute must, as they get older they have no limits for what they will try to push through when on a scent, I've seen some horrendous tail injuries on dogs that weren't docked. Also on labs but a springer is in the brambles and thorns to such a greater extent and their tails never stop wagging.

It would definitely be docked, I'd dock the labs if I had the chance. But why remove dew claws I've always preferred mine to keep them? My oldest hasn't got them but the other 4 do

 

[Len the dog]

Springers are working through much thicker cover than labs, horses for courses, the back dew claws can easily get caught up on brambles and tear up the leg because they are only vestigial and don't have a bone.

 

[CookM]

I take mine out foxing at night and if I'm sitting rather than walking he'll be on my lap quick as a flash, he's a good sized strong dog so not exactly comfortable, but hey ho.

Both of mine would plaster me with countryside slop and dribble every shoot trying to give a twixt drive cuddle in the back of a Landy.
They did love me to bits the pair of them.

 

[timbrayford]

Also as Finbar pointed out, docked and dew clawed is an absolute must, as they get older they have no limits for what they will try to push through when on a scent, I've seen some horrendous tail injuries on dogs that weren't docked. Also on labs but a springer is in the brambles and thorns to such a greater extent and their tails never stop wagging.

I've had springers which have dew claws and undocked tails for the past 40 odd years and never experienced an issue with either. Barbed wire on the otherhand is a different matter, just got another £ 100+ vets bill for dog repairs

 

[Len the dog]

I've had springers which have dew claws and undocked tails for the past 40 odd years and never experienced an issue with either. Barbed wire on the otherhand is a different matter, just got another £ 100+ vets bill for dog repairs

You’ve been lucky then, but tail injuries especially can be very problematic as it can affect the central nervous system if not sorted early. Like I say, I’ve seen some tails in a terrible mess and not just on spaniels.

 

[greylag]

Mine is very fastidious with his personal hygiene

 

[EssBee]

Be prepared for the unexpected!! We got the last pup in the litter and did obedience training for 2yrs then some gundog training. We had him neutered as we had no intention to breed from him. He works very well for me but not for my wife. He gets some dummy work and obedience refresher every time he is out with me. He is as bright as a button at nearly 7 yrs old. He picks up, swims, steady to shot and flushed game, has occasional bouts as an "independent trader" but generally very good.
My advice if you get one - train it every day then some more.

 

[tackb]

my best dog ever was a sprocker , something to consider if pedigree is not important to you

as mentioned before he picked me when i went to see them as pups

he made it to 15 and typing this is making me well up , still can't bring myself to get another dog soppy bugger that i am

 

[CookM]

my best dog ever was a sprocker , something to consider if pedigree is not important to you

as mentioned before he picked me when i went to see them as pups

he made it to 15 and typing this is making me well up , still can't bring myself to get another dog soppy bugger that i am

Mate l feel for you there,l have been looking.
I lost my two within 6 months.
All the online ads choke me up thinking back to mine as pups.

I have had a firm talk with myself,l have realised l will not get the same a second time,but l have a need to start again.

 

[CookM]

It'll come with time.

 

[Bluey]

It'll come with time.

I've had ESS 25 years. The first one was a dog couldn't do a thing with it. All the rest of my ESS have been bitches much easier to train I found . Can't fault them for the work they put in just make sure you concentrate on the recall. The pup you get is like a blank check just take your time make sure what your trying to train them in is cemented in before you go on to the next training exercise Good luck

 

[CookM]

Father and son,my favourite pair of cheeky buggers.

 

[Bluey]

I've had ESS 25 years. The first one was a dog couldn't do a thing with it. All the rest of my ESS have been bitches much easier to train I found . Can't fault them for the work they put in just make sure you concentrate on the recall. The pup you get is like a blank check just take your time make sure what your trying to train them in is cemented in before you go on to the next training exercise Good luck View attachment 362501

Theses to are sisters

 

[CookM]

Theses to are sisters

They look lovely .

 

[Bluey]

They look lovely .

We have mum as well

 

[cookingfat]

Here's how I start them off

 

[CookM]

We have mum as well View attachment 362509

Bless her,l have a soft spot for older spaniels,they have all given so much.
My vet kept on giving me help with Alfie,the right hand one ,Metacam liquid on toast each morning kept him marching on until 15,lost him 5 months later.
He loved my dogs,proper farm spaniels,his words.
He is a Dutchman.
He helped me say goodbye to one of them in a professional capacity.
I think a lot of the man .

 

[CookM]

Here's how I start them off

Lovely.

 

[Dickie]

Lovely loyal companion we’ve just lost ours 10 days ago at just over 17 1/2 years.
A good job the wife’s asleep or the pictures would have the tears flowing for sure.