Getting a Springer to hunt, long story.

[shovel leaner 7,650]

A bit of an update lads.

 

I had him out today with my older springer and he hunted very well for 4 hours, he was hunting off his own bat too. He even had the older dog following him into cover. I am shocked tbh and dont know whether today is a one off or he will keep getting better.

I have stopped all retrieving with him and he is starting to open up, seems to love ditches and cover wihich again I am shocked by. Today I introduced him to horses and sheep, one thing is for sure that the stop whistle I trained him on is working 100%. Very happy for know, i think he will be fine. Still have to introduce him to shot so I will be a little worried there.

Thanks to all that were kind enough to help me out.

Regards

Peter

Thats great mate ,a little tip when you introduce him to shot is ,do it gradually.By that i mean get a mate to shoot 200yrds away and gradually move nearer,constantly reassure him if he seems nervous,you will probably find he will be fine.If you have a starting pistol or dummy launcher you could fire it muffled in a bag or coat to start with .Good luck SL

[3175darren 1,100]

A bit of an update lads.

 

I had him out today with my older springer and he hunted very well for 4 hours, he was hunting off his own bat too. He even had the older dog following him into cover. I am shocked tbh and dont know whether today is a one off or he will keep getting better.

I have stopped all retrieving with him and he is starting to open up, seems to love ditches and cover wihich again I am shocked by. Today I introduced him to horses and sheep, one thing is for sure that the stop whistle I trained him on is working 100%. Very happy for know, i think he will be fine. Still have to introduce him to shot so I will be a little worried there.

Thanks to all that were kind enough to help me out.

Regards

Peter

Thats good news,told you give him time mate,sounds like he will suprise you more yet, smart hardy little dogs

[ftm 3,357]

what ive done with both my spaniels is fire a pcp air rifle and have a dummy or better still a freshly shot bird handy and throw it both my dogs took to it like ducks to water and associated the gun with "fun" then i went out with a mate on woodies and stood a good distance away while he dropped a few woodies /ferals and i just walked about letting dogs find of their own accord and before you know it bobs ya uncle mate -billy

[kermitpwee 5]

Jake is the L/W and my older dog Reload is the B/W

[kermitpwee 5]

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=218284&d=1345815443

 

sorry couldn't get a pic up any other way.

[barraboy 28]

definitely see the cocker head in him. looks like a cracker. glad you kept going and things are on the turn.

[shovel leaner 7,650]

I do like the look of Jake ,hey if things dont work out,i will take him off your hands lol