At The Risk Of Sounding Stupid......

[04fox8 168]

Hello Folks,

Right,

I am all set up for getting my pup, 1st Dog ever.

It's going to be a springer, and hoping to get it to do the basics, and do my best with it.

It will stay in a kennel / run, not in the house.

 

I have read a sh*t load on here, books, articles, and watched Hrs worth of the Training DVDs.

 

So,

I have a fair/ reasonable idea what I need to try to do, when, and for how long.

 

But,

What happens with the dog in between 'Training' sessions?

 

I'll have it with me in my jeep, out and about, doing what I do,

but should I also be 'correcting' things constantly as and when the dog does what it does, or do I leave it to do what dogs do?

 

The kids are hyped up about getting the pup, and obviously want to play with it. Had some advise on here before regarding their interaction, but can I leave them to 'enjoy' the pup, or should I insist on no / little play?

 

Don't want to f**k it up from the start!

 

Cheers.

 

[Hot Meat 3,109]

Rather than correct bad behaviour I reward good behaviour if that makes sense, unless it's a really nawty puppy wuppy then of course it'll need told not to eat your jeep an piss on back seats lol starting with a new pup I prefer it to associate my voice with the good things not the bad things, got all time in world to get it trained, get it in frame of mind to please you first..

 

 

Just to add I've never told a gundog to sit never mind train one, this is how I fetch on lurched/terrier pups and I'm sure if I'm wrong somebody will tell me lol

Edited October 23, 2013 by Hot Meat

[mackay 3,330]

Depends a lot on whether it's to be a gundog end of I suppose or a family pet also.

Good luck in keeping you're kids away from a pup, they'll think you're a mean git, in saying that I've seen quite a few pups if not ruined, didn't make their full potential because of too many kids/peoples input.

But, you'll want the pup socialised and relaxed around kids etc, this will probably go down like a lead balloon with gundog trainers but I would let a pup interact with kids under supervision and on the condition they don't give it commands, launch dummies for it etc.

[Nik_B 3,790]

If the dog sees you and the kids as the best thing since sliced bread you will have less problems with distractions etc.

 

I'd make sure you ahve a really good and positive trainer first before getting the dog. Watch out for the gundog trainers they can come accross as very stern even fierce, if you attempt to 'copy' what they are doing you will become intimidating to the dog and it might end up scared or worried. Everything should be upbeat and fun and the bond is the most important thing.

 

Best of luck mate

[skycat 6,173]

First thing: spend some time around people who really know what they are doing with dogs. The amount of information you will gain by doing so will be worth its weight in gold. Good dog owners, those who understand their dogs and train them themselves will be only too willing to put you on the right path. Maybe some one in your area who is a member on this forum can help? Doesn't matter what sort of dog they own themselves, a dog is a dog and all pups have similar requirements and tendencies.

 

Second: get a cage for the jeep, so you don't always have to tell the pup off for being a pup: chewing etc.

 

Third: then get your pup once you have a better idea of what and how to do things.

[04fox8 168]

Cheers for comments folks,

 

There is actually a spaniel trainer very close to us. I only know the guy to see him passing by, but I know his brother very well. I'll have to try and arrange a visit or 2 if he's willing to give me the time.

 

As for kids thinking I'm a misserable git, Think they already think that.

 

Hoping to make some kind of shooting dog out of it, but not expecting it to be up there in the Formula 1 of Gun dogs.

 

This has been a long drawn / thought out process actually deciding to get one, so I just want to try my best, and any information I can get will only serve to help me. I have no objection to waiting for a while longer till we actually get it.

 

It won't get much to eat in my jeep! It's an old landy, there's f**k all comforts in there for it to chew!

 

Like I say, I'm totally new to the whole concept of even owning a dog, so now we've decided to go for it, I just want to give it my best shot.

 

I do know, that a decent gun dog is great to watch in action, yet I have seen pleanty that should never have been taken out. I would really hope to achieve a 'decent' standard of obedience (Not necissarily regimented) as opposed to just being another guy who has a dog.

 

Cheers.

[leegreen 2,153]

A Spaniel can be a pet as well.............. well almost.

 

What made you pick a Springer as your first dog?

 

I hope you have plenty of spare time.

[04fox8 168]

A Spaniel can be a pet as well.............. well almost.

 

What made you pick a Springer as your first dog?

 

I hope you have plenty of spare time.

Always liked them.

Considered a cocker, but then settled on a springer.

Seems to be lots of Labs around us, but they all seem to be either big docile lumps as pets, or very highly trained 'sit and wait' type animals (well in my view)

Spaniels just seem to have more 'character'.

 

I suppose it's a bit like why would I have a landy instead of a Hi-Lux....I just like it.

 

Time issue should be sorted out by the time we get a pup. Working on that right now...

[skycat 6,173]

Working Spaniels are high energy dogs, Springers especially. I know a few working bred Cockers and they are much more biddable and generally laid back than Springers. OK, I'm no expert when it comes to Spaniels, but that's just my impression based on the few I know. If you're determined to get a Springer, make sure you are guided by a good breeder who considers the owner's needs and experience as opposed to just seeing pound signs when they sell. Temperament is everything, and there's good and bad in every breed of dog.

 

There's no reason the kids shouldn't play with the dog: just don't let them throw endless balls and toys for it to retrieve. Keep retrieving between you and the dog as part of your working relationship.

[hily 379]

IT'S GOOD YOU'V DONE RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GET THE DOG as we see to many folk asking vital questions on training after they get the dog TO LATE in most cases .If it's a springer you want then get one cos you'v got to like the dog to make bonding with it easy and natural' Kids rules no chasing no ball/stick or owt else thrown for pup and no snatching anything from its mouth tug of war is a no no and remind the kids the pup has sharp teeth.atb and good luck

[RubyTex 1,957]

Good choice

 

I've brought my two up differently, the dog had an outdoor kennel for the first 5 years of life the pup has been inside since day 1, both different characters, pup 100mph dog relaxed, pup likes tennis balls dog doesn't, pup was round kids the dog wasn't....both bring something to the table when out in the shooting field...pup excellent beating dog excellent picking up...done his time in the beating line the poor sod lol

 

Different strokes for different folks but IMO either way you can have a decent little dog

[Philluk 181]

Ok here goes the spanner:

 

what do you want the dog to do ie why do you want a dog?

 

when you say out in the jeep with me - is this i'm at work all day as a builder and he will be shut in the car all day? then he will stay in the kennel

 

spaniels are little working machines now that doesn't mean 3 hours walking a day and 3 shoots a week like mine gets that is over the top, but then I have fit dogs, but my original question what do you want it to do?

 

if its field trials then its focus come out - training goes back in kennel - several times a day.

 

if its a gun dog then it can be in the house, it can play with the kids it can run about and can live in a kennel but you need to educate the kids not the dog.

 

if its a pet then don't get a spaniel let the spaniel go to a working home and get another breed. spaniels don't like to be shut away all day and come out and walk, the occasional ball throw and back in kennel, if your gonna use it to work and it gets an hour in the morning and you go to work and he comes with you or is kennelled and 2 - 3 days a week you take him shooting then he has an interest if you have a job and he comes with you and can run about then great, if you work in woods cutting trees and he will come with you then even better.

[04fox8 168]

Ok here goes the spanner:

 

what do you want the dog to do ie why do you want a dog?

I want to have the dog for shooting over, and beating on our wee shoot. New interest for me too as I'm not getting any younger.

 

when you say out in the jeep with me - is this i'm at work all day as a builder and he will be shut in the car all day? then he will stay in the kennel

No, not quite, When I am at home and going about my daily duties, it would be with me any chance possible, when not, it would then obviously be in it's kennel. Some days it may be with me for 10 Hrs, some days only a few. Would never be in the vehicle for more than 20 Mins. Max. between places.

 

spaniels are little working machines now that doesn't mean 3 hours walking a day and 3 shoots a week like mine gets that is over the top, but then I have fit dogs, but my original question what do you want it to do?

As above. several Hrs walk / Day wouldn't be a problem...probabally do that easily to be honest.

 

if its field trials then its focus come out - training goes back in kennel - several times a day.

Not for this one I'm affraid. 100% novice, so little chance of doing this. If I out live the dog, and things don't go catastrophically wrong, well, who knows with the next one. GREAT to see them working well.

 

if its a gun dog then it can be in the house, it can play with the kids it can run about and can live in a kennel but you need to educate the kids not the dog.

Fair enough, Kids have already been getting primed up, and shown bits and pieces, seen other dogs working (and Not) etc and have a good idea of the basics. NO Chance it will get in the house regardless. Had to work long and hard for the things we do have, No dog is getting to come in and f**k it all in a matter of days.

 

if its a pet then don't get a spaniel let the spaniel go to a working home and get another breed. spaniels don't like to be shut away all day and come out and walk, the occasional ball throw and back in kennel, if your gonna use it to work and it gets an hour in the morning and you go to work and he comes with you or is kennelled and 2 - 3 days a week you take him shooting then he has an interest if you have a job and he comes with you and can run about then great, if you work in woods cutting trees and he will come with you then even better.

 

It will be a 'worker' come time, Not as much as yours admittedly, but it will get the 'work' / stimulation it needs. May not get the retrieves, but that would be down to me

Wouldn't have a dog (or any animal when I think of it) just for the sake of having one.

Been holding back for a few years, not just weeks, as we have the kids / holidays / commitments to consider, Wife can't do everything on the occassion/s I will be away.

Currently away a lot, but that will be changing before the hound comes home.

[04fox8 168]

Good choice

 

I've brought my two up differently, the dog had an outdoor kennel for the first 5 years of life the pup has been inside since day 1, both different characters, pup 100mph dog relaxed, pup likes tennis balls dog doesn't, pup was round kids the dog wasn't....both bring something to the table when out in the shooting field...pup excellent beating dog excellent picking up...done his time in the beating line the poor sod lol

 

Different strokes for different folks but IMO either way you can have a decent little dog

 

Read a few of your posts / replies (whatever the terminology is) and see 1 of yours is a non pedigree ? I think you said that...

I have been kinda torn between getting a dog in need of a home and doing my best with it and give it a chance, or

The other way I saw it was, If I'm paying good money for food, should I be putting it into a 'Good' / fancy / pedigree one????

 

I won't say money isn't a problem, cos, it always is.... but I'm of the mind that it could / would be a 'waste' for me (total novice / Dafty) to go and buy a 'fancy' dog.

 

Cheers

[Philluk 181]

Then you tick all boxes let the fun begin.

 

Re your last post if possible get a pedigree only as you may want to breed at some point