Springer For Marking

[Nobby8126 96]

Hi guys what are your thoughts on using springers for ferreting? Ideally I'd like a lurcher but life's full of compromises and the warden is warmer to the idea of a springer. Don't need anything to work the lamp just retrieve and mark. Only found one thread on here and not much else.

[leethedog 3,071]

A shooting pal of mine has a springer bitch who is also a very trusted marker of rabbit burrows

Edited March 13, 2015 by leethedog

[Nobby8126 96]

I thought they would be up to task

[comanche 3,134]

As long as its got a nose and is obedient sensible around ferrets almost any breed is fine for marking. In fact my first experience of a marking dog was a mongrel spaniel owned by a colourful chap that I sold a ferret to when I was quite new to ferreting . He came back a few months later and asked my dad if it would be Ok for me to join him and his lad on their rabbiting ground as my extra nets and ferrets would boost the team. Bob -the dog- inspired my urge to own a marking dog of my own.

Although I went on to work one of my mum's whippets to ferrets the first dog that I could call my very own was a mongrel collie with a definite hint of spaniel. She soon learned to mark . Which in my area of large often empty burrows was a godsend.

[wi11ow 2,657]

ive used spaniel xs for years dog in the pic is a 3/4 spaniel they have the nose for it make ferreting easy ONCE you read there mark

[Jax13 251]

if they can sniff out contraband hidden in cases in airport luggage departments i'm sure a bunny down a hole wouldn't be too much trouble!

 

my (now old and decrepit) spaniel has, from a very young age been able to mark mouse holes (or mouse burrowings under logs etc.) and loves nothing more than a freshly uncovered nest!

 

marking bunnies shouldn't be too problematic after its had a chance to learn what its doing and you have the bonus of being able to use it under the gun in most situations too. i will also add that out of the 3 dogs I have, she is the best around the ferrets too despite having more prey drive for small furry things than the two big ones put together.

[rabbit demon 302]

I reckon a spaniel would make a great dog for marking. Excellent nose, obedient and soft mouthed. My uncle had one years ago and she would often catch rabbits whilst bushing and retrieve them live. They dont tire easily either.

[tatsblisters 10,694]

My advice is get one i did thirty years ago and never looked back as far as bushing and ferreting dogs go.

[Nobby8126 96]

had a pet one years ago, unfortunately died young due to a heart condition but was batshit crazy. gonna have to put in some ground work with the fuhrer.

[LOL 212]

Use both my spanials for rabbiting great at marking