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Training Spaniels for Waterfowlby David Krassler David Krassler Naturally, not only are the pro trainers under more demand as to their diversification in their training programs. Lets not forget the professional breeder who now has an even more challenging task to fulfill. Not only is he challenged with the task of developing a hunting companion that can be a good citizen in the family unit, but now are faced with refining their strain of dogs to handle “all aspects” of small game hunting. The art of selective breeding gun dogs with exceptional intelligence, hunting ability and a strong desire to please, incorporated with a soft demeanor for the family setting must now become a standard in this industry to meet all of the expectations for today’s small game enthusiast. The spaniel’s uncanny ability to find game and a natural instinct to retrieve is a combination unmatched in the field today. The spaniel’s versatility and strength in both the field and the duck blind has given them the notoriety as one of the best “all around gun dog”. However, it is not only genetics that can give any sporting dog such a prestige title. Much time and effort must go into the structuring of a well-managed training program. Naturally, each spaniel is an individual with a different temperament, maturity level and socialized and raised in many different lifestyle environments. Professionals will treat each dog as such an individual, thus each spaniel has it’s own unique training program designed to make that individual dog a successful “all around gun dog”. Training a spaniel for waterfowl is not much different than the programs used in teaching retrievers. However, with spaniels they are usually taught the upland game hunting first. Many spaniels have graduated from their training programs and are ready to have their first season of upland birds as early as nine months of age. After a good hunting season the spaniel will return the following training season for possibly additional advanced upland training along with their waterfowl-training program. This will give the spaniel ample time to mature and become very aggressive on finding and retrieving harvested upland birds. When the second training season arrives, the spaniel now has quite significantly matured and with it plenty of drive and enthusiasm. We now can begin to take them through the non-slip retriever training process. Naturally, you, as the owner, must take some time to consider what type of waterfowling you intend to do with your spaniel in the upcoming fall season. Then schedule an appointment with your trainer to discuss your training options to meet your desired needs. There is no reason to have unnecessary training schooled. For instance, if you are not going to hunt from a boat while waterfowling, there is no reason to teach your pup how to work in and out of a boat. This type of information is crucial to your trainer. It can save him lots of precious time and additionally will save your resources for those decoys you will need to purchase for the upcoming season.  Spaniels are many hunters choice for early season waterfowl. Photo by: R. Michael DiLullo | ||
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