Spaniel Training Articles - RSS Feedhttp://www.gundogsonline.comSpaniels Column60The 2000 British Cocker Spaniel National Field Trial Championshiphttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/2000-British-Cocker-Spaniel-National-Field-Trial-Championship-Page1.htmIt was off the county of Norfolk, Great Britain, for this year’s British Cocker Spaniel National Field Trial Championship. Norfolk is one of the most sparsely populated of all English counties, with a size of 2,069 square miles and a population of 740,000. Probably the most famous estate to be found in the county is that of Sandringham, the home of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, and the home of the 2000 British Cocker National Field Trial Championship.<a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:10:48 GMTEnglish Springer Spanielhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/English-Springer-Spaniel-Breed-Index-Page1.htmThe first English Springer Spaniel in North America was imported from England to Canada in 1913. In little more than a decade, the breed had risen in popularity to become one of the breeds eligible for American Kennel Club registration. Early breeders were thorough and cautious when developing and expanding their breeding programs. Some breeders had different interests with their growth of their Springer Spaniel programs. Many decided to fine-tune their hunting companions for field trailing competitions while others enjoyed exhibiting their Springers in conformation competition. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:23:24 GMTA Great Starthttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/A-Great-Start-Page1.htmIf you really want your puppy to get the proper start in retrieving and bird handling, you must establish a solid foundation. To do this he must learn how to handle tender game birds properly. If you just go right into the retrieving of dummies, on to dead birds, then live game your pup will more than likely pick up some very bad habits. The only way to insure a good delivery and proper handling of game is to teach him right from wrong very early on. Table training is so simple and helpful, yet many well-meaning trainers skip right over this step in their training program. Jim DeVollWed, 15 Mar 2006 20:46:06 GMTSpaniel Training Tips for the Weekend Warriorhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/spaniel-training-tips-weekend-warrior-jan-Page1.htm<b>Question:</b> I am training a couple of spaniels for Hunt Tests and Field Trials and want to setup some bird pens for training. What are some things I should consider for my training birds? <b>Answer:</b> Whether you are training a first class hunting partner or the next field champion/master hunter, you will need to train at some point on pen raised birds during the off season. We spend a lot of time and money acquiring a good dog, taking care of their needs such as housing, veterinary care, food etc. Jim KellerMon, 16 Jan 2006 13:30:31 GMTTraining Tips for the Weekend Warrior http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/spaniel-training-tips-for-the-weekend-warrior-Page1.htmWould like to see an article about teaching quartering with no assistants? Also, maybe incorporate how to get a dog to turn "down the course" when quartering and not backwards towards the handler. Also, maybe on how to get a dog that is a little sticky to range out a little farther. My young little ball of fire sometimes goes behind me in our quartering training. I am having trouble with a young pup that is doing some of these things.Jim KellerTue, 15 Nov 2005 20:00:51 GMTHunting with your Spaniel....Putting it all together http://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/hunting-with-your-spaniel-Page1.htmYou have finally made it through the dog days of summer with your spaniel. Maybe you have a young pupil who you have worked all summer with preparing him for fall bird season. Or perhaps you have a seasoned veteran who you have brushed up his skills. Now is the moment of truth, hunting wild birds in wild bird places. Let's face it. Bird hunting trips are only as fun as the dogs and people we are with. A dog soon separates when it is training and hunting and a disobedient dog can make a hunting trip just downright miserable. They are worse than bad company. Jim KellerThu, 15 Sep 2005 22:21:34 GMTWild Pheasants and Field Trial Dogs - Good or Bad? - Part IIhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/Wild-Pheasants-and-Field-Trial-Dogs--Part-II-Page1.htmLast issue I promised to detail some of the situations where I find wild birds particularly helpful. Hunting and training on wild birds speeds up the experience process, no doubt, but it is definitely a two edged sword. A famous field trial trainer told me of the e-collar, “it won’t make a good trainer out of a bad one”. Certainly this is the case with wild birds-in fact; a half trained dog that might sneak through a field trial will be a raving lunatic after 30 seconds in a CRP field full of wild birds and the wrong handler. Tom NessSun, 17 Jul 2005 21:06:59 GMTWild Pheasants and Field Trial Dogs - Good or Bad?? – Part Ihttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/Pheasant-Hunting-Dogs-Page1.htmHere in North Dakota we have 3.5 million acres of CRP. CRP, for anyone unfamiliar, stands for Conservation Reserve Program. Through CRP, the Federal Agriculture Dept. contracts with farmers to place highly erodable cropland into a set aside program. CRP acres are planted to grass and left out of production for a minimum of ten years. This has created a boon to wildlife of all kinds, especially pheasants. Imagine hundreds of thousands of acres of knee to waist high grass-crawling with wild pheasants, sharp-tail grouse and Hungarian Partridge. Sounds like a dog trainer’s/field trialer’s/hunter’s dream? Well, it is, most of the time. Tom NessMon, 16 May 2005 14:52:45 GMTSteadying Blues - An Interview with David Lauberhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/steadying-blues-an-interview-with-david-lauber-Page1.htmOver the last two issues David Lauber has walked us through the process of steadying a dog to wing and shot. This month David addresses how to combat the "steadying blues", which faces many dogs during the steadying process. <a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Thu, 15 Jul 2004 21:55:42 GMTUsing the Wind - Dog Traininghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/using-the-wind-dog-training-Page1.htmOne of the most important factors in hunting or field competition is the use of the wind. The natural hunting ability of the dog is essential in finding game, and no one set pattern will apply to all conditions. In the early 1980’s, when my husband Jerry and I first started to train our springers for hunting, we were fortunate to train with a group of “old timers” who knew the value of a natural hunting style. Cheryl Sligar Sun, 16 May 2004 20:44:45 GMTSteady to Wing and Shot - Part IIhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/steady-to-wing-and-shot-part-ii-Page1.htmLast issue we spent time talking with David Lauber in regards to beginning the Steady to Wing and Shot process. This issue we will continue our talk and move on to the second phase of steadying a young spaniel.<a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Sun, 16 May 2004 20:32:55 GMTBirds and Bird Plantinghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/birds-and-bird-planting-dog-training-Page1.htmIt is usually necessary to resort to artificial means to give a young dog experience on bird work. Property licensed as a "Shooting Preserve" affords the trainer the opportunity (in many states) to shoot game birds over dogs for seven months of the year (September through March), which is of course a considerable advantage. The amateur trainer however probably has no access to such facilities other than as a paying customer, and the professional finds that the time of year when game birds may not be shot is the very time when his training schedule is at its busiest.Kenneth RoebuckTue, 16 Mar 2004 16:06:52 GMTSteady to Wing and Shoot an Interview with David Lauber - Part Ihttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/steady-to-wing-and-shoot-part-i-Page1.htmLast issue we spent time talking with David Lauber in regards to establishing a solid quartering pattern. This issue we will continue our talk and move on to steadying a young spaniel. <a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:57:59 GMTGundogs & E-Collars - Part IIhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/gundogs-and-e-collars-part-ii-Page1.htmLast issue we talked briefly about introducing the electronic collar to your young dog. This issue we take that topic a little further and review techniques on how to condition your dog to sit, how to enforce the sit command, and how to teach the recall or come in command.Rob BarlowMon, 27 Oct 2003 21:04:24 GMTEstablishing a Solid Quartering Pattern - An Interview with David Lauberhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/establishing-a-solid-quartering-pattern-Page1.htmLast issue we spent time talking with David Lauber, regarding the introduction of young dogs to gunfire during fieldwork. This issue we will continue our talk, but step back a bit and talk about establishing a strong quartering pattern before shooting over the dog and eventually steadying a young spaniel. <a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Mon, 27 Oct 2003 20:49:50 GMTGundogs & E-Collarshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/gundogs-and-e-collars-Page1.htmTen years ago, if someone had told me that the only way to train a gundog was with the aid of an electronic training device, I would have laughed and bet the farm against it. Good thing I didn’t bet! Not that one needs an e-collar to do this, it just speeds things up a bit. What used to take three to four months now takes six to eight weeks depending on the dog. Technology has advanced tremendously in the last few years. The once barbaric shock collar is now a finesse-training tool. There are several collar manufacturers, as well as many dealers. One of the most frequently asked questions is “What collar should I buy?” The old line you get what you pay for still holds true. Although most novice trainers don’t require the advanced collars that most pros use, a good quality collar is going to run around $200.00 to $250.00. A collar in this price range should have multiple stimulation levels as well as continuous and momentary stimulation modes. After you have made a choice and purchased the collar of your choice please read the manual that comes with it. Read it twice and familiarize yourself with the operation of the collar.Rob BarlowMon, 28 Jul 2003 15:14:19 GMTStacking the Odds For Your Next Gundoghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/stacking-the-odds-for-your-next-gundog-Page1.htmWell&#44; in past columns I examined the different types of breeding that goes on in today’s world of breeding world-class gundogs. Hopefully&#44; I have shed some light on the somewhat confusing world of dog breeding! Now you should have a good understanding as to the different varieties of dog breeding that take place when you speak to the breeder of your choice.David KrasslerThu, 24 Jul 2003 16:33:06 GMTProper Introduction to Birds and Gunfire - An Interview with David Lauberhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/proper-introduction-to-birds-and-gunfire-Page1.htmLast month we spent time talking with David Lauber, regarding the proper way to introduce dogs to birds. This month we will continue that discussion as he explains moving from yard work to fieldwork with birds and introducing gunfire to young dogs. <a href="https://plus.google.com/114539747415028912499?rel=author">Geoffrey English</a>Mon, 24 Mar 2003 08:56:14 GMTDiscipline on Running Birdshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/discipline-on-running-birds-Page1.htmIt&rsquo;s that time of year again, spring time is here, so I thought it would be fitting to write an article on a topic that many of us face, whether we are competing in field events or just tuning up your gundog. Discipline on running birds is a problem that seems to plague everyone at some time or another. If you&rsquo;re saying to yourself, &quot;My dog never flushes game out of gun-range&quot;, then consider yourself fortunate. David KrasslerMon, 24 Mar 2003 08:44:51 GMTIn Memory of Our Friend and Fellow Springer Lover - Ed Whitakerhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/in-memory-of-our-friend-and-fellow-springer-lover-Page1.htmEd Whitaker died in Chester County Hospital, West Chester, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, January 23, 2003, with his son John by his bedside. It is the end of an era in the English springer spaniel world, certainly in the East. John McGonigleSun, 23 Mar 2003 19:15:22 GMTProper Puppy Socializationhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/proper-puppy-socialization-Page1.htmAs a professional trainer myself, one of the things that I see most is improper introduction of various experiences to a young dog. This is generally called “socialization,” and it is the single most important thing that you can do with your dog. Jason GivensSun, 23 Mar 2003 18:43:38 GMTRefining the Art of Track and Trailhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/refining-the-art-of-track-and-trail-Page1.htmIn my opinion, the most important instincts that we as trainers should concentrate on with any young flushing dog, other than maintaining their natural retrieving instinct, is developing their ability to track and then trail game to the point of forcing the game into flight. I can&rsquo;t even begin to count the number of times I have seen upland birds scurry off while a young spaniel attempts to figure out which direction the bird headed, while attempting to decipher its scent trail. David KrasslerSun, 05 Jan 2003 21:04:01 GMTIntroduction to Birds - An Interview with David Lauberhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/introduction-to-birds-Page1.htmDavid Lauber has more than 7 years of professional training experience while at Denalisunflo Kennels, where he trained and handled some of the top field trial spaniels in the country. This month, in a discussion with David Lauber, he explains the step-by-step process of introducing a young dog to retrieving and birds. Sun, 05 Jan 2003 20:53:22 GMTThe Balanced Spanielhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/the-balanced-spaniel-Page1.htmW ell folks, out here on the East Coast it&rsquo;s getting close to be that time of year! Time for us to head out afield for opening day of bird season. Many enthusiasts are looking forward to making this season a memorable one. Every new season brings new folks to the sport of small game hunting and the world of Spanieling. As with any new sport, there also come many pitfalls and obstacles for the newcomer to endure. Newcomers with spaniels should be very cautious as to how they handle themselves and their spaniel during the first season of upland game hunting. David KrasslerWed, 18 Sep 2002 19:28:50 GMTRefining a Spaniel’s Hunting Pattern - Part IIhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/refining-a-spaniels-hunting-pattern-part-2-Page1.htmLast issue we discussed the one-man drill training technique employed in teaching a spaniel to develop a proper hunting pattern. This month we will cover the “three man drill”. This is the drill that is most commonly used by professionals for refining pattern work in preparation for the sporting dog games and will produce a very nicely polished hunting pattern.David KrasslerTue, 18 Jun 2002 11:12:03 GMTDeveloping and Refining a Spaniels Hunting Pattern - Part Ihttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/developing-a-spaniels-hunting-pattern-part-1-Page1.htmAll flushing dog owners want our gundogs to stay well within gun range while questing for upland game. However, having a dog that will work the proper hunting pattern in all wind directions is just as important. All flushing dogs use their noses as the primary sense for locating game while hunting. Naturally, they must also have a properly developed hunting pattern that will assist them in using the wind to their advantage for locating game scent. Let’s face it; small game hunters know that it is virtually impossible to always work our dogs into the wind while searching for game. Those of us that enjoy the sporting dog games are very well aware of tests being intentionally set up to examine a dog’s bird finding ability in difficult wind direction! A good flushing dog will change his hunting pattern to properly address the wind direction using every possible advantage in locating game with his nose. David KrasslerMon, 08 Apr 2002 13:12:57 GMTPuppy Training Gone to the Dogshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/puppy-training-gone-to-the-dogs-Page1.htmThe day has arrived; the new puppy is with us. Volumes have been written on the proper care and handling of those warm, cuddly, squirming creatures. Our bookshelves are full of them and we didn’t even make their purchase. The books are GIVEN to us by friends and family who are well meaning and well aware of our dog fanaticism. It’s true, when we read this literature we find valuable information relating to us as humans and our personal relationship with our new addition, but those of us who own more than one dog know we have another valuable resource in our midst. Barbara HauptMon, 04 Mar 2002 18:35:01 GMTTraining Spaniels for Waterfowlhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/training-spaniels-for-waterfowl-Page1.htmWith modern society’s hectic scheduling and the constant rivalry of the rat race&#44; many of us professional trainers are being asked to train gun dogs to handle many different varieties of small game. The modern small game hunter has limited time&#44; resources and space in the family setting to allow them only one hunting companion. Thus&#44; we&#44; as professionals are asked to teach our students how to work and handle various types of small game. Turning our pupils into a multi-purpose sporting dog in the field&#44; educating and refining them to become very productive “all around gun dogs” is the expectation of our clients.David KrasslerMon, 04 Mar 2002 18:03:52 GMTKnowing the Basics for the Fieldhttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/knowing-the-basics-for-the-field-Page1.htmSince it is that time of year and many folks now have added a new future hunting partner to their clan&#44; I thought that I would take this opportunity to touch on some of the basics and some of the subconscious training that a professional trainer does when dealing with a very young spaniel during the introductory stage to field work.David KrasslerFri, 08 Feb 2002 06:03:32 GMTTraining Spaniels for Upland Gamehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/training-spaniels-for-upland-game-hunting-Page1.htmAll outdoor enthusiasts who take the sport of small game hunting seriously know the value that is put on having a well-bred gundog with them during the long awaited hunting season. The fact is without a good dog you may as well leave your shotgun at home and spend the day by taking a walk in the park. David KrasslerTue, 08 Jan 2002 18:59:52 GMTCatch and Release Upland Stylehttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/catch-and-release-upland-hunting-style-Page1.htmOne day in October as I glimpsed the dark shadow of another ruffed grouse disappearing through the alders, I had the phenomenally brilliant thought that our local pa’tridge on the midcoast, as opposed to those less educated species of the North Woods, probably have a better survival rate with upland bird hunters than trout do with catch and release fishermen. I pondered the wisdom of the thought just long enough to remember it, and when I reached home with an empty bird bag, started doing a little research with home-style statistics. Barbara HauptMon, 03 Dec 2001 15:18:18 GMTHunting Family Companion or Kennel Doghttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/hunting-dog-family-companion-or-kennel-dog-Page1.htmToday&#44; it still amazes me as to how long an old wives tale can manage to continue down through the grapevine of time&#44; passed on from one generation of outdoor enthusiasts to another. I thought it would be appropriate at this time to address one of the biggest “tales” and misconceptions that I continually hear while talking to prospective spaniel buyers and even from some people in the sporting dog industry today. David KrasslerMon, 03 Dec 2001 09:58:14 GMTCockers on the Coasthttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/cockers-on-the-coast-Page1.htmD uring the past 12 months, our cockers retrieved a substantial number of upland birds; a multitude of ducks; two hare; and one insolent, crow. This bounty - except for the crow - went to our freezer, and eventually to our table. We don’t eat the socks, pot holders, cloth napkins, firewood, spent shells, and shot wads they retrieve without being asked; we forgive them for that. They are irrepressible clowns, and ours often get away with some things they shouldn’t because we’re laughing too hard to discipline them. They are our dogs for all seasons.Barbara HauptFri, 09 Nov 2001 07:27:43 GMTToo Early To Starthttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/spaniel-training-too-early-to-start-Page1.htmThis month I would like to address a question that I have been asked on numerous occasions. The all too famous questions: &#34;When is a good time to start training a young dog?&#34; David KrasslerFri, 09 Nov 2001 07:14:24 GMTSpaniel Secretshttp://www.gundogsonline.com/Article/spaniel-training/spaniel-secrets-Page1.htmOne of the most exciting experiences for any bird hunter is to see a well trained gun dog of any breed, display their long time inherited genetics, while incorporating the use of wind direction along with their uncanny nose. They show us the art of perfection in locating small game, hidden in the dense under brush!David KrasslerMon, 08 Oct 2001 12:38:28 GMT