gamechef Posted January 23, 2011 Report Share Posted January 23, 2011 (edited) Hey All... Well he's finally here....'Woody'...He's a liver and white boy 8 1/2 weeks old from mr tony price at Tawnyhill Gundogs.They have a great setup and were very helpful. A big thanks to them I started an earlier thread.. http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/151575-my-new-cocker/ but Decided to try and be a bit neater, as i intend to keep you all up to date with the trials and tribulations of his training and developement....both his early play training..and the actual real training.so bear with me as the early stuff might be a bit slow...will post weekly, unless i have any breakthrus or need any help..all of which i am totally up for comment on, so please feel free. Collecting Woody was all a bit delayed, supossed to get him wednesday, but had to dash down to wales to see my Gran,94,who is not good On friday morning i went to pick him up,went thru all the details with jeanne(tonys wife) and took him home.I imagined he would be sick or cry but he was really good...he met maggie my lakeland and they hit it off instantly...although she did tell him off a couple of times Well,to cut a long story short....friday night was a nightmare..he cried all night and i eventually had to get up and settle him down at 2.30am, otherwise no one was gonna sleep..and to be honest i thought that i had made a big mistake by going to see to him...but turns out that he had s..xx..t his bed..when i changed him over for a fresh pillow,taken him for a pee and put him back in his crate.then i just sat there for ten minutes,till he fell asleep...by now it was 3.30am...after that he was fine.i remember doing the same thing with my kids and it worked for them His second night was much better..took him out for his last pee and didnt hear from him till 5.30am...looks like i am gonna have to get used to v.early mornings..lol. He is a cracking little dog,totally mad..and very different from the types of dogs i am used to...but what i am totally amazed at is his instinctive urge to retrieve in return for some praise...i have only been letting him retrieve a sock 4-5 time a day, with the last retrieve being done by me,so he doesnt get to thinking its all about him.. Woody has a great pedigree, with a lot of ftch/ftw in his lines..so i guess its in his blood, which at the end of the day is what you pay for. I plan to spend this month just gently socialising him with the family and building our working bond..developing the retrieves a little, until he has had his final jabs and can get out and about.Till then its all being a pup and play! Daz Sorry bout photos...mobile...they make him look black and white. Edited January 23, 2011 by gamechef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
point and shoot Posted January 23, 2011 Report Share Posted January 23, 2011 Cracking little chap. Sounds to me as if you're going about it the right way. I wouldn't push the retrieve bit too much though. The most important thing in my opinion is for you ALL to enjoy him being a pup and becoming part of the family. He'll beome your best mate and gun dog all in good time.Good luck with him! Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shropshire_Lad Posted January 23, 2011 Report Share Posted January 23, 2011 Hi, great post and will look foreward to your progres. I got a Springer pup with ftch coming out of her ears, its not a guarantee of success. Work hard on the basics, stop, walking to heel e.t.c. They will mostly all do the things we like to see, retrieve, flush e.t.c. but stopping them? thats where the skill is. Spaniels don't have the name of three shires for nothing, take your time, the things you want from him will come easy, its the things you don't that will take the work. atvb Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted January 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thanks both .... there is one question i have...... there seems to be a difference of opinion on which bits of training to do first... i.e.. some say that it is important to get the sit/stay/heel stuff done relatively early(dont panic i have no intention of doing any training for a good few months yet ) where as others state that this part of the training should come after the retrieve /hunt part..otherwise it restricts the dogs drive? any opinions would be welcome cheers Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyb Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 (edited) Swings and roundabouts... I prefer mine to learn Sit / Stay / Recall and Heelwork - The flip side of this argument says allowing him to run about unruly and not under control or at heel, will give a degree of un-steadiness in later training (Chasing dogs, game, stock etc).... ? Trust me when I say teaching a spaniel to walk to heel, is far harder than teaching it to hunt Good luck with him! Edited January 25, 2011 by garyb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 I'm with Gary what you have is a well bred dog, instinct is there stopping it when you want to is going to be more of an issue than getting the dog to work IMHO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P~MX Posted January 25, 2011 Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Thanks both .... there is one question i have...... there seems to be a difference of opinion on which bits of training to do first... i.e.. some say that it is important to get the sit/stay/heel stuff done relatively early(dont panic i have no intention of doing any training for a good few months yet ) where as others state that this part of the training should come after the retrieve /hunt part..otherwise it restricts the dogs drive? any opinions would be welcome cheers Daz Hello Daz, Good to see you got your wee pup since we last spoke, Unfortunately I lost my 4 year old cocker Sweep last week to a liver and kidney disease called leptospirosis (something like that anyway) it took him down in less than 24 hrs so make sure you get all your pups injections ASAP and keep them up to date. Even though your wee pup is a Cocker I would advise to get hold of David Lissits training spaniels dvd, he's mainly a springer man But he's the best there is for training hunting and trail dogs. I've bought a wee 3 1/2 month old Black and White Springer from a top local breeder and trainer, I really took to him even though I went to view a cocker pup, I really loved the look of this wee lad but I will have another cocker maybe next year depending on how training goes with Bud my new pup. All the best f3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted January 25, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2011 Hello Daz, Good to see you got your wee pup since we last spoke, Unfortunately I lost my 4 year old cocker Sweep last week to a liver and kidney disease called leptospirosis (something like that anyway) it took him down in less than 24 hrs so make sure you get all your pups injections ASAP and keep them up to date. Even though your wee pup is a Cocker I would advise to get hold of David Lissits training spaniels dvd, he's mainly a springer man But he's the best there is for training hunting and trail dogs. I've bought a wee 3 1/2 month old Black and White Springer from a top local breeder and trainer, I really took to him even though I went to view a cocker pup, I really loved the look of this wee lad but I will have another cocker maybe next year depending on how training goes with Bud my new pup. All the best f3 F3. i am sorry to hear that mate...thats terrible news.... i am getting his final main jabs done next week..then its just a yearly booster.... i have been looking at david lissets dvd,(will have to wait ti i got some money again..lol) have only got hawcroft series which is very good...but i have read a good lot about lissets training style... Al4x/Garyb...i totally get what your saying...and i am gonna have to learn to see both sides of the coin.....i think i am getting a good idea of what his personality is going to be like...and yes holding him back is probably gonna be the issue... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Hello Daz, Good to see you got your wee pup since we last spoke, Unfortunately I lost my 4 year old cocker Sweep last week to a liver and kidney disease called leptospirosis (something like that anyway) it took him down in less than 24 hrs so make sure you get all your pups injections ASAP and keep them up to date. Even though your wee pup is a Cocker I would advise to get hold of David Lissits training spaniels dvd, he's mainly a springer man But he's the best there is for training hunting and trail dogs. I've bought a wee 3 1/2 month old Black and White Springer from a top local breeder and trainer, I really took to him even though I went to view a cocker pup, I really loved the look of this wee lad but I will have another cocker maybe next year depending on how training goes with Bud my new pup. All the best f3 f3 sorry to hear about your dog , was your cocker jabbed against lepto and what was the first symptoms please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P~MX Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 f3 sorry to hear about your dog , was your cocker jabbed against lepto and what was the first symptoms please. Thanks for you sympathies for the loss of my dog, he's sadly missed even though I've just bought a 3 month old ESS dog. I had all my dogs injections up to date - I THOUGHT, I never new about a specific injection against lipto ! the first signs were weight loss especially at the back, then loss of mood and lack of energy were the other things that had me concerned, I'll never lose another dog to such a violent disease If I can help it ... f3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KennyB Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 hi daz, i must say your post tells me your going to go about it the right way well done mate,If you listen to tony and jen you will not go wrong and they will allways on hand to offer you advice, good luck atb kenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted January 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 Thanks Kenny...gonna try my best...as you can imagine, ihave read and watched as much as i can...still looking and reading...and after reading so many times that people make the same mistake..i.e rushing the training...i thought what have i got to lose..by just taking it slow?well nothing as it turns out, cos hes gonna be around for a while hopefully...so we will see?obviously i am not allowing for human error in those statements...which is probably the real decider! at this moment in time woody is sat on the chair next to me,occasionally trying to type his thoughts...lol.. The funniest thing of the last few days is that woody keeps hiding my lakelands chew bone..which she has not taken kindly to..but it does keep us amused. cheers Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted January 26, 2011 Report Share Posted January 26, 2011 The funniest thing of the last few days is that woody keeps hiding my lakelands chew bone..which she has not taken kindly to..but it does keep us amused. I was going to say he has a springer look about him, but that's definitely a cocker trait. Perhaps not one you want to encourage too much or before long it will be your shoes dotted all over the garden Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted January 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2011 Duly noted WGD...am trying to help him realise that doing the things i want him to do are more rewarding...but i have a feeling its gonna be along process.... Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted January 28, 2011 Report Share Posted January 28, 2011 thanks for the heads up , i always thought lepto was covered in the general jabs , defo worth thinking about . my dogs are always in water and often drink the filthiest stuff especially round pheasant pens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P~MX Posted January 29, 2011 Report Share Posted January 29, 2011 thanks for the heads up , i always thought lepto was covered in the general jabs , defo worth thinking about . my dogs are always in water and often drink the filthiest stuff especially round pheasant pens it certainly is Darren, for the sake of the price of an injection it would be well worth it if it saved your dog, I'd pay for 100 dogs injections if I could have my dog back again. don't loose your best friend to such an evil ******* disease. f3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shotgunspud Posted January 31, 2011 Report Share Posted January 31, 2011 Nice one mate good stuff!!! I am sure he will end up as nuts as his trainer.........LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted February 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2011 Thanks spud....you will meet him soon enough...! As a quick update...Woody is doing really well...putting on weight...wearing out my poor lakeland, shes knackered..lol. Hes also chewing anything he can get...i am doing my best to discourage this..but he has to cut his teeth,shame he decided to cut some of them on my surround sound cables... he is settling in nicely and his house training has come on great..hes dry all night now...but you haveto be quick of the mark in the morning...the minute he sees me , his bowels kick in and its a race to the back door! He has asked to go out once or twice, but is not in anyway consistent with this yet...still very early days. Still loves the little retrieves..but i am cautious of overdoing it, as he still cant go out yet so i dont want him getting bored Jabs tomorrow.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted February 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 Well Woody had his jabs.....just a bit of controversy and was wondering what you guys thought.? Itook him to my vet,who checked him out and gave him his jab, which is when i mentioned that it was only two weeks till i took him out walking and she said that it wasnt an issue ,cos wher we live is a really low risk area and that i could take him out at the end of the week. However, i happened to speak to jeanne the breeder and she said under no circumstances should i take him out till at least ten days... i have decided to play it safe...but was interested to see what you thought? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagsy Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 i have decided to play it safe...but was interested to see what you thought? Play it safe, the ten days will be up before you know it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Harry Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 My JRT pup was out and about before any jabs. We do live on a farm and don't get any dog walkers here. Vet was not to bothered. I did not take him out in a town until 10 days after second jab. I say do what your vet says. They know more than the breeder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyb Posted February 11, 2011 Report Share Posted February 11, 2011 All of my dogs are out from 8-9 weeks of age - Jabs or Not. The benefits of getting them out and about, used to traffic etc far exceed the likely hood of catching anything in this day and age. Just be sensible, walk them in places not frequented by others.. Also remember not to overdo it - 5-10 mins is plenty at that age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted March 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 (edited) Well these are the latest pics of the woodster...he is totally awesome..mental...but good. it has been a real learning curve(not for him..he knows what he is doing..lol) we have had a fair bit of jealousy from my other dog,but she seems to be calming down abit know. when i started this diary,i have to be honest i never really appreciated how time consuming he would be,so i am afraid it has suffered from a lack of updates...sorry! So far i have only been concentrating on the fun bits that he enjoys doing.retrieving has not been an issue with him,but he has in the last few days started to try and get away with dropping at my feet, so its back to the beginning to see what i missed with that. His hunting is coming on brilliantly...he quarters naturally..but he does suffer with selective deafness on occassion when he is on a scent....just being a pup i guess i should add that i have only been using dummy/rolled sock/tennis ball to train him...Buuuuttt...my curiosity got the better of me so i took a pigeon out with us just for the scent thing...well what a bloody mess...he brought it back to me eventually,but only once he had made it oven ready..lmao He has got sit covered....he knows something good follows,praise,retrieve or the very rare treat. He is on a slip lead and walks well,but not always to heel...not pushing this one,as he is only on a lead out of safety, i dont want to drag him down with any walking discipline.he is a softer natured boy and so requires a lot more positive reinforcement at the mo,ther is time when he is older for all the training stuff. As for house training, he is sorted..untill i am away at work for extended periods and the family can sometimes take their eye of the ball,, Overall he is still very young and i am trying not to expect too much from him...so building his confidence through things he likes to do seems to be the way forward for now. i have attached some pics...hope you enjoy...they were taken on a family walk at dungeness....he also took his first dip in the shallows...had a great day! Daz Edited March 12, 2011 by gamechef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besty57 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 great pics mate.i have an ess pup 8 month old and as you say they are totally barmy when so young,keep up the good work.atb alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamechef Posted March 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Thanks Alan... hes a handsome chap, but i meantto mention in the post that the credit for the pics must go to the father-in-law, he is a dab hand with the camera..all i did was set woody up for him. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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