Spike Chess Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Been offered a cocker bitch 26 months old. Done some basic training but not even been shot over let alone retrieved game, hoping to get her to be a decent game dog as well as a companion. Any advice or suggestions would be great, not trained a gun dog before, so i know it will be uphill battle, but will I be biting of more than i can chew. Thanks in advance for any advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Have you been to see her yet. Asked why she is being parted with. There is a balance between price and quality of training she has had so far. Have you a mate familiar with spaniel gundogs can go with you. To carry on her training, there are gundog classes about to help and plenty of good books on the subject. You can pick a lot of tips up online from some of the gundog trainers pages for spaniels. Go with your gut feeling when you go to see her and if you like her. Also check her paperwork thoroughly if you don't know the owner. If it doesn't feel right walk away. Also get an agreement that if she fails a vet check you take her back and book a vet check ASAP. Our first Springer had to go back to the kennels as he had a major heart murmur. Fortunately we had him checked the day after we got him, but it was still sad to have to send him back. Good Luck. I am sure more folks will be on to give you some tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMT Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Some great advice from loriusgarrulus and if she has not been shot over I would want to make absolutely certain she isn't gun shy. You can just about train her out of any other problem but a dog that is gun shy is more trouble than its worth. I'm not saying it can't be done, because it can but as someone who has done it, I wouldn't bother again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Chess Posted March 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Not seen her yet,,going Monday. Know her owner well,shot with him many times, he has a young dog of his own that he's training, the cocker originaly belonged to his son, and he has obviously spent time on his own dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mochastorm Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 It could end up being a heartbreaker. 26 months old would suggest that the dog is pretty much set in its ways. I'm not saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but as a first dog it is certainly more difficult. I have an 18 month old ESS which I am still training, had her from 8 weeks. Although I've had dogs for many years, Lurchers and terriers, training a spaniel is certainly a more demanding job. Are you just getting this dog because it's there? If you are really set on getting a spaniel, do your research to get the right dog for you. There are plenty on here who would assist, and start with a puppy. Sorry to be so negative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) Sounds good if its someone you know well. Do not rely on a starting pistol to check for gun shy. Our Springer hates them, but is fine with a 12g going off. Just make a few sudden noises, clap hands, knock two pieces of wood together etc to see how she reacts which although not the same as a shotgun will give you some idea if she is a noise averse quivering heap. Its nice she hasn't been shot over yet as it shows she hasn't been rushed even if they normally have been by that age. She is still very young and trainable. See if you can have her on a trial period to see how you get on. There are lots of videos on YouTube to get some ideas on what to look for in a gun dog. Depending on the reason she is bring sold it might be lack of time, interest or change of plans by the son. If she has had the basics and just needs bringing on you could get a very good dog to progress with. If she has major faults in her training they are always harder to undo than to start from scratch. Recall is the most important thing and walking with you and she should be doing a retrieve. It also depends on what you want her for and if you can get her to work in the way you want. In the end a lot of the decision is often made with your heart not your head. Let us know how you get on and put photos on if you get her. Edited March 14, 2015 by loriusgarrulus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Chess Posted March 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Not negative. Need to think with head and heart. At moment only thinking with heart. So thanks for the input, will let ya all know monday what i decide. And thanks again to ALL for advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Another thought. Have you got another dog already at home, if so take it with you to see if they get on alright. Nothing more disrupting and heart breaking than two dogs in a household that are aggressive towards each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Agree with everything everybody else has said. Pay particular attention to the info re gun shy. I've fallen into the exact same trap and ended up with a two year old gun shy cocker. She's fine now but it took a long long time to sort out. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Chess Posted March 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Sorry to say i've had a call this morning and the dog is no longer available. They have decided to keepher,feel gutted even though i aint seen her. Oh well anyone one a good cocker breeder near Staffordshire/Cheshire border Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Oh what a shame :( We will be having a litter of cockers when one of my girls come into season (must be mad, thank god it's nearly summer!!) but that's probably a bit far off for you. Will keep ears open for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike Chess Posted March 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Thanks Bigbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 (edited) Thats a shame and you have the iche now. :( Edited March 15, 2015 by loriusgarrulus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mochastorm Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 I personally think that it was maybe for the best. I don't know bigbird, but from her posting she appears to know her dogs. An offer of a pup from one of her bitches would be a better option, she isn't too far from you, and I'm sure would give you all the support and advice required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 I personally think that it was maybe for the best. I don't know bigbird, but from her posting she appears to know her dogs. An offer of a pup from one of her bitches would be a better option, she isn't too far from you, and I'm sure would give you all the support and advice required. How kind, what a lovely thing to say, thank you x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Oooh Millomite has a super litter coming up too. Well worth the trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBLATCH Posted March 15, 2015 Report Share Posted March 15, 2015 Sorry to say i've had a call this morning and the dog is no longer available. They have decided to keepher,feel gutted even though i aint seen her. Oh well anyone one a good cocker breeder near Staffordshire/Cheshire border i wouldnt just stick to one area there are loads of great cokker breeds out there,,make sure you do your homework beforehand and you will find that it will pay dividends,, been there seen and done that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millomite Posted March 16, 2015 Report Share Posted March 16, 2015 Oooh Millomite has a super litter coming up too. Well worth the trip! Cheers Ali. 4 weeks or so tomorrow all being well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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