maxwell Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 Hi All I will be picking a pup from a litter from my cocker spaniel in the next few weeks, as this will be a first for me I would like some advice please on what to look for in a pup that hopefully will become a good shooting companion. I understand there are no guarantees and I will only get out what I am willing to put into training from this partnership, thank you Maxwell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 It's really down to personal preference , but I have always gone for the boldest pup , the one that take the most interest in you . With cockers it may also come down to what colour you would like I guess if there are a few different ones in the litter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geordieh Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 I have Labradors if I buy one in I normally pick the smallest bitch in the litter.If I keep one I have bred I let my Mrs choose.A few years ago I wanted a fox red bitch, only one in my litter.I gave her away as a pet to a friend at 2 years old had no interest in retrieving at 2.Last litter my mrs decided that a chocolate bitch was the one to keep she is now 5 and a cracking dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeonblasterian Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 Pick the one you personally like.If you have a certain colour in mind stick to it. Don`t pick the first one to come up to you take your time and you will not regret your choice. Like you say you only get out of a dog what you are prepared to put in. Don`t be one of those that blame their dogs when it is the lack of commitment shown to training them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxwell Posted August 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2015 Thank you for the advice, Cheers Maxwell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted August 7, 2015 Report Share Posted August 7, 2015 It's really down to personal preference , but I have always gone for the boldest pup , the one that take the most interest in you . With cockers it may also come down to what colour you would like I guess if there are a few different ones in the litter. go with that.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazbev Posted August 7, 2015 Report Share Posted August 7, 2015 Jo Irving said take all the pups away from the dam at a few weeks old and see which one she picks first to take back first and have that one.... I picked one in five minutes because he was pulling at my shoe laces and running around like a nutter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul T Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 I ran a couple on for a while until I really made my mind up.... I took them both for walks where they could run riot and have a swim in a local pond - both swim really well so no decider there. I took them to Brid sea front so they could walk among the crowds and listen the the noises of the funfair - both not fazed and wagged tails throughout. In the end it came down to me having a closer bond with the dog (the bitch liked my missus) and since I'm the one that works them I kept the dog. It's difficult to pick, but if all are pretty bombproof when it comes to noise, I'd go for the one that wants to be with me - not in a clingy way, but one that wants to see what I'm doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Just pick one you like, there is no effective science to say which pup will grow into the "best" dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.w. Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 For me it matters not as only breed to keep one back but I never pick one I keep the last pup of the litter and never been disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShootingEgg Posted August 10, 2015 Report Share Posted August 10, 2015 Jo Irving said take all the pups away from the dam at a few weeks old and see which one she picks first to take back first and have that one.... I picked one in five minutes because he was pulling at my shoe laces and running around like a nutter. Exactly how I picked my springer.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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