Daz Harrison Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Hi all, anyone use a English springer for pigeons ? Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonepark Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Yes, good for steady them for pheasant season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Keeper Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 User my bitch for all shooting even comes deer stalking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Hi all, anyone use a English springer for pigeons ? Daz If not fully trained to pidgeon mate, just be careful of the loose feathers,started mine in a half a stocking tied off, it puts some dogs off,because of the breast feathers. BOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Hi all, anyone use a English springer for pigeons ? Daz What concerns do you have that a spaniel wouldn't be any use for pigeon? They are a hunting dog bred for generations to hunt. The only concern is that they can get a bit excitable and whiney when you are standing in a wood at roosting. Especially if you tie them up. I just let mine run. It isn't seen from birds coming in and it soon settles down and stands behind watching for the shot birds to fall. I don't hold it back and it automatically retrieves the birds which saves me trying to remember what and where in the dark. It has also put up the odd pheasant and woodcock which has been a bonus whilst it has been running around in the wood. Some would say that this is training the dog to run in but I use the dog on rough and walked up. If I'm on peg I don't take the dog anyway as I just shoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 What concerns do you have that a spaniel wouldn't be any use for pigeon? They are a hunting dog bred for generations to hunt. The only concern is that they can get a bit excitable and whiney when you are standing in a wood at roosting. Especially if you tie them up. I just let mine run. It isn't seen from birds coming in and it soon settles down and stands behind watching for the shot birds to fall. I don't hold it back and it automatically retrieves the birds which saves me trying to remember what and where in the dark. It has also put up the odd pheasant and woodcock which has been a bonus whilst it has been running around in the wood. Some would say that this is training the dog to run in but I use the dog on rough and walked up. If I'm on peg I don't take the dog anyway as I just shoot. Nowt too wrong there In many other countries they also want the dog in to the fall Make a fair fowling dog that by sounds of it A dog should above all do what it's owner wants Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Harrison Posted January 5, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2016 Great stuff, we pick him up this week, 18 weeks old cheers gents Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted January 5, 2016 Report Share Posted January 5, 2016 Not the same breed I know, but I have a cocker and I was originally concerned about using her in a hide as sitting still didn't seem to come naturally to her, but she is very steady and never runs in unasked. Even if I have a blank day she isn't bored and just sits there totally focused and comes home tired. As said earlier, they don't like the loose feathers and can be a bit reluctant to pick up, especially pricked birds, so take it slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outlander Posted January 8, 2016 Report Share Posted January 8, 2016 Yep, mine picks them up fine when there are a few around to shoot. Outlander. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilwoody Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 As in my profile pic,my dog Stan the man loves nothing more than marking and retrieving wood pigeon.springers are best!... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 (edited) Nowt too wrong there In many other countries they also want the dog in to the fall Make a fair fowling dog that by sounds of it A dog should above all do what it's owner wants Sounds like my Sam and Bruce.What concerns do you have that a spaniel wouldn't be any use for pigeon? They are a hunting dog bred for generations to hunt. The only concern is that they can get a bit excitable and whiney when you are standing in a wood at roosting. Especially if you tie them up. I just let mine run. It isn't seen from birds coming in and it soon settles down and stands behind watching for the shot birds to fall. I don't hold it back and it automatically retrieves the birds which saves me trying to remember what and where in the dark. It has also put up the odd pheasant and woodcock which has been a bonus whilst it has been running around in the wood. Some would say that this is training the dog to run in but I use the dog on rough and walked up. If I'm on peg I don't take the dog anyway as I just shoot.Both of mine are very similar, don't go down too well on drive birds, as I found out. Edited January 9, 2016 by Albert 888 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortune Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I know that my dog would not pass muster as a dog that acts like an automated robot. But the springer was used as a dog to rush in and spring the game up for the shot. I get a lot of pleasure from just watching the dog work cover and the dog gains because it is using it's natural ability to scent game and work it out to present a shot. OK I don't want the dog running amok and off over the horizon chasing game into the next county or working the hedgerow putting up game out of shot range but sometimes the dog knows best and I let it do it's own thing. on several occasions this has resulted it a cock bird that has slipped off out the side to be put up and come back over with the wind behind it and this has resulted in a fantastic memorable shot. This equals more bond between man and dog. The dogs tail is almost a blur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert 888 Posted January 9, 2016 Report Share Posted January 9, 2016 I know that my dog would not pass muster as a dog that acts like an automated robot. But the springer was used as a dog to rush in and spring the game up for the shot. I get a lot of pleasure from just watching the dog work cover and the dog gains because it is using it's natural ability to scent game and work it out to present a shot. OK I don't want the dog running amok and off over the horizon chasing game into the next county or working the hedgerow putting up game out of shot range but sometimes the dog knows best and I let it do it's own thing. on several occasions this has resulted it a cock bird that has slipped off out the side to be put up and come back over with the wind behind it and this has resulted in a fantastic memorable shot. This equals more bond between man and dog. The dogs tail is almost a blur. I wouldn't change mine,Sam knows that when he hears the safety catch flick off he is on. The other Bruce has more brains and waits for the bang. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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