fishandshoot Posted May 21, 2004 Report Share Posted May 21, 2004 I want a dog for shooting next season, but also needs to be good with kids and not too hyperactive as to drive the wife insane!!!!! Any tips and anyone planning any litters?:yp: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teal Posted May 21, 2004 Report Share Posted May 21, 2004 Have a springer, but definitely if you want a troublefree dog get a lab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishandshoot Posted May 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 21, 2004 Teal Any tips on finding a good breeder and would it be possible to get one that could be ready for flushing in time for next season? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted May 21, 2004 Report Share Posted May 21, 2004 Pick 'em up yourself . You lazy devil ... :yp: An try a new sport ! all the best yis yp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Begbie Posted May 21, 2004 Report Share Posted May 21, 2004 If you want a dog to be ready for, say September, then you are looking for one that is at least 9 months old now and well into its basic training. Expect to pay upwards of £800 for such a dog. One advantage of buying a dog at that age is that you will get a better idea of its "personality". This may be important to you as you say you want one that is good with kids and doesn't get your wife excited. Go for whichever breed you personally like best. Either a labrador or a springer will make a good shooting dog if it is from FTCh stock and you train it well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted May 22, 2004 Report Share Posted May 22, 2004 fishandshoot A lab is too big and a springer too crazy ( Great dogs though) A nice Cocker would be the ideal. They are brilliant with the kids very adaptable in the home and an ideal dual purpose dog. I have one who is a fine chap is very undemanding can do anything that a lab can do and more besides. Glad to see they are becoming increasingly popular in the field. Labradors are fine dogs ( For Women and Old men :yp: , dont get me wrong,) but just dont have the flexibility of a Spaniel. ( And I have kept and worked all three) FM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadeyedick Posted May 22, 2004 Report Share Posted May 22, 2004 I have had both springers and Labs before. If I was in your shoes I would get a lab. Whatever people say they are superb dogs. The only thing I have to say about Cockers is that one forgets how short their legs are As a result they can get tired quicker in the field than say a lab. This for me is a major factor as most of my shooting is rough. Labs are great with kids and great in the field. Plus (in MY opinion) they have slightly more brain power than your average springer :yp: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie Posted May 22, 2004 Report Share Posted May 22, 2004 If its rough shooting they will be used for I would suggest a springer although they are harder to train there is no cover that a springer won't venture into and their work-rate is second to none. If its for sitting in a hide etc a labrador would be better because they have the tendancy to not be as mad as springer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishandshoot Posted May 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted May 23, 2004 I think It will be a Lab. then. I wouldn't exspect the wife will go for spending £800 on a trained one so It may be a pup and lots of training. Thanks for the advice, if there are any other tips I should know, please post them. Happy Shooting :yp: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floyd Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 Just remember "labs are born half trained, springers die half trained", A generalism I know, but in there lies some truth......"no smoke without fire after all". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M ROBSON Posted May 30, 2004 Report Share Posted May 30, 2004 go for a lab! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 Yeh Go for a Lab, Ive changed my mind... Dont forget the shooting stick, hearing aid and bottle of universal embrocation that goes with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JONO Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 My Dad's had lab/springer crosses for about 20 years - very handsome dogs and, having guaged the balance on the dog (you want the steadiness/nous of the lab with the energy, enthusiasm and hunting prowess of the springer) make great family pets as well as competent hunter/retrievers. Get thee a huntin' mongrel and get twice the benefit for half the cash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted June 1, 2004 Report Share Posted June 1, 2004 The only thing I have to say about Cockers is that one forgets how short their legs are As a result they can get tired quicker in the field than say a lab. What Rubbish...My Cocker, Robbie could run any Lab into the ground... no trouble.... :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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