If your dog has been over-socialised, it may be as bold as brass and chase everything in sight.
By Paul Rawlings
Friday, 30 May 2008
Can a 11-month-old springer spaniel bitch, that has received no training, be trained to full hunting level?
I am thinking of buying an 11-month-old springer spaniel bitch from an elderly gentleman whose health has deteriorated so that he is unable to train the youngster. It is untouched and has never even had a lead on it. However, the dog comes from good stock and I wonder if I would be able to train her to full hunting level?
PAUL RAWLINGS says:
I am absolutely positive that the bitch can be fully trained, even at this age.
How you should go about the task depends on its previous management. I once took on a 14-month-old springer that had lived all its early life in a remote kennel with only the occasional run out with older dogs.
She was not at all socialised with people or used to any other environment, but once she gained confidence I was able to start the basics, just as one would with a six-month-old puppy.
However, if your dog has been over-socialised, it may be as bold as brass and chase everything in sight.
Treat it as though it is a puppy, but do not allow any more freedom in the open until it is fully obedient and answers the recall whistle perfectly in a confined area, field or rabbit pen.
With an eye-catching stock and hand-cut scroll-engraving, the new Purd... Read more
Urgent appeal to wildfowlers to save shooting on the Dyfi estu... Read more
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
Derbyshire grousekeeper has failed to have his conviction over... Read more
Shotgun events being scheduled at future Paralympic Games is n... Read more
Save up to 31% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today and perfect gift this Christmas.
Comments