Gun Dog Forum

I have used them in the past, but haven't used them with the last two dogs. They are certainly a useful tool and if I ever feel like I need one I wouldn't hesitate to go back to using one.

Pics from the Cocker National have been posted on the site for those interested http://www.fieldcockers.com/ncc2013/index.html . Some really good action shots by Carol and Jeff Janousek.

Note the orange tape on the legs so the shooters can distinguish wild from planted birds.

Yes the analogy fits the crime so to speak. My original thought that i had prior to Mr. P 's eloquent analogy I don't take credit for it. It was said to me by the undesputed most succesful Spaniel handler in the World ,when a dog done exactly the same thing ;) Strange, I don't remember saying that :D

Scenting is definitely variable. Frost on the ground with no wind/hunting in the rain with no wind both seem to give my dogs scenting problems. I am sure there are other weather conditions I am forgetting that also seem to be what I would consider 'tough scenting conditions'

If you can get a cocker to sit still in a canoe, to the point where you feel safe, let me know how you did it (short of dosing him with Benadryl, etc)

If you can get all that done with a 9 month old dog you will be way ahead of the game. There are dogs that mature faster than others and if you have one of those, don't necessarily use 2 yrs as your guideline to enter a trial, a member of our club finished one of her cocker bitches FC a few months a...

Here is Paul McGaghs explanation of place boards (or box drills as he calls them) http://www.glencoekennels.net/Training.html

I'd have to agree with Crackerd on the subject of Force Fetch. It is not necessary for running spaniel field trials, but a polished delivery is all part of having a finished dog (IMO) some people accomplish this through place board training and some through 'gentle' FF. Next time you go to a field t...

For those of you who are really into spaniel training/trialing. You should try and find a copy of Carltons "Spaniels: their Breaking for Sport and Field Trials". It was written in 1915 but still has alot of interesting training tips and comments on spaniels that are still relevent today (Plus there ...

I like Keith Erlandson's books the best and the Simon Tyers training dvds are also good.
Paul McGagh has some good training tips on his web site that are alos worth taking a look at.

PM Sent

I am probably echoing what everyone else has said, but don't give up. The way I look at it is you have a dog with alot of talent. Now that you've been to a test you know what to train for. Train for the things your dog had problems with and the next time will be AWESOME!

Here is one of mine:

Don't Re-dock the tail!!! That tail looks like it is docked at 2/3 length which is appropriate for a field bred dog.