Flushing Dog Training

We were out in the field early on an August morning with three Springer Spaniels: Boog, Beth, and Riley. Our objective was to work on their ground coverage and flushing. In field work, it is important to have the Spaniels 'drive hard' on a flush and to 'work the ground.' These two qualities are what hunters as well as field trial judges are looking for in a flushing breed. First is Boog, a 6-year old, who is already a NUCS and NBDCA champion. Now Boog moves onto possible AKC field trials. Also with me today is Beth, a 18-month-old Spaniel. Last is Riley, a lovable 7-month-old pup who has personality plus. At this young age, I'm going to make certain that Riley has a good time during the training. Riley's 'Prey Drive" will developed quickly if I make certain that his 'Play Drive' needs are satisfied. Spaniels, along with other flushing breeds, have been overshadowed by pointers the last few years much to my dismay. If you are a pheasant hunter, a flushing dog is the ideal dog in the field. Working close to the gunner, they navigate thick cover and find birds. I've seen Spaniels dive into blackberry brushes that a pointer with any common sense would ignore. Spaniels are like many of the immigrants - they are willing to do the work that others don't want to do!

Using blaze orange yarn, I shackle the chukar's feet to prevent the bird from running. When working on patterns (crisscrossing an area), you want the dog to find the bird rather than chase the bird.

Boog gets the first retrieve of the day. That's me in the shadow waiting for Boog to deliver the bird to my hand.	Beth is waiting for me to take the bird from her mouth.

Look at Riley cover the field. I can get him to change direction by whistling to get his attention. Then I give him a directional movement with my hand.	Do you see the sense of pride and enjoyment that Riley is feeling?