Springer pup into the field?

Spunk84

i was wondering what age would you start to take a pup into a field i.e letting run around ditches and hedges?

Right now im training my 4 month old Springer along the canal, with retrieving the dummy and whistle commands which he is doing quite well:D and also getting him to go into the water- theres a boat ramp which goes into the water and i thought this is the easiest way to introduce him to going in after things.

I was told if i were to bring him into the field he would get the scent of rabbits and that would be harder to get him onto pheasants any thought on this?

cavan shooter

As soon as he is steady and you have a handle on him, there is a difference between training him in the field and actually hunting him. 8-9 months I would start with walks and let him hunt but no gun and only for short times.

Nothing ruins a dog as quick as too soon hunting if he misbehaves go home with him and dont go out again untill you have the basics again.

blackstairsboy

Cavan shooter is spot on once again I would reccomend running him behind an older dog aswell when he gets to 10 - 12 months or so. He will follow an older dog and start to learn how to hunt a pattern in front of you. Obviously dont attempt to do this unless the basics are well and truly learned.