What Dog?

LIFFY FISHING

Hi guys, I have been hunting for nearly two seasons now and have just got the knod to get a dog. I am over the moon now as her indoors was bitten by a dog as a girl and she really doesnt like them, however it was her who suggested it to me.
Decent size garden, nice area for a dog run, but what do I go for?, my shooting buddy has a springer as does most of the lads in the game club & that is what i was thinking of getting but looking for imput & suggestions, btw I never had a dog even as a pet as a child.
Tks Guys.

clivej

I always had a fancy for a small female Springer. They seem to be all you can ask for from a dog, as long as you put the hours in.

I was only out once with a hunting dog, again a springer, and was amazed at what they can do.

mallards

If it was me in your situation, I think I would go for a good fully trained dog. Just because of the missus being wary of dogs. It would set her mind at ease that it wasn't barking all the time or jumping up on her. Plus as you don't have any experience of dog training, I for one made many mistakes as a young lad training them. A few years down the line with the experience of good dog behind you, you would be in a better position to take on a pup and maybe train it yourself. Either way your shooting is gonna be a hundred times more enjoyable now you will have your own dog! Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Mallards

J.R.

Why not also consider a cocker spaniel - I've one & find them a great hunting dog ........also very affectionate pet with kids & visitors.

deeksofdoom

If all your shooting buddies have springers and your a novice to dogs then get yourself a springer, they are a safer bet than a cocker.

As to whether you get a trained dog or a pup, my advice would be to go for a pup. The reason being is it will be a great learning experience for you.

On how to train the pup, get yourself to puppy training classes the basics are the same for all dogs , you'll just be doing a little extra with retrieving etc. and hopefully the dog will have a strong hunting instinct. As long as you are consistent with your commands and you are patient, you will be able to do a good job.

TriggerPL

Labrador mate you won't go wrong and easier trained then a springer for first time dog .

charlie10

ive been told by a man that trials labs for years and hunts them that they can have a better nose too than a springer,friend of mine has one and he is a serious woodcock /cover dog will not come out of cover.

Hunterjohnb

Before you get any dog, go and buy yourself some dog training books and /or videos. Study them carefully and then get your pup. Have had Springers for many decades and enjoyed them. The Labrador would also be an excellent choice.Whichever you decide on make sure you get your pup from proven working stock.If one of your gun club members is breeding a bitch that you like why not start there.If your wife is not keen on dogs why not bring her along when choosing the pup if she is willing to go.

EPointer=Birdss

If I'm honest I think you've answered your own question. If all your buddies are into Springers then they know more about your ground than anyone here.

To peel back the question independently you need to ask yourself a few questions & the answers will determine your choice.
You've 2 main categories - hunting/ flushing dogs or pointing/ ranging dogs.
I'm generalizing but for the most part.

Do you shoot more on your own or in pairs?
Yes - pointer, No - flusher

Do you hunt mostly cover?
Yes - flusher, No - pointer

Do you hunt open country/ rushes etc?
Yes - pointer, No - flusher

Etc

Etc

I personally shoot more on my own with the pointer but you can't beat a good springer day ESP when there are woodcock in. I use the springer in the morning & the pointer after dinner when the wind generally picks up.

Individual dogs will/ can be as good at the above as any breeds but best buy what they're bred for.

Ideal scenario buy a springer to get you going & think of buying a pointing dog in the future once your hooked...

Stevegeraghty

Springers are a great dog and make great pets, my lad gets loads of attention when the mrs brings him to the park

vermin hunter

i have a cocker and a springer both bitches. great dogs workers and temperment there both great with my 3yr old and my wife never licked dogs but she even walks the cocker for me when im stuck get your wif involved its what i done and dont reget it one bit. whatever you get best of luck with it.

terminator2

build a proper dog run first plumb it into the sewer , put a light in it and a tap , .....when you have all the ground work done you will enjoy your dog a lot more , there are a lot of good gun dog breeds although it is generally agreed that the ess is probably the best all round rough shooting dog ...they shed hair and you have to keep on top of their coat , im not knocking any of the other breeds btw , ive seen some fantastic labs ,setters and pointers all brilliant gun dogs

LIFFY FISHING

Thanks for all the imput guys, all very helpful, I was thinking of the ESS, & from your information thats the way I think I will go.
Has anyone any recomendations regarding a good book on Springers which they found good or instructional Dvd perhaps, thanks in advance.

Hunterjohnb

Hello L.F., there are many good books available. Have a look at some of these authors Keith Erlandson, Joe Irving, P.R.A. Moxon. Irving is easy to follow if you want to try him first.Hope this helps. Good luck with your training.