Dog Owners

Eh up, not been on here in a while so howdo.

Been offered an 18 month old Springer that the owner can't look after any more (change of circumstances) and just wondered if anyone has any experience of them here or had any joy training a dog to a whistle? He's called Sparky and I'm an electrician and dont want to shout his name all the time lol.

take the dog then buy another for company for him,build a huge set of kennels at your garden ,buy some more dogs and then give them your full garden and half your garage,then spend your entire life getting moaned at by the mrs cause she has the cheek to imply that the dogs are the first thing on your mind all the time--hhmmmm-pattern developing me thinks!

they are very energenic

And breathe.....!

Would love a couple of dogs but lack of garden limits me. Got a massive park behind my house though!

He looks lovely, and well done for wanting to take him on there are so many dogs in rescue no days as the owners get them as puppies then when they get older they become unmanagable. I have mainly seen dogs in Malamute rescue and not surprisingly they are mostly boys as they get so big and boistrous that the owners just didn;t research what they would turn out to be when they reach a year to 18 months.

These dogs are very bouncy, you'll want to try and get rid of some of that energy. Make sure he goes to training classes, they are not just for puppies See what he likes to do, they are fantastic dogs for agility as they are springy and intellegent and will quickly work out what you want them to do.

As for training to whistle, this is fantastic, the best way to do it, especially to recall which is the most important command you can teach a dog if he doesn't already know it is to attach a long training line to his collar, you can get these from pets at home and are about 30ft long (well we have that one for our boy). Holding on to the other end, get him to sit infront of you, once he is doing that nicely, holding your treat hand above your head blow the whistle and bring your arm down to your side and give him a treat, this must be instant, keep repeating this, he will soon realise that when you blow the whistle he will get a treat and will soon think it is a great game that as soon as he sits you blow the whistle and he gets fed... he is training you really well , also this also reinforces to him that your arm is in the air if he doesn't hear the whistle and as soon as you lower your arm there is a treat there . Then with him sitting walk away, and blow the whistle and lower your arm again do not introduce calling command yet as this will confuse the dog, if he comes to you great give him the treat.

I personally dont use the whistle, i use the clicker, its the same but not good for recall as its hard to hear but he knows what it is about .

If you need any help with any training give me a shout as i am in the middle of my dog trainers certificate.

Also another great rule for dogs is the NILIF or Nothing In Life Is Free... this should be applied to teenagers too . Basically if he wants to do something he must work for it, i shall dig out the article for anyone interested. Also never ask twice... if you say sit, the dog must sit, but never ask twice, say the command in a firm voice and if he doesn't do it make him do it by lightly placing your hand on his bum and lifting your hand up under his chin, but do not put any weight over the hips as this can cause joint problems, do this and say "No, Sit" dont just say No as you will say this a million times a day, say no and then tell him again what you wanted him to do whilst making him do it.

Sorry for waffling, but want to give as much advice, if you need anymore then pm me more than willing to help

Sammy

Originally Posted by Samnooshka

He looks lovely, and well done for wanting to take him on there are so many dogs in rescue no days as the owners get them as puppies then when they get older they become unmanagable. I have mainly seen dogs in Malamute rescue and not surprisingly they are mostly boys as they get so big and boistrous that the owners just didn;t research what they would turn out to be when they reach a year to 18 months.

These dogs are very bouncy, you'll want to try and get rid of some of that energy. Make sure he goes to training classes, they are not just for puppies See what he likes to do, they are fantastic dogs for agility as they are springy and intellegent and will quickly work out what you want them to do.

As for training to whistle, this is fantastic, the best way to do it, especially to recall which is the most important command you can teach a dog if he doesn't already know it is to attach a long training line to his collar, you can get these from pets at home and are about 30ft long (well we have that one for our boy). Holding on to the other end, get him to sit infront of you, once he is doing that nicely, holding your treat hand above your head blow the whistle and bring your arm down to your side and give him a treat, this must be instant, keep repeating this, he will soon realise that when you blow the whistle he will get a treat and will soon think it is a great game that as soon as he sits you blow the whistle and he gets fed... he is training you really well , also this also reinforces to him that your arm is in the air if he doesn't hear the whistle and as soon as you lower your arm there is a treat there . Then with him sitting walk away, and blow the whistle and lower your arm again do not introduce calling command yet as this will confuse the dog, if he comes to you great give him the treat.

I personally dont use the whistle, i use the clicker, its the same but not good for recall as its hard to hear but he knows what it is about .

If you need any help with any training give me a shout as i am in the middle of my dog trainers certificate.

Also another great rule for dogs is the NILIF or Nothing In Life Is Free... this should be applied to teenagers too . Basically if he wants to do something he must work for it, i shall dig out the article for anyone interested. Also never ask twice... if you say sit, the dog must sit, but never ask twice, say the command in a firm voice and if he doesn't do it make him do it by lightly placing your hand on his bum and lifting your hand up under his chin, but do not put any weight over the hips as this can cause joint problems, do this and say "No, Sit" dont just say No as you will say this a million times a day, say no and then tell him again what you wanted him to do whilst making him do it.

Sorry for waffling, but want to give as much advice, if you need anymore then pm me more than willing to help

Sammy

Good advice!! Just to add .... as soon as you get the dog, set out your rules and stick to them!! They are a lovely breed, but very very clever, and if you give an inch they will take a mile! The spaniel loves to retreive, keep him busy and he will be happy. All he will want is to please you, so make it clear what you want and you will be fine!

Like kids, if they know the rules they are happy. All dogs need a leader, and if he thinks you are not worthy (firm enough) he will think it is his place to become the leader, and that is not good !

ps: nice to see you back furrybean, I have been wondering where you have been hiding!

I can only echo the good advice above.

Spaniels as a whole are very devoted dogs. If you put in the effort of good training and discipline he'll pay you back in spades.

Have a look round for agility clubs etc, but if he shows any real apptitude for search and retrieve then see if you can find a gundog training club. Working breeds are at thier best when working (or 'pretending' to work at least).

[Shellywoozle]

Aww what a lovely looking dog.

I have a 7 months old Springer, Samson. We had him when he was 7 weeks old. THey are FULL of life, never tire out.Springers love to play and run and love water.

When I first had Samson I wanted to give up on him cause he took up alot of time but I am glad I didnt. He is wonderful and the house would be quiet without him.

I found this forum which is great help, log on and see what you can find, I can only imagine it will talk you into taking Sparky on.

PM me if you need any more advice, I will try to help.

http://springthing.3.forumer.com

Shell

Samson is gorgeous Shell good idea to joing some dog forums we are on Icebay Malamutes and they have provided us with no end of advice. However do be careful and do a load of reading for yourself before you commit to the advice given you'll work out quite quickly who's advice is worth listening to

Another good forum is http://www.dogsey.com/ i am on this but don't really post, but loads of advice given here

i have a springer 4 yr old called Coco.

They are very very energetic, mine will go running for miles and miles, taken mine out for 5-6 miles before, he probably does 10 time he has finnished running off and after 10 min back home he wants to go again.

They are very loyal and clever dogs. took no time to teach mine the basics.

He goes working with me in the winter at a shoot, loves it and it comes naturally to them. He has caught 5 phesants on the ground before they got up now!! not exactly what you want but hey ho, he is just so good at what he does.

that is an other way to train him , volonteer to be a beater at a local shoot, however you should be able to recal him for it otherwise you will **** a lot of people off if he just goes off and puts up the birds before the guns are ready.

If you have kids they ae probablt the best dog for it, they put up with anything and want to play all the time.

one point dont get his balls cut off of if female newted thet have a tendancy to get fat anf hairy if that is done to them. mine isnt but my friends is and his is lazy fat and hairy in comparison.