Choosing a Working English Springer Spaniel from good working lines

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Are you keen on joining a shooting syndicate or committing yourself to gun dog working trials or search work? If not, then an ESS is probably not for you.

I have worked and trained English Springer Spaniels for most of my working life. For green owners or even dog handlers, they are complex and problematic, and when in the family home setting, they all too often get into bother. It is horrifying to learn that most young spaniels end up in rescue or move from home to home.

I have been training dogs of all breeds, both working lines and non-working. A week has never passed when I don’t receive either a dog training enquiry or a phone call from a distraught owner of a young ESS asking for help as they quickly become aware that they have purchased a wad of trouble.

They have yet to go for a loyal, quick-to-learn forgiving lab or cheeky ‘pocket rocket’ working cocker.

It’s gone wrong 

The conversation over the phone generally goes along the lines of he’s such a lovely boy who loves a fuss and is brilliant with the kids in the garden. We went for a walk on Cannock Chase (30 miles ² of outstanding natural beauty) and he disappeared; it frightened us as he went for some time. We need some expert help; he is only 9 months old. Is it too late to fix it? Oh, he pulls that hard; my wife can’t walk him.

On the balance of probability, the much-loved family pet springer has taken off on a pursuit of his life, and no doubt, whilst en route, comes across another exciting piece of wildlife, and the process continues.

The working-line English Springer Spaniel was brought as a pet because the active family, like going for a country walk, has become an absolute nightmare, and the family is having nothing but difficulties. The ESS is hard-wired to hunt, and it is that simple.

Coming to terms with the young dog that is and will be busy for a long time is crucial.

Don’t part with it 

The truth is to keep the young dog and ask for professional help from a trainer who understands the working breed. Be aware an inexperienced trainer will have the same problem and won’t cope. Anything that denotes a quick fix means you need to do it again – be wise.

Unfortunately, the owner of the young hooligan needs professional help and owners need to understand that you cannot just pass it on. The undesirable is not so attractive to the professional as the damage caused must be undone. Don’t get me wrong, I have done it many times. Still, it’s a long haul, and in the World of specialist search, work risk is not an option so often and not it is more straightforward and quicker to train an unspoilt puppy.

What to do 

Don’t part with it or leave it at home day in and day out. There is hope. Training is a significant welfare issue for all breeds. Correct training started at an early age will avoid a catalogue of the problems that unfortunately lead to troubled times for the spaniel.

Things to consider to help 

• Create a solid relationship built on trust
• Your dog should be able to relax, focus, and concentrate
• Carefully socialised to the big World out there
• Achieve a higher-than-average standard of obedience
• Above-average impulse control
• Bulletproof recall
• Exercise (more than you think)
• Play
• Rest – sometimes they like their own space
• Social awareness and specific breed needs are essential to allowing the dog to exhibit its own natural behaviour.

If these hard-hitting words sound familiar, please reach out for advice. Craig, The Dog Man®, is always happy to help, talk, work and support you through the process.

1-2-1 training and behaviour helpful modification links

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