Hob&Jill 258 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 (edited) Wasnt sure where to post this but will give it a go here! Didnt want to post in the gundogs section as thats not what I want. Does anyone here keep a cocker or springer to work with the lurchers? I am thinking of getting a cocker for bushing and beating and even coming out ferreting for marking etc. I also do quite a bit of air rifle shooting over land and water so having a retriever would be handy. My dogs come to work with me in the van too so its important that they are not too big hence why I am thinking cocker over a springer, They just seem a good handy allround dog to have around. Anyone here have experiances of keeping them? training advice? anything to look out for etc? any views would be appreciated. all the best, HJ Edited February 9, 2011 by Hob&Jill Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theferreter 311 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 kept a springer years ago he was a good dog he would face any type of cover and he worked well with the gun my uncle also keeps and train them to the gun aswell hes also had a few good cockers over the years but i still favour the springer for me it has to be the best bushing and gun dogs ive ever seen and not the hardest to train either Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hob&Jill 258 Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Cheers for the reply Do you know what would I expect to pay for a decent working bred cocker? Not fussed about KC either way, just want a dog with a good working background. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fresh earth 47 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 without paperwork 200-250 with your talking 400 to over 1000 for a well bred one . As for doing all the above in my opinion its extremely difficult to keep them from running in when there worked alongside a lurcher or ferreting as its instinct to chase and copy the other dogs. There for i wouldnt expect to use the same spaniel to flush to other dogs as i would for beating as it would more than likely peg birds and run in and on any shoot im on if i were to take a dog that done either beating or shooting then id be asked not to come back. Thus said they are second to none for flushing game to either dog or gun and with a hek of alot of time and effort it could be done i work mine along side a mates who quarters turns on the whistle and stops when he puts out game but he was shot over and worked in a beating line for 4 solid seasons before he even met running dogs he also works with birds of prey. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ideation 8,217 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Cockers are great, but harder to train and slower to mature than springers in my experiance. They are a lot like children, are really hyperactive but can be a lot of fun. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tus 22 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 (edited) i take my springer out ferreting with me hes great marks well get on well with the ferrets and i use him when out shooting to Edited February 9, 2011 by tus Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hob&Jill 258 Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks for the advice. Good points and bad i am interested in it all Fresh earth I see where your coming from with working to lurchers and beating. The shoot I beat for are pretty laid back, a bit of a heath robinson shoot! Although I want and will train the dog as well as I can, they are pretty casual when it comes to peging birds, non of the dogs there are what you'd call perfection Jack of all trades, master of none is what I am after Do you think there is any benefits in the KC reg dogs? more background history etc? I am never going to do shows or trials with the dog and very unlikely to breed. Do they shed much hair? Its not an important thing but just thinking about my van (looks more like a kennel!). Not really bothered either way though. Any good books or dvds to look out for? thanks, HJ (sorry for all the questions!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
theferreter 311 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Share Posted February 9, 2011 why dont you go for a dog with a bit of both mate a sprocker and you should get a decent cocker from working lines no papers for around the 200 to 250 mark as fresh earth has alreay pointed out and ideation have to agree cockers need a bit more time put into than the springer but if you train up a gooden your on to a winner my uncle used to work a blue roan bitch who was an absoloute joy to watch in the feild this wee dog outstanding at her work and retrieved what ever was shot i suppose it all down to the training that makes a good dog unfortuniltly this wee bitch was killed by a quarry lorry and another family member has the bro to this bitch a black dog but he doesnt come close to her work ways anyway atb on what ever you decide to go for mate Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.