Developing a Flushing Dog – Part 1

Submitted by Kurt Caldwell Owner and Head Trainer of Winterbreeze Spaniels

Most all spaniel and retriever breeds that are going to be used in the upland are flushing dogs. Simply put, their job is to find, flush and retrieve game. A fully trained flushing dog will quarter in front of the gunner/handler stay within gun range at all times and when the dog scents game, charge in and put the bird to flight. Once the bird is flushed, the dog will immediately sit or “hup” and remain motionless until released by his handler to make the retrieve.

When the job is done right it’s a sight to behold but before we get way ahead of ourselves lets go back to the developing stages of what it takes to take a pup from its early months to a finished gundog. When looking for a pup, make sure you do your home work. Buy pups intended for the field only from a reputable breeder with proven hunting lines.

The most commonly asked question I hear is “when can I start my pup’s field training?” The answer is simple, right away. One of the most important steps in the Winterbreeze Spaniels training program for developing a flushing dog pup is Free Hunting. Trips up to the high country are great for developing your young pup. The woods are loaded with wildlife scent that was just there hours before your pup’s arrival. These romps in the woods might seem simple to us however to that young gundog pup in front you, a lot of things are happening. The cover is brushing against his face, so as he gets older the pup will become bold in the face of cover. The scents on the forest floor are helping to develop the pups hunting instincts and I will never get tired of watching a young pup light up when he hits scent. There’s also the excitement of watching a pup try to sort out the scent trail. Many times I’ve had my young Springer pups chase after squirrels and rabbits and I encourage them to do so. After all that’s what a good hunting dog prospect does.

Most pups will pull off the game all on there own after they lose sight and keep in mind that we are talking about pups at the age of 8 to 16 weeks old, I’ve learned over the years by doing these free hunts with my young pups, they teach themselves to pull off game they can't catch. They hear me encouraging them to chase with the “atta boy,” or good girl go get it. When they lose sight of the game they are chasing I simply kneel down and call them in letting them know good job. At no time during these romps do I overwhelm my pup with commands; this is the pup’s time. If I find I watering tank I let the pup explore it if they want to. If they don't that’s OK too. If your pup hangs out at your feet during these free hunt sessions, that’s OK too. Just keep walking and encouraging your pup, soon your pup will gain the confidence it needs to get out in front of you.

In the next segment we will talk about developing the retrieving instinct of your flushing dog...Hope to see you and your pup in the field real soon...Until then Happy Training

Section Leader’s Note:

Many thanks to Kurt Caldwell for graciously sharing his wisdom with us. To learn more about what Winterbreeze Spaniels give Kurt a call at (602) 821-0963 or check out their website at: http://www.winterbreezespaniels.com .