Spaniels are mobile, intelligent and really need to communicate with people. These are hunting dogs. Any hunter knows that in order for a dog to become a faithful assistant on the hunt, it is necessary to take a puppy from working producers. Even an inexperienced hunter will be able to train a puppy from parents with good innate qualities - perseverance, flair, quick search.
Instructions
Step 1
Select breed variety
Despite the fact that the word "spaniel" itself is firmly associated with most people with cocker spaniels, there are several other varieties of this breed. All of them are officially registered by the ISS and are assigned to the group of hunting dogs raising game.
So, in addition to the well-known English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker, there are the Irish Water Spaniel; Clumber Spaniel english springek spaniel; Welsh Springer Spaniel field spaniel; Sussex Spaniel American Marsh Spaniel;
In order to understand all the intricacies of the breed, make a list of questions of interest to you and, with this list, visit the hunting dog club. Talk to expert spanielists and find leaders for the breed you are interested in.
Do not forget to find out which sires are currently in the population and when litters are expected. Be prepared to answer counter questions. It should be borne in mind that all pedigree breeders are very interested in reliable owners who work with the dog and bring it to trials and shows.
Step 2
Visit a hunting dog show. See the different breed representatives, discuss with the owners and, if possible, with the experts, the working qualities of the dogs and agree on the time to see the dogs in the field.
Step 3
Decide on a kennel and agree on the purchase of a spaniel puppy. Carefully study the pedigrees of the parents of the unborn baby. Pay attention to the estimates for the exterior. The marks "excellent" and "very good" indicate that the addition of the dog fully meets the functions assigned to it during the hunt.
Study the puppy's parenting field diplomas. The presence of diplomas indicates that the working qualities of the dog have been verified by expert cynologists. The higher the field diploma, the better the spaniel performs. Find out on what types of game the parents of the future puppy were tested. It should be borne in mind that the working spaniel must have diplomas in all the main types of game - field, upland or duck and marsh-meadow.
Step 4
Select the gender of the puppy
It should be noted that males, as a rule, are more mobile, stubborn and independent. They require constant monitoring and strict education. But, due to a more powerful physique, it is easier for them to work in difficult field conditions. Bitches are more obedient and affectionate, easier to train. But inopportune heat can ruin all your hunting plans.
Step 5
Learn the puppy's personality
To do this, you need to agree with the breeder and observe the whole litter for some time.
A cheerful, playful, confident puppy will be more active on the hunt. Do not take a puppy that is too phlegmatic or shy. Also, do not take a dog with a pronounced aggressive behavior. The vociferous, barking spaniel puppy will also give voice during the hunt.
Step 6
Pay attention to the puppy's physical condition
Choose a large, good appetite puppy. His coat should be clean, smooth and shiny. Skin - without sores and redness. Ears - no brown discharge or unpleasant odor. The eyelids of the eyes should not be everted, and the eyes themselves should be clear, without purulent discharge.
