Hunting Cockers

[Batsto]

I have been looking at articles dealing with Field Bred Cockers. What's the scoop on these dogs? I am in my 50s and looking for a flusher that will hunt close, but have the zeal of Springer.

[BlueRiverKennel]

I have been looking at articles dealing with Field Bred Cockers. What's the scoop on these dogs? I am in my 50s and looking for a flusher that will hunt close, but have the zeal of Springer.

Not sure what you mean by zeal of springer. You can train a springer to hunt close for you no problem. You can have the same issue with a cocker as well, if it's a training issue. All flushing spaniels are find game driven, they all have to be taught to work in gun range as a team. I have seen cockers at the other end of the field as well. I have seen many cockers and they are good dogs, they are very similar to a springer, on a smaller scale. They can find game and retrieve well. They strugle some in the heavier cover is all, but all in all a pretty good dog.

[Batsto]

Let's say we adopt a dog 1 yr old with a field background. Is it to late to introduce the dog to field training?

[RangeViewKennels]

I have been looking at articles dealing with Field Bred Cockers. What's the scoop on these dogs? I am in my 50s and looking for a flusher that will hunt close, but have the zeal of Springer.

You might talk with Joe at gundogdoc.com.
I know he researched the cocker a lot and ended up getting one.

[cthemfly25]

Batsto---I have a field bred ecs and can't say enough good things about the breed. I too am in my 50s and this is the first dog I've trained though I've hunted behind many different pointers and flushers. The ecs was a compromise with the mrs for a smaller breed for our house and yard---and it was a wise 'compromise' as we both won. There is a pleasure to be had in working with a dog toward a goal and the effort never stops regardless of the breed. Anyway, if you have specific questions or concerns let me know or pm me.

[BlueRiverKennel]

Let's say we adopt a dog 1 yr old with a field background. Is it to late to introduce the dog to field training?

No not too late, you may have to do some catching up, and obediance training, but it should be able to be worked out if you know what you are doing. If you need help just get some trainer help. It all depends on what has happened to the dog in the first year. But that age should not be an issue as far as age is concerned. Good luck

[cthemfly25]

Batsto---I got your PM but can't seem to reply to it privately. Anyway, it was a breeder in Minnesota and if we can discuss privately I can give you a few well regarded names for fbecs breeders. Coincidentally, I just got a Boykin pup I'm hoping to train primarily as a retriever. But, on upland, I have no complaints at all with our fbecs. He's a good family dog too.

[Batsto]

Boykins are real smart, but our Maddie is noise sensitive. It took me a long time to get her used to noise of any kind. She's is afraid of thunder and fireworks. She will retrieve ducks when I am the only shooter, but will shut down with multiple shots in the distance. Weird behavior, but is getting better with time. I believe she thinks it is thunder and gets nervous. When we brought her home my wife drop a spoon on the floor and she ran for the kennel. I knew we had trouble. My Springers were never gunshy or noise sensitive. My buddy has Boykin and it's solid.

[cthemfly25]

Batsto---I've seen no such behavior in this Boykin. In fact, quite the opposite as he shows no shyness towards our very noisy household. My only problem now is that there's so much snow on the ground that the ecs, the boykin, and the human are collectively going stir crazy. Let me know how the shopping goes with the ecs.

[Batsto]

That's great! My buddy's Boykin is strong in the field and water. His pup still needs some water work, but is on her way. As you may know, it's all about time. His dog can really hit the cover and shows no fear when birds are near. In South Jersey we have many areas full of heavy briars and such. His dog will rip in there and flush with determination.