What Would You Expect From A Started Dog?

[Stonebroke]

What would you expect from a Started Dog (Springer)? I would expect the dog to drop to the whistle or "Hup" Command, to be obedience trained, to find and flush bird and retrieve to hand from land and water, etc. I would expect the dog to quarter within shotgun range. I would not expect a Started Dog to be steady to wing and shot, to do blind retrieves, to honor, etc. What would be an average price of a started dog as I have described?

[BlueRiverKennel]

1,500 to three grand.

[Goosehunter51]

With your definition of started dog, I would say three months of training cost $1800 to $2400 plus puppy price. I would put price around $2500 to $3600.

[BlueRiverKennel]

Other then hup and come I don't crack down on pups too much for obedience as I just keep it fun and build confidence. To me it is all about bird finding. And the steady process is when I drill in much of the polish stuff. So I guess it depends on each dog. A started dog to me would be described about the same, but with less emphasis on heal and more on flush, and use of wind, bird finding etc. If you want all the polish done now your a basic un steady finished hunting dog. So yes toward the 2500 range. A one year old or so with plenty of water and field work that will deliver to you with no collar and runs under control, with bird drive, solid flush and marks well, chasing. But still needs polish on "The perfect delivery" and heal stay, but will walk on lead. I would say 1500 - 2000 depending on how much talent there is left to uncover.

[Ten Bar Ranch]

I agree with BlueRiverKennel. With young / started dogs it is all about the birds, exposure and fun. Formal obedience comes when needed. A started dog should have a good foundation as a hunting partner for you to take and build on. Again, his price range is spot on. $1500 on the low end to $3000 at the high end.