5 Month Springer

[mobilguy]

Hello everyone....Just found this forum and thought I'd post as I need help. Lost my springer of 14 years and life wouldn't be the same without a new guy. I've had him for 2 1/2 months and he's 5 months old. Seems like we can't get adjusted to each other. When I try to train him, he gets totally distracted at anything and everything....sticks, leaves, grass. We have worked on and off check cord but it seems as though we have to start new at each command every day. I have tried inside and outside. He heels fairly well but hups here and there and does not want to "come" dispite light to moderate training each day. Each time I get frustrated we go to the crate rather than have a barking match. Seems to me that he needs his bell rung but I am reluctent to do that after reading some books, Hup, Training Spaniels etc. I have introduced him to gunfire, no problem and he really does well off-lead except he does not want to go back on-lead. He has not been introed to birds but you can tell thats what he's all about...retrieving is also natural to him.
It's been 14 years since a pup...Am I expecting too much at this age? My heart says to bite the bullet and stay the course as he is not dumb. Just seems like we're stuck in the mud.....I do have an E collar that I can't start till after he gets these basics down but I'm thinking he knows the commands but refuses to comply. Is it too early to intro the collar? I am 57 and semi retired so I have tons of time (and we really exercise hard each day) to do this. Any ideas would be appreciated and thanks for reading. Paul

[cheyenne meadows]

He's a puppy and just wants to play. I have a 6 month old springer and she acts in the same manner. My husband took her hunting with our 14 year old Britt and the second time out she got a bird. They are difficult dogs to train basic commands when they are young and their attention span is short. Keep working with him, he'll come around, I can guarantee it. I would not use an ecollar yet nor would I ring his bell. I found that the little dog treats help a lot.

[mobilguy]

Thanks for your reply. We are staying the course!!!!

[BlueRiverKennel]

He's a puppy and just wants to play. I have a 6 month old springer and she acts in the same manner. My husband took her hunting with our 14 year old Britt and the second time out she got a bird. They are difficult dogs to train basic commands when they are young and their attention span is short. Keep working with him, he'll come around, I can guarantee it. I would not use an ecollar yet nor would I ring his bell. I found that the little dog treats help a lot.

This could not be more false. They are extremely gifted at learning quick, and well know for the amazing will to please. They pick up basic commands fast. I suggest to get involved with folks who actually know how to train a dog/Springer.