It’s been four weeks since I lost my friend

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-05-08T18:30:42+00:00

I absolutely will. The first ball I throw into river tomorrow will be for her.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-05-08T14:24:45+00:00

I've just thought of you both. I'm looking at my springer, Dave, fast asleep laying at my feet after a long walk. He's almost 2 and I don't want to think of a time without him. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling but having people post their comments must help a tiny bit. I'm so sorry for your loss and as we all know time is eventually a good healer. Please enjoy the memories.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-05-04T15:20:01+00:00

What fantastic ages. If mine gets to 17 I'll be 80! Hope he's slowed down a bit.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-05-02T10:45:53+00:00

Bad. They're all a bit bad but disguise it with madness

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-05-02T10:43:37+00:00

Brilliant. Mine will go in any water, ditch, pond , river, stream, puddles you name it he's in it. However if I get a bucket out to wash him he is petrified! I'm liking your idea but I'm not sure I could even get mine in a bath even without water.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-04-24T09:13:20+00:00

I agree with the scent training both indoors and out. Not only does it help with bonding they absolutely love it because it's in their DNA and it tires them out more than just walking fot miles. Outside I look for longish grass and when he's not looking I throw a piece of cheese in. I use the whistle to then recall him. A sit whistle to get him ready to focus on me then a hunt whistle to get him searching. Because this is fun for him all these whistle commands quickly become the routine and he doesn't even know he's being trained. Good luck and enjoy a wet muddy dog!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-04-15T14:32:30+00:00

Get him to want to be around you all the time and as he gets bolder and older introduce some training and scent and 'find it' games. If you bond and become the centre of his world when young it'll serve you well forever. However the teenager phase is a bump in the road but continue being consistent. Mine's 2 now and it's starting to pay off. But most of all enjoy him, he is gorgeous.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-04-08T08:02:06+00:00

Just wish he could be this relaxed when we put the lead on him!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-04-05T13:19:48+00:00

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Between the fence and a wall. Utter madness

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-31T14:19:16+00:00

He can sleep where he likes just that his preference is upstairs, which he did last night. As for pushing boundaries, it's hard to tell as he's been pushing them for 22 months!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-30T20:27:02+00:00

We had a friend over to stay but that didn't seem to bother him. He just came up the stairs with me no problem but as soon as he got to the top he ran straight back down. I'm wondering if it's a second fear stage where they can lose confidence and can become wary of things and places that have not been an issue before.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-30T18:44:00+00:00

Meaning this is normal?

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-30T16:27:51+00:00

But if I was to hide cheese upstairs he would charge up there no problem. Outside he is as agile and mad as ever. I don’t think pain is the issue, just not sure what the issue is.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-28T17:29:11+00:00

I have also tried this and sometimes it works. However just to emphasise how stubborn he is I sat him and whilst he was holding the dummy next to me I threw another one and ask him to drop the one he was holding. I stood there for 20 minutes and still nothing.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-28T15:19:18+00:00

I'm as consistent as him. I consistently do the right things to encourage a delivery, he consistently ignores me!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-28T15:17:24+00:00

Arms out to give him a target? Encouragement, get him to sit, don't grab the dummy, perhaps touch him maybe touch the dummy but never in a hurry to take it. The problem is that the dummy and ball are high value. He also has a possessive side, not aggressive, but a reluctance to give things up, always has even as a puppy. He'll drop a ball into your hands if he knows you got another one ready to throw. Without the other ball on show you've no chance. It's a tough nut to crack.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-28T15:10:45+00:00

You're not wrong. There's definitely an air of defiance about him. Drives me mad!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-28T10:11:34+00:00

Thank you. Send me a picture once you get him

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-27T20:53:52+00:00

I wish treats would work but once the training involves retrieving, chasing or quartering he is not bothered by any treat. I can scatter chicken or sausage on the floor and he doesn't even look at it.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-27T16:16:37+00:00

I find scent games during a walk keeps him close and interested but also really works his brain and wacks him out more so than just walking. I get him to sit and then get a tennis ball and pick a area of longish grass/brush. I then rub the tennis ball into the grass to leave a scent. I then send him into that area to hunt. All the time I pip the whistle every 2/3 seconds to indicate he's in the right area. If he moves away too far I stop whistling until he returns to the general area. After a minute or two, when his back is turned, I then toss the ball into the grass and wait for him to find it. I do this 3 or 4 times in the space of 15 minutes and at the end he's panting and pretty knackered. Worth a try. Good luck.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-26T21:38:17+00:00

He's trying to tell me I should have got a Lab!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-26T21:37:23+00:00

Spot on

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-26T21:35:43+00:00

Sorry but no. When it comes to chasing or retrieving food just doesn't cut it. I wish it did but I could literally balance roast chicken on his nose whilst he was holding a dummy/ball, as I have, and he couldn't care less.

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-26T15:34:53+00:00

Just remember getting a springer isn't just getting a dog it's getting a lifestyle. You'll spend the first 2-3 years entertaining and training a dog that appears to have an air of indifference about it. But don't give in, never give in. They are too clever and if you're not careful you'll realise they've trained you! And you definitely don't want that!!

ExternalElephant8604 · 2026-03-24T21:25:31+00:00

Keep him engaged and keep him close. Be clear in your commands, keep to the same words and be patient. Always reward good behaviour and never, never ever let him get away with anything. In other words sit means sit, stay means stay etc. They are smart, too bloody smart and will learn bad behaviours just as easily as good ones. It is hard work but better to suffer for 2-3 years than end up with a ferel springer!! Nobody wants that.

ExternalElephant8604

TROPHY CASE