lsharrott

I have an English Springer Spaniel. I want to hunt both Quail and Pheasant. It seams that some think that a Springer should only be trained as a flushing dog but a trainer from Perfection Kennels said that I should be able to train her to point.
What is the prefered type of training for Quail and Pheasant together? And, What do you think about pointer training a Springer?

MA Jay

If you really want a pointer, I would think you would have bought a pointing breed. Springer's are smart enough to be taught to "lock" upon locating a bird ..... but why would you want to train against instincts that have been honed for generations?

Guys have shot millions of pheasant and quail that have been flushed by a Springer. Of course if you really want your ESS to point .. I'd tell the guy from Perfection Kennels to do it first .. and collect payment upon you receiving a true pointing Springer.

lsharrott

I actually bought the dog because I had one as a kid. I didn't really put any thought into hunting her until a friend got me interested. She is a field breed and is birdy. I have had her in the field flushing quail already but just wasn't sure if that was the best training for quail.

uplandchessies

Why not let the dog dictate to you what she wants to be. I use Chessies, and both of my dogs will "lock" on birds that choose to sit instead of run. Yes, they are flushers, but it's a system that works very well for me. No , I didn't train them to do so, but I have honed it to some degree.

TURKEY FAN

I think chessies are beautiful......i have labs, but i would like a chessie, i always thought they were hard headed. As for quail i would want a pointer, and for pheasant a flusher, just my preference.