15/10/2025
Here we have 16 week old Charlie completing a seen retrieve in Cover Crop.
Without any lures or pressure he gets into a heel sit, waits to be sent for the retrieve and then completes the retrieve.
I’m holding a higher value rabbit puppy dummy to encourage him to come back to me in this big open space.
We’re in a 100 acre field. From the moment we step onto this field, Charlie is asked to remain close. Remaining close is achieved through retrieving and hunting exercises that we do for a short time.
We have 100 acres available but we’re only going to use a small area that’s no bigger than a 15m square.
We’re not going to walk around this field and let Charlie do his own thing and go free hunting. Free hunting in open spaces leads to too much independence, which leads to poor recall which leads to long lines.
The very last thing I want Charlie to do is hunt independently as he will find game, he will chase and that will cause a massive problem that could have been avoided through engagement, play and training.
We can’t emphasise enough the importance of keeping your Spaniel close and under control. If
you don’t, it’s only a matter of time before your dog is chasing a Hare or something else in the next field.
