Dog or Bitch?

[Yorkshirelass]

Sorry if this has been posted before I did a search and couldn't find anything.

I am getting a Springer puppy in a couple of weeks. This will be my first attempt at training a puppy as a working dog. Should I go for a dog or a bitch? I have read that bitches are easier to train for a beginner and are less likely to wander off to other dogs and go for a pee before they come back, or is this just down to training?

My hubby has a rescue Springer bitch, she is trained but was badly beaten so he is working on building up her confidence, but looking at her she is very obedient and looks at you to wait for your command and is very biddable. On the other hand I have had a rescued Working cocker dog since January and although he listens to what I say, he takes a while to decide whether to obey me or to sod off for a sniff. I love him to bits and he is more a pet as he was banned from the shoot for running in, hence why his owner got rid of him. If I had had him from a puppy I am sure his behaviour would be different to how it is now, I am working on it and he has improved a bit. I also have a Border Collie bitch that I have had from a pup, she is perfectly behaved and does everything I tell her.

I have loads of time and patience to dedicate to training so that is not an issue. The dog will be used for beating on a pheasant shoot and for picking up at duck shoots. So any advice on bitch or dog please?

[linney36]

Sorry if this has been posted before I did a search and couldn't find anything.

I am getting a Springer puppy in a couple of weeks. This will be my first attempt at training a puppy as a working dog. Should I go for a dog or a bitch? I have read that bitches are easier to train for a beginner and are less likely to wander off to other dogs and go for a pee before they come back, or is this just down to training?

My hubby has a rescue Springer bitch, she is trained but was badly beaten so he is working on building up her confidence, but looking at her she is very obedient and looks at you to wait for your command and is very biddable. On the other hand I have had a rescued Working cocker dog since January and although he listens to what I say, he takes a while to decide whether to obey me or to sod off for a sniff. I love him to bits and he is more a pet as he was banned from the shoot for running in, hence why his owner got rid of him. If I had had him from a puppy I am sure his behaviour would be different to how it is now, I am working on it and he has improved a bit. I also have a Border Collie bitch that I have had from a pup, she is perfectly behaved and does everything I tell her.

I have loads of time and patience to dedicate to training so that is not an issue. The dog will be used for beating on a pheasant shoot and for picking up at duck shoots. So any advice on bitch or dog please?

Can't really comment on bitches as I have not had one yet but will soon
I have 4 dogs of which 3 springers and 1 cocker when play time they sniff and pee everywhere but when working and training I don't have this problem don't remember training this though lol
I have had great fun and frustration where a pro has got me back on track with all my dogs of which 2 are very nearly ready if I can get a place to trial I think and so does my teacher
Sure what ever you decide it will be a great pup if you look around bitches are also more money and really hard to get a hold of + there are some stonking dog pup out there as for some reason I don't know why everyone wants bitch pups

Hope this helps

Paul

[Yorkshirelass]

Thanks Paul, I am inclined to go for a dog, but want to make sure I'm not making a big mistake

[allan450]

just remember if you have a few bitches already it can get messy when they come in to heat.

[Cockerman]

I am a beater and have dogs so I dont have to think about not having a dog with me for 3 weeks during the shooting season due to a bitch in season.

[Yorkshirelass]

That's the other debate. Hubby's Springer bitch is not spayed (My collie bitch is), I think it would be sensible to have her done as she is 2 years old now and has had 3 litters before we got her, but he thinks it might be detrimental to her health. He's all for lopping the boy(s) bits off, but I think it would be safer to get the female spayed then there will be no danger of unwanted pregnancy.

[Bruneval3]

Surely you mean she is 2 yrs old and had "3 seasons", not litters! As for male or female this is a personal choice. I have had 3 operational working Police dogs which have always been Dogs, but my pet/trialling have always been bitches. With gundogs I have just gone for a Lab bitch, she has been a dream so far, but hey it's early days! Go with your gut feelings, best of luck.

[Yorkshirelass]

Surely you mean she is 2 yrs old and had "3 seasons", not litters! As for male or female this is a personal choice. I have had 3 operational working Police dogs which have always been Dogs, but my pet/trialling have always been bitches. With gundogs I have just gone for a Lab bitch, she has been a dream so far, but hey it's early days! Go with your gut feelings, best of luck.

We have only had her a short time and unfortunately I do mean litters not seasons

[vicky payne]

I have dogs and a bitch and they have all been different to train! I think individual personality is more important than gender. I think spaying the bitch is sensible if you aren't going to breed. That done you can pick a pup of either sex!

[Yorkshirelass]

Thank you