Gundog Training Forum

Hi guys,

Picked up my 9 week old springer pup last week. I wondered, as this is my first gundog, is it okay that he always wants to sit on my lap/chest/legs or whatever he can! Seems very soft. Not that im complaining its nice to know he trusts me. Just hope this doesn't mean he'll be a total wimp!

Thoughts?

Drew

He’s a baby, so Let him bond and feel secure. He is a long way from being considered a matured gun dog. You can gradually wean him to be more and more independent as he approaches adulthood.

My Springer was similar at that age but gradually relaxed as he matured and became more confident with age and is now in my opinion a great little dog at eleven months. Lots of hunting go and certainly not afraid to strike out beyond range to hunt down a scent if he catches me unawares.

Clinginess to date...I still allow him on occasion to lay in my lap while watching a game.

My first two rules: Allow him to be a pup, and introduce him to game as soon as possible.

Enjoy it while it lasts, he is just a baby. The novelty will soon wear off when he discovers the joys of rolling around in Fox shite and eating Sheep turds!

When he rolls in fox then wants to sit on your lap its time to train the "OFF!!"

Judy wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 9:26 pm When he rolls in fox then wants to sit on your lap its time to train the "OFF!!"

You skipped the first word in the command? Never rush training, Judy. Always start with the correct commands.

Springfield Pointers wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 5:41 am

Judy wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 9:26 pm When he rolls in fox then wants to sit on your lap its time to train the "OFF!!"

You skipped the first word in the command? Never rush training, Judy. Always start with the correct commands.

I can remember visiting somebody I'd only just met, she was making coffee in the kitchen whilst her dog was pestering me in the lounge. In desperation I said "**** off!" very quietly, voice from the kitchen; "I'm glad somebody else uses the same commands as me".

Judy wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 9:11 pm

Springfield Pointers wrote: ↑Wed May 02, 2018 5:41 am

Judy wrote: ↑Tue May 01, 2018 9:26 pm When he rolls in fox then wants to sit on your lap its time to train the "OFF!!"

You skipped the first word in the command? Never rush training, Judy. Always start with the correct commands.

I can remember visiting somebody I'd only just met, she was making coffee in the kitchen whilst her dog was pestering me in the lounge. In desperation I said "**** off!" very quietly, voice from the kitchen; "I'm glad somebody else uses the same commands as me".

Often when I go to places they say something like "oh you like dogs don't you" as their little whateverpoo is jumping all over me, they are a bit taken aback when I reply I like hard working dogs and I have had one or two of my own I wasn't that keen on!!