Post by: Commando on September 12, 2020, 10:38:18 PM
Post by: Backstrap on September 13, 2020, 05:40:37 PM
They are very happy, gentle, and loving dogs. The are also very energetic, athletic, and have a very high prey drive. It’s amazing how the switch flips when there’s game to be hunted. In the early days, cockers and springers came out of the same litters, with the only determining factor being size.
I think your wife would love an EFC, but they are a serous hunting dog (aka a real handful sometimes) and if she is just looking for a pet, then I’d recommend a rescue mutt.
Good luck. Let’s hear back if you get one...
Post by: Commando on September 13, 2020, 05:58:08 PM
Post by: shootem on September 13, 2020, 07:57:01 PM
Post by: Commando on September 13, 2020, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: Backstrap on September 13, 2020, 09:25:36 PM
Post by: hollymaster on September 13, 2020, 09:36:56 PM
Post by: ibuyre on September 13, 2020, 10:04:16 PM
Post by: AspenBud on September 15, 2020, 07:03:46 AM
Ryglen Gun Dogs in Illinois
Field Bred Cockers in Oregon
I also think there is a guide who works at Ruggs Ranch down in Oregon who breeds them.
Given a choice I would take a hard look at Juggernaut and Ryglen. But I am sure there are others.
Post by: jetjockey on September 24, 2020, 08:41:22 AM
Post by: pens fan on September 26, 2020, 05:50:42 AM
Post by: wildweeds on September 28, 2020, 10:23:17 AM
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 05, 2020, 12:25:14 PM
Post by: Lady Grouse hunter on October 05, 2020, 12:26:51 PM
Post by: pens fan on October 06, 2020, 12:44:18 AM
Except for one, they were all pretty mellow when being paid attention to. But out in the grass or woods they were all over.
Post by: Commando on October 07, 2020, 11:13:15 PM
Post by: Henrydog on October 08, 2020, 05:59:02 AM
Post by: Commando on October 08, 2020, 10:18:36 PM
I’ve always been a lab guy so I’ve got really no idea how to train a cocker besides the normal yard stuff. Heard they’re pretty natural in the field and the breeder basically said just get him out in the field and on birds and he’ll figure it out. But we will get it all figured out!
Post by: Henrydog on October 09, 2020, 05:39:28 AM
Post by: Backstrap on October 09, 2020, 07:47:49 AM
My wife is gonna love the affection from him for sure! He’s gonna be spoiled for sure. My lab isn’t gonna like it but he’ll get used to it.
I’ve always been a lab guy so I’ve got really no idea how to train a cocker besides the normal yard stuff. Heard they’re pretty natural in the field and the breeder basically said just get him out in the field and on birds and he’ll figure it out. But we will get it all figured out!
Congratulations on your upcoming pup.
My boy is a real fireball in the field. Sometimes he gets so wound up he forgets all his training. So Occasionally I have to give him a wake up call with the e-collar. He’s very good at getting birds out of heavy cover, and finding and flushing birds in general. He’s 50/50 on retrieving, and not especially interested in dead birds. He absolutely loves the water. Not scared of anything. He loves killing possum and rats, and has caught more than one salmon in the river.
It took him until around 8 years old to settle down to more of a lab like activity level around the house. He always wants to play and is always happy. He sleeps in our room, and it’s never been a problem. Overall, he’s a real joy to have in our family, with a fun and addictive personality.
I think you’re in for a real treat! Good luck.
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Post by: Backstrap on May 14, 2021, 06:43:07 PM
Post by: Soknarf on August 24, 2021, 11:06:55 AM
I relocated from Ireland to WA last winter with my two cocker boys and we are looking forward to our first US season in the coming weeks.
Depending on what type of hunting you want them to do, the training can be very different to usual US styles.
I dont have an e-collar or tracking on my guys, as they never go more than 30/40 yards in front of me.
They work a quartering pattern back and forth as I walk through a field or along a hedgerow. They contact flush birds, so you do need to be ready to shoot, but in general you will see when they pick up a scent and start working a line.
Definitely look into whistle training as this is the most effective method used in the UK / Ireland. My guys come, sit, and get all direction from different whistle patterns.
Take a look on YouTube for "Nick Ridley" and also look up training for "rough shooting" or "walk up shooting" and you should find some good resources.
My guys are hard working dogs, and I usually spend the evening on the sofa pulling thorns out of them. There isnt a blackberry patch of hedgerow that they will shy away from.
They can be sensitive little souls, so one of my guys reacts well to a firm tone, the other just retreats into himself if you raise your voice.
I will have English cockers for the rest of my days as they are perfect for the style of shooting that I like to do.
If you have any questions, please let me know. I am not an expert by any stretch (only had these guys for 3 years), but I have put in a lot of research and come from the land of this type of dog/hunting.