Understanding Training
Spaniels are trained primarily to quarter in front of the handler to flush game.
Trained spaniels should possess the following skills:
Retrieve to Hand The majority of handlers and all hunt test or field trial judges require that a dog deliver a bird to hand, meaning that a dog will hold the bird until told to give it to the handler directly.
Soft Mouth It is desired that a Cocker or Springer deliver game with a soft mouth, meaning he does not puncture it with his teeth. The game should always be fit for the table. If a Cocker or Springer damages the bird, it may be hard mouthed. This is a serious fault, but it can be difficult to determine whether it may have been genetic or caused by poor training methods. It is usually wise to avoid breeding any Cockers or Springers that is hard mouthed.
Quarter A flushing spaniel's primary role is often as an upland flushing dog. Dogs must work in a zig-zag pattern in front of the handler seeking upland game birds. The dog must be taught to stay within gun range to avoid flushing a bird outside of shooting distance. This pattern is one of the primary criteria used to judge a dog in a field trial.
Scenting Having the ability to scent game is of vital importance to the dog. A Cocker or Springer should have a good nose in both wet and dry conditions. A dog with a good nose will learn to use the wind as it quests for game, ever adjusting its pattern according to the nuances of the wind.
Flushing The Cocker or Springer should have a positive flush. It should not hesitate or point when encountering game. Some field trial dogs will often get airborne during a flush. This is exciting to watch, but is not necessary to win. Most handlers prefer that their dog not flush in that style, as it can present a risk to the dog.
Hup This is the traditional command to sit and stay. When hupped the dog can be given direction called to the handler. The ability to hup a dog actively working a running bird allow the handler and any gunners to keep up without having to run.
Follow Hand Signals Upland hunting involves pursuing wild game in its native habitat. Gun dogs must investigate likely covers for upland game birds. The dog must be responsive to hand signals in order for the handler to be able to direct the dog into areas of particular interest.
Steady When hunting upland birds, a flushing dog should be steady to wing and shot, meaning that he sits when a bird rises or a gun is fired. He does this in order to mark the fall and to avoid flushing other birds when pursuing a missed bird.
Blind Retrieve An adequately trained and experienced working Cocker or Springer can be expected to use all of the aforementioned attributes to be conducted by hand, whistle and command to a position whereby an unmarked lost game bird can be picked and retrieved to hand.