Lukey's Top Tips
One of the questions I frequently get asked is "How much excercise should I give my young spaniel"?
Well I am not sure there is a right answer, but to my way of thinking free exercise and what we expect of a gundog are completely opposed.
Spaniel training is all about our dogs working in close contact with us, on a joint operation, even when sent further it is only with a very specific brief, for example seek, recover and return. To be allowed to run free at other times, not be thinking as part of the team, must be totally confusing to a young dog.
So "how do you exercise your dogs then"? I hear you say. Well to start with I must say I believe exercise for a dog is not just running about! Ten minutes of intense handling can exhaust a dog as much as chasing seagulls on the beach.
However physical exercise is very important as the job we ask of them is very strenuous. I would rather hunt my dog over brashings in the bottom of a wood, driving through thick bracken or crossing streams or obstacles. This I hope will give my dogs fitness, balance and flexibility in preparation for the seasons ahead and help prevent injury.
So in summary I dont give my youngsters any "exercise" as such because basic training camp is enough and their free time is spent snoozing in kennel or garden.
For the oldens who have done a season or two, they have their pheasnts in a row, they know the difference between work and not working. Youv'e seen it, when the light comes on and they realise what all that training was for. They do come for a stroll ,a dip in the river, because they know the rules "not until your told".
The views expressed on this page are those of the author and not necessarily anyone else or the club, but are expressed here for you to consider, discuss or ignore as you wish.
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