For many enthusiasts, the quest for a hunting companion often leads to the search for Trained Cocker Spaniel Gundogs For Sale. These spirited and intelligent dogs are renowned for their field capabilities, but a common misconception often surfaces regarding “field trial dogs.” Many prospective buyers express a strong preference against them, believing these dogs are “too hot” or overly difficult to control for practical hunting scenarios. This sentiment, however, frequently stems from a limited understanding of the spaniel field trial world and the rigorous training these dogs undergo.
Debunking Myths: The “Field Trial Dog” Misconception
The notion that field trial dogs are uncontrollable often arises from observing “field trial washout” dogs – those eliminated from competition for various reasons. While some dogs may indeed possess temperaments unsuitable for high-level competition, the vast majority of field trial dogs are intensely trained to exhibit a remarkable degree of control and obedience. The field trial community demands dogs that hunt within a specific range, refrain from chasing missed birds, and respond instantly to whistle commands – precisely the attributes any hunter would desire in a gundog. The very reasons a dog might be disqualified from a trial, such as running slightly out of range or an imperfect retrieve, are often non-issues for the average hunter.
Addressing Specific Concerns
When considering trained Cocker Spaniel gundogs for sale, it’s essential to understand how field trial training actually addresses common concerns, rather than exacerbating them.
Control and Obedience
A frequent complaint is that “washout” dogs may bolt or ignore commands at home or in the field. This behavior, however, is often more about the dog testing boundaries and less about inherent uncontrollability. With a few focused obedience sessions, a new owner can quickly establish leadership and reinforce the dog’s training, transforming a perceived “disobedient” dog into a well-mannered companion. The foundational obedience ingrained in field trial prospects provides an excellent starting point for any owner.
Stamina for Hunting
Another point of contention is the belief that field trial dogs tire quickly. Spaniel field trials are typically short events, designed to allow evaluators to assess multiple dogs over a weekend. Consequently, dogs are often trained for short, intense bursts of activity, creating a “sprinter” rather than a long-distance runner. However, with consistent work and gradual exposure to longer hunting days, these dogs will naturally adapt and build the stamina required for a typical hunting pace. Time and dedicated effort will allow their innate athleticism to shine through in real-world hunting situations.
Steady-to-Wing-and-Shot
Many hunters believe an unsteady dog is better at retrieving crippled birds. My experience, however, suggests the opposite. A dog that is steady-to-wing-and-shot (remaining stationary until commanded to retrieve) is under significantly better control in all situations. The extensive training required for steadiness translates to a dog that listens better, hunts more effectively within range, and exhibits superior overall obedience. Crucially, a steady dog marks the fall of a bird more accurately, allowing it to reach the retrieve point quicker to begin tracking. While unsteady dogs can and do make great retrieves, careful observation often reveals they don’t go directly to the fall as consistently as a steady dog. The ability to track a moving crippled bird is an individual trait, not directly linked to being steady or unsteady.
The Critical Factor: Real-World Hunting Exposure
While field trial dogs possess strong genetics and high-level training, my primary concern when considering trained Cocker Spaniel gundogs for sale, especially those coming directly from a field trial focus, is their potential lack of real-world hunting exposure. Many field trial dogs may not encounter wild pheasants until well over a year old. In contrast, our kennel prioritizes early and extensive exposure to wild birds. For instance, our spaniel puppies typically have hundreds of wild bird contacts before their first birthday. This crucial early experience maximizes their learning potential and hones their natural bird-finding abilities from a young age.
Our breeding program intentionally incorporates prominent field trial bloodlines to ensure strong genetics, but our ultimate focus remains on producing exceptional hunting dogs. We participate in field trials to maintain the highest training standards – where “sit” means sit and “here” means here, without exception. However, we rigorously test our dogs annually on wild birds to ensure our breeding stock consistently produces proven bird-finders. A field trial dog, even a “washout” at three or four years old, may have missed critical opportunities to develop its full bird-finding potential if not raised and trained with a strong emphasis on varied, real-life hunting scenarios.
Dudley, a focused Cocker Spaniel, actively hunting for grouse amidst dense cover in a natural outdoor setting.
What to Look for When Buying Trained Cocker Spaniel Gundogs
When you’re actively searching for trained Cocker Spaniel gundogs for sale, diligence is paramount to ensure you find a companion that meets your specific hunting needs. A dog with strong genetics and advanced training is an excellent foundation. However, it’s crucial to verify that the dog’s training and exposure align with the type of hunting you intend to do.
Don’t settle for seeing the dog perform only in a familiar training field. A dog will always look its best in an environment it knows intimately. Instead, ask to see the dog work in different directions, in varied cover, and on multiple birds. You are investing in a trained dog; therefore, ensure its skills are transferable and effective in diverse real-world hunting conditions. A dog that can only perform in one specific context may not be the adaptable gundog you need.
Anecdotal experiences highlight this point. A gentleman once purchased a trained field trial dog, only to find it walked by his side during a wild bird hunt in Iowa, failing to find birds. This specific dog was exceptional in its controlled, field trial environment but lacked the experience and understanding to hunt effectively in challenging wild cover. In contrast, our dogs, while also possessing strong pedigrees, are predominantly exposed to real-life hunting situations, making them more adaptable and aggressive hunters when faced with thick cover or birds that run long distances.
Jeff and Frasier, a hunting dog team, navigating through a field during a training session or hunt.
Furthermore, ensure you are comfortable with the owner/trainer you are purchasing from. They should be transparent about the dog’s background, health, and training regimen. A reputable seller will stand by the health of their dogs and provide guidance on understanding commands and handling your new companion. Gaining insight into the specific training methodologies used and how to best maintain consistency at home will be invaluable for a successful partnership.
Building a Lasting Partnership with Your Gundog
While training a spaniel can be accomplished by any reasonable person, it requires a truly talented and skilled individual to build and maintain a deep, trusting relationship with their gundog. This relationship is not to be taken for granted; it develops over time through consistent exposure to game birds, clear communication of expectations, repetitive lessons, and upholding high standards. It’s the foundation upon which all successful hunting partnerships are built.
As a professional dog trainer, I’ve had the privilege of developing numerous dogs for owners who have achieved success in spaniel field trials and hunt tests. More importantly, I’ve helped train countless gun dogs that bring immense joy and effectiveness to their owners in the field. My personal experience as a spaniel field trial participant, with wins and placements across the United States and Canada, underscores my commitment to both the sport and the practical application of these skills in producing top-tier hunting companions.
In summary, most spaniel field trial dogs possess the potential to become excellent hunting companions. To maximize your investment when seeking trained Cocker Spaniel gundogs for sale, prioritize seeing the dog demonstrate its abilities in diverse covers, on multiple birds, and in scenarios that closely mimic real hunting conditions. Ensure the owner/trainer is reputable, transparent, and willing to provide ongoing support for you and your new gundog. Discover the perfect trained Cocker Spaniel gundog for your next hunting adventure by focusing on both genetic prowess and proven real-world experience.
