Frequently Asked Questions about Springers

Frequently asked questions.

1 – How can I find a reputable breeder?

There are several good ways. First contact the AKC at www.akc.org and ask for names of breeders in your area. Or call your local kennel club and ask for names of club members that breed Springers in your area. You can also contact the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association at www.essfta.org and request names of breeders in your area. See the information on the ESSFTA website listing the requirements for reputable breeders so you will know whether or not a breeder is reputable when you locate one.

You could also visit a dog show and talk to exhibitors at the show. Be sure to purchase a show catalog. It will give names and addresses of exhibitors. You can find upcoming dog shows in your area by visiting www.infodog.com.

2 – How can I teach my springer not to jump up on people?

If you are starting with a baby puppy make sure the puppy is sitting before you pet him. Never pet him if he has jumped up on you. If he does jump on you, guide him into a sitting position and then pet him. If the dog is older and the habit is ingrained, it is harder to teach your dog not to jump, but it is always easier to teach a replacement behavior than to simply eliminate a habit. If your dog jumps up on you push him off with your knee telling him, "NO, SIT" and then when he sits reward him with pets or treats. Of course you will have to teach the dog the meaning of the word "sit" first. Remember when training a puppy, never let a 15-pound puppy do anything you do not want a 50-pound adult dog to do.

3 – What should I use to clean my springer's ears?

Springer ears are subject to infection and should be kept clean and clear of hair. First trim the hair around the ears so air can freely flow in. Then clean the ears weekly with a mixture of ½ alcohol and ½ white vinegar. Squirt a few drops into the ear and massage. Then wipe the ear out with a cotton ball. The alcohol should kill any bacteria and the vinegar will keep the pH correct to prevent a yeast infection. As a rule of thumb, if your dog's earwax is dark brown it is probably normal. If it is yellow/brown it is infected. If it is black like coffee grounds it is ear mites. Anytime the ears are hot, red, smell really bad or the dog scratches them or rubs them on something, take the dog to the vet. An infection could be present.

4 – How do I teach my puppy not to bite?

Young puppies, littermates, bite each other. It is part of their play. But when they come home to their new family they have to learn not to bite. We start teaching pups while they are still in the litter. If they put their mouth on our hands we YELL "OUCH, NO BITE", very loud. Did you ever notice when pups are playing with each other and they get too rough, the one being bitten yelps? That's what you should do when the puppy puts his mouth on you. You should not tolerate the pup putting his mouth on you, your clothes or your shoes. You should react as I suggested above whether he is biting or just mouthing. By the time the pup is 12 weeks old he should know not to put his mouth on you.

5 – How much should I expect to pay for a good quality pet puppy?

This is a hard question to answer. It will depend on the "market" in your part of the country. In Atlanta, GA, a good pet quality pet puppy from a show litter will cost in the $600.00 to $800.00 range and you should expect to be required to have the pup neutered.

6 – How often should I wash my springer and what should I use?

We wash our Springers about twice a month. They are basically inside dogs and after about 10 – 14 days start to smell pretty "doggy". I know some people who wash their dogs twice a week and others who only wash about four times a year. A lot depends on your personal tolerance level and if your dogs live in the house.

Use a good dog shampoo. I like Bio-Groom Flea and Tick Shampoo. Although I use Frontline as my main flea preventative, I feel better if I also use a flea and tick shampoo.

7 – What about invisible or electronic fences?

I am asked about invisible fences often. Many of the more affluent neighborhoods don't allow fencing or restrict the types of fencing allowed. I am not in favor of invisible fences. I do know of people who use them quite successfully, thus far. But the only "pros" are that they usually keep the dog in his yard and they "look better". The "cons" are that they don't keep other dogs out of your yard so another dog could come into the yard and bring fleas, worms or harm your dog. Also if there is a power failure, the fence won't work. If there is a heavy snow, the fence won't work. If certain breeds, (springers) get really motivated to chase something, they will endure the shock and run right through the fence. Then later, after they have cooled down, will not want to endure the shock to return into the yard. I do not recommend them for Springers.

8 – Do you recommend tattooing or micro chipping?

A lost dog is heartache for both the owner and the dog, so everything you can do to prevent a lost dog is worthwhile. Chances are that the tattoo will blur on a dog tattooed at a young age as the dog grows. There is always the question of what number do you tattoo, the AKC number, your SS# or what? I have known of dogs with tattoos on their thighs that were never turned over so the tattoos were never seen. Sometimes full-grown dogs will not let a stranger turn them upside down, in a submissive position, to check for tattoos.

Microchips are not foolproof either. Many shelters do not have scanners and if a private citizen finds your dog, he will not know to scan for a chip.

So what do you do? First make certain your springer wears a collar with a current rabies tag and a current ID tag. Chances are a private citizen will find your dog first and call you. Then, as a backup, microchip your dog in case he does end up in a shelter that checks for chips. The microchip tag should also be on the collar.

If your dog becomes lost, circulate flyers with a picture if possible all over the neighborhood. Contact local vets and emergency vet centers, talk to neighborhood kids, make an announcement at the local school, place an ad in the local paper, visit the shelter – VISIT – don't just call, and contact your local springer and pure bred rescue groups.

9 – Do Springers make good outside dogs?

Many people believe since Springers are hunting dogs that they make good outside dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth!! Springers are people dogs and unless the owner is going to sleep outside with the dog, the dog will not be happy outside.

The happiest Springers are dogs that live inside but have a nice big yard for exercise. Most Springers enjoy the company of another dog. Two Springers are better than one.

10 – Where can I get more information about Springers?

The parent club for the breed, The English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, maintains a web site with just about all the information you will need about English Springer Spaniels. ESSFTA publishes a manual affectionately called the "Spaniel Manual'. ESSFTA will mail you the manual for a cost of $2.00. www.essfta.org.

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