Additional Articles - Springer Spaniel Advice

Think Before You Choose A Springer Spaniel Puppy

This short article deals with some of the initial choices you will need to make, and how to go about finding a breeder when you decide to become an owner of one of these terrific companions.

Colouring

You may have firm opinions on colouring, and with the English springer there are two main colourings – black on white or liver on white (chocolate). Either of these colours could be combined with tan markings. Wanting a particular colour will reduce your choice of breeders and may lead to a lot of travel. You should visit at least a couple of breeders before you decide. Then you will return when the litter and pup is ready, to bring your springer puppy back to your home.

Gender

Which – dog or bitch? Springers are loyal and affectionate, so the males are not a huge diffculty when it comes to going awol. With a bitch, you have to plan for the obvious – keeping her away from males when she is in season; there will be hygiene aspects to consider at home. Spaying has side effects, such as a tendency to getting fat. If you do want to breed springer pups, then there is only one way to go.

Working Dog, Show Dog or Family Pet?

Do you want a gundog or a show dog? For an English Springer Spaniel, these are distinct genetic lines and could influence your choice of breeder. Both types are good as family pets provided you are able to exercise them adequately. There is no lineage difference for Welsh Springer Spaniels.

How to Find your Springer Spaniel Pup

If you want a pure springer spaniel puppy with no doubtful genetic background then avoid ‘puppy farms’. This is important because all pure breeds are susceptible to hereditary conditions (the Springer is pretty good in this respect). So, you need to find a dog with a fully documented bloodline and pedigree certification which is not falsified. By choosing a fully certificated pedigree (which can usually be checked online), you would be able to show your springer in class at a dogshow – well, you never know, the kids might like that!

How to Find Breeders

The main ways to find breeders are through:

Going to shows and talking to owners and breeders
Specialist dog magazines and papers
Online web search
Newspaper advertising
Kennel Clubs
Yellow Pages
Springer Spaniel Breed clubs

Do be cautious about the small ads in your local newspaper. ‘Springer spaniel puppy for sale’ may be genuine, or not. Make sure you see proper documentation.

Official Kennel Clubs usually operate a Breeder Accreditation scheme. Kennel Club websites or Breed Clubs will provide you with the Breed Standard (there are some differences from country to country). It is well worth reading up on these and preparing a summary, so that when you visit breeders you will be able to have informed discussions about particular pups and bloodlines.

Of course, the better breeders (those with the best show records) will want more money for their spaniel puppies, but that’s to be expected.

You might consider a Rescue Dog. Using a rescue centre requires more care and preparation, but can be a good way to go if you don’t want to go through the ‘house training’ stage.

Phil has been a long-term springer spaniel owner, both English and Welsh springer spaniels.

Pet Therapy For SAD Sufferers

There is much research to support the theory that keeping a pet can reduce stress levels. Worrying and stress compound the effects of seasonal affective disorder (‘SAD’). This article tells you about the various ways in which keeping a pet can help to offset those bad effects. Many pets, including cats, tropical fish and even parrots, help. My own favourites are dogs, and springer spaniels in particular.

Company for You

If your family has grown up or you live alone for other reasons, then a dog is great company. Therefore, having ‘someone to care for’ provides real and tangible health benefits. Of course, a cat is company, as is a caged bird, but they are less demanding than a dog.

Demanding

A demanding pet is a good thing, because it gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning and get out in the daylight, getting exercise. With a cat you just put down the food and the cat comes and goes through the catflap in the door – there’s little benefit there for you. Of course, the cat will come and curl up on your lap in front of the TV in the evening, and that does reduce stress.

Caring Moves Your Focus

If you live alone, whether through choice or circumstances, then the effects of SAD are intensified, because you have only yourself to focus on. If you have a pet to care for, then the caring shifts some of your focus away from yourself, at least for some of the time. The less time you spend looking inwards and the more time spend looking outwards, then the better it is for you.

Laughter Releases Endorphins

Springer spaniels are generally very happy dogs and love having fun. This is good for you – my Springers made me laugh each and every day. They are smart dogs and that adds to the fun! Laughter helps release those feel-good endorphins in the brain – more SAD therapy for you.

Exercise

Springers will hunt and retrieve for hours on end – they love a game of hide and seek with an old sock or glove – and this leads to more fun and exercise for you too, as well as taking your mind off your own problems. As we know, exercise is a therapy for seasonal affective disorder, realeasing those endorphins in the brain.

Pet Personalities

Unlike an aquarium of tropical fish, dogs are much more interesting, in my opinion. They have distinctive personalities, as cats do too. However, if you are unable to ‘get about’ easily – perhaps lacking a transport, or for health reasons – then tropical fish are great stress reducers too. And, let’s not forget parrots – they will talk to you!

Finally

Well, dogs are my favourite – and Springer Spaniels in particular – but generally any form of pet will add interest and diversion into your day. Dogs, and particularly Springer Spaniels, offer probably the widest range of benefits to a SAD sufferer. So, think about a pet as a possible component in the holisitic approach to beating SAD.

The author has lived with seasonal affective disorder for many years. He has devised his own holistic approach to the condition.

Source: www.submityourarticle.com

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Springer Spaniel Barking And How You Can Control It

Does your springer spaniel bark excessively? Springer spaniels are not noted for barking excessively like some small pooches do, though they can get excited at times. You do need them to bark when there’s a stranger outside your home, or with pleasure when the kids come home from school, and of course, when nature calls! But annoying the neighbours? No, you don’t want that.

The good news is that there are answers to the problem, depending on what the reason for the springer spaniel barking is. Knowing why might lead you to the best solution. Do remember, though, that dogs bark as we talk. I bet that even you talk to yourself when you are sometimes alone! I do, anyway (maybe I’m crazy). Maybe you need the advice of a renowned a professional dog trainer such as Dr Denis Fetko (‘Dr Dog’), so that you can save yourself a load of hassle, and best of all, cure your springer at an affordable cost.

Why do they bark?

Besides communication, Spaniels bark because of:

hunger
loneliness
fear
boredom
defence
offence
warning

The key thing is that you want them to bark under certain conditions only, and you want them to be quiet when you tell them. You don’t want to stop them barking completely.

We’ll assume that

1. Your dog is checked regularly when you groom her (or him).

2. That he/she gets checked annually by the vet.

3. That the dog’s normal living space is at the right temperature.

4. That he gets enough exercise.

5. That in fact you do not have lots of strangers calling at the door, and that there are not a lot of foxes or raccoons in your garden at night (get the idea)?

Does your springer only causes a problem when he’s alone and you are in work, and the neighbours complain about it? If she is not not messing in the house then the reason could be loneliness. Try leaving a radio playing.

Dogs do suffer from poor hearing (especially older ones) even deafness on occasion, and it’s essential to check regularly that your springer’s ears are clean. He might not be able to hear you telling him to stop barking.

Is the problem new?

If your dog was ok before, but is now a problem, then that is a sign that something has changed – it could be his age or health, it could be that your daughter (he’s been her favourite) now has her boyfriend visit and he’s jealous.

Have you changed his food? Moved home? Bought him a new dog basket?

In short, does he have anything to complain about – because they are smart dogs and they complain if they are not happy. One of my springers didn’t bark when he was unhappy or I scolded him – he grunted like an old man.

What’s the Answer?

OK, so you’ve worked through all the obvious things. Maybe your springer spaniel is now 8 months old and the barking problem continues. Training is going well, he is now obeying the basic commands and walking to heel, you have started the ‘fetch’ training, yet the excessive barking persists.

Maybe you’ve got a rescue dog and not a pup. He might have had a tough life so far, you don’t always know. Did you ask the staff at the rescue centre if he barked excessively? It’s not always a sure guide, as there’s often a lot of barking at these centres anyway – the staff have no control over which dogs arrive at their gates.

There are plenty of solutions to the barking problem (depending on the reason), but first of all, don’t reinforce the behaviour. If the dog barks, then don’t give her a cuddle – it doesn’t work with kids and will not work with her.

Some people favour electric collars – that’s an old approach and not in keeping with best practice. The key to curing is understanding, and if you’ve looked at the problem from all angles without success, then you probably need professional advice.

Dr Denis Fetko is a leading dog behaviour expert, and can help you stop your springer’s excessive barking. His expertise is readily available, affordable and very popular, not only for springer spaniel barking problems. Check him out at Dr Dog!

Springer Spaniel Photo – Docked Tail

This is a great pic, so much like my Jasper! You can see that this great character has a docked tail – the pic was taken in S America. They just love the sea!

Springer Spaniel Eye Colour

English springer spaniels have eye colouring ranging from hazel to dark brown, but springer pups have blue eyes (just like human babies) until the colour starts to emerge as they grow.

There’s a good picture which shows the springer pup’s blue eyes here:

http://yowhoop.com/dog/our-7-week-old-springer-spaniel-puppy-img_8173/

Strokes in Springer Spaniels

The older the springer, then the more likely a stroke becomes. The symproms are much like those in a human being, and prevention is similar. There are drugs – I take aspirin every day to keep my blood thin and reduce the risk of clotting. Strokes do happen to dogs – you can find out more about prevention in this news story which I came across:

http://www.freepressrelease.com/stroke-dogs-prevention-cure/154653/

I have no association or link with the author, but he writes well about strokes in dogs.

Springer Spaniel Dies from Broken Heart?

On March1st, Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the British Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in Afghanistan. Less than 24 hrs later, his springer spaniel Theo (a bomb sniffer), died from a seizure. Their bodies were repatriated to the UK on 10th March 2011.

The full story is at Fox News, here:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/10/uk-army-dog-died-broken-heart-1606316739/

Springer Spaniel Skin Problems

Here’s a recent article I published on springer skin problems:

There are 5 main causes of skin problems in dogs, but springers do fare well compared to other breeds. The main causes are hereditary conditions, infectious diseases, immune system problems, dermatitis (allergic reaction to external agents), and internal diseases (which may present skin problems as one of the symptoms).

Fortunately, springers are not as susceptible as most other breeds to hereditary skin problems, or to immune system problems. Some of the underlying conditions can be treated and ‘cured’ easily, others are systemic and could require lifelong treatment and palliative or (easing) therapies such as topical creams.

Like most breeds though, they are susceptible to transmitted skin conditions (such as mange), and dermatitis arising for a variety of reasons.

Depending on what references you read, any form of irritation of the skin could be termed ‘dermatitis’. Now let’s consider the three main problem areas with springer spaniel skin:

Infectious Diseases

By definition, these are picked up from other dogs, or ‘traces’ of other dogs, such as stools, vomit or fur, though for infectious skin diseases, contact with other dogs is the most likely reason. Canine scabies is a fairly commonplace infectious disease. Ringworm (a fungal infection) is less common in adult dogs than in puppies.

Springers may also become infected with contagious lice.

If you have any suspicion that your springer has an infectious disease, then get a vet’s opinion immediately.

Dermatitis

There are several causes of dermatitis, including bacterial, fungal, yeast, or infection by a parasite (eg the mange), seborrhoea, food allergies, flea bites (their saliva is a common allergen), drug intolerance; exposure to toxins, nutritional problems, contact with an irritating substance, and sunburn. Food allergies may be more difficult to pin down, and dietary adjustments might be necessary. If you suspect an allergy, then talk to the breeder – your dog’s parents may have had similar problems. If you are treating your dog for another condition, then an allergy could be due to a reaction to a drug. Your vet would be aware of this. Problems arising from a nutritional deficiency could be due to bad diet, but this is rare for dogs which are properly fed, unless their bodies are unable properly to process, say a particular mineral or vitamin. This of course could be an aspect of a metabolic disorder.

Internal Disease Presenting Skin Symptoms

These include metabolism disorders (the body’s ‘engine’) and endocrine (hormonal) disorders. Cancer could result in excessive itching due to skin irritation. Secondary Problems Problems with the skin which make your springer scratch and lick can lead on to other problems such as Hot Spots. ‘Hot spots’ – acute moist dermatitis – arise from over-licking a particular spot on the skin (overlicking means licking more than would be usual form grooming or exploration and interferes with your dog’s other activity). This over licking might be in response to, say, a flea allergy.

If not treated, then the over licking can lead to a staphylococcal infection which may need antibiotics to cure it, and should always be examined by a vet. Indeed, any other skin problem which results in broken skin should be treated carefully to prevent secondary infections.

Prevention

Because springers are ‘gamey’ dogs and get up to all sorts of mucky mischief they should be cleaned and examined regularly. In most cases, prevention is straightforward. Groom your dog regularly, examining the coat and skin, and use a medicated pet shampoo. If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent (your vet will advise), you should check his coat for ticks and use a tick powder regularly.

Obviously, if your dog has discovered any sort of dead animal when out with you, then a good cleanup is essential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Marks

Springer Spaniel Adoption

If you are considering springer spaniel adoption, then there are steps you must take to prepare your family, to choose the best dog, and to follow through with if you want to avoid problems in the future. Adoption may involve a dog from a rescue centre, a private adoption (maybe through a newpaper ad) or from someone in your family. Problems with adopting dogs can involve behaviour, training and health issues. The risks of these problems can be avoided or reduced if you go about the adoption with a careful approach.

Basics

If you are looking for a dog to show, then unless you are an expert, adoption is not the best way to go. It can work if you are adopting a springer you know, maybe from a friend or relative. It’s definitely worth looking at a few springers and comparing them – it can be difficult and even emotional, but is a sensible route to go.

How to Prepare for Springer Spaniel Adoption

Make checklist before you visit the springer spaniel, whether at a rescue centre or private home. A rescue centre will be able to give you an unbiased opinion about the springer spaniel (and a veterinarian’s report), whilst a private adoption may not be as ‘open’ – say if the dog is troublesome or sick. If it is a private adoption then question the motive of the current owner carefully.

Age and Sex of the Dog

Do you want a pup, adolescent or mature dog? Whichever you choose, there will be different challenges to face. Which sex (most rescue centre dogs will have been sterilised)?.

Rescue Centres

Dogs from rescue centres will probably not have pedigree papers but a private adoption may have them available. You should get a health report from a rescue centre. Specialist Breed Rescue Centres are more likely to have pedigree papers for the dog.

The Rescue Centre will usually want to know if yours is a suitable home for a springer spaniel. You can expect to be asked about your ability to look after the dog, whether you have enough open space available and there will be a fee to pay.

Behavioural Problems

You should check that the springer does not have a behavioural problem – they may have been ill-treated in a previous home. The rescue centre staff should give you an opinion on the springer’s behaviour.

If the springer has been previously abused, then it may have difficulty trusting you and your family. If you have young children then their safety comes first and you will need to satisfy yourself that you can trust the springer spaniel – it’s a two way street.

Training

An adopted springer spaniel may not have been properly trained, and if the springer is older then training will be more difficult than with a puppy. Check that the dog will obey basic commands. Springer spaniels are eager to please, and this assists training. If an older dog has been properly trained, then you will not have to go through the house-training phase, though initial nervousness might lead to a few accidents.

Checking the Dog

Take the dog for a short walk. Observe how the springer reacts as you approach – does he cower, is he nervous or welcoming? Does he jump at you (this could indicate poor, if any, training)? How does he react as you walk past other dog pens? Is the walk nervous or cowering? His gait can give clues to maybe leg or hip injuries or to internal discomfort. Rescue centre staff will give you guidance – they would not want the dog to be returned.

One final tip – until you are sure about the springer, then don’t take the kids along to meet him. If the dog turns out to be unsuitable then there could be huge disappointment for your children if they have ‘fallen for’ the springer spaniel.

The author has kept English and Welsh Springer
Spaniels
for many years, including an English Springer Spaniel adoption dog from a rescue centre – find out more now about rescue dogs and how to find, choose and nurture one of these great dogs – and have a whole lot of fun too!