Springer Spaniels

[flutterby]

Hi. I have decided that I want to get a bench bred ESS in the next 5 years. So, I plan on doing tons and tons of research to be fully prepared (and possibly disuade me) for what I'm getting into. I know about the rage syndrom that happens to be common in BYB/PM springers. I fell inlove with a springer two years back that I babysat for 3 months. He was a sweetheart until his rage syndrom kicked in and he bit my father. Does anyone have any experience or live with an ESS? Also, what good websites are there that will give me History, Conformation, Temperament, Abilities, etc? If I get tied in with a good show breeder, I may even show puppies for them if I buy them! I will most likely change my mind about that since I'm going to college to be an RN, but we'll see. Any suggestions? Pros and Cons?

[rutylr]

Where do you live.I have quite a few friends with ESS and I have never heard of them having any temperment prob.Most have children,who help show the dogs.
Donna

[ravybaby]

We had Springer’s for a number of years, we never had any temperament problems what so ever, over here a lot of Springer’s are trained as assist dogs for the disabled, due to their bouncy passive natures, they are certainly a dog that loves to please their owners,

[weezyNollie]

I was bitten by a Springer Spaniel.. first dog ever to bite me.

But then my nanny family has a spring spaniel that is the sweetest dog ever.

[Lessica Jake]

If you are doing tons of research, you would know that Rage Syndrome is NOT common. It is a RARE trait in poorly bred animals. And, it is not even limited to the ESS breed. Chances are, that you will never meet an animal with Rage Syndrome.

Rage Syndrome does not "kick in". More likely, your father didn't recognize the dog's warnings that it would bite.

"Rage Syndrome" has nothing to do with the dog being angry or anything simillar. It is a form of epilepsy. The dog has seizures, and if the dog attacks, it is not because of anything he can control.

[Lessica Jake]

Springer Spaniels are wonderful dogs. They do require an experienced owner, however. They are very eager to please, and extremely intelligent. However, with their intelligence comes boredom. They must be kept occupied. A Springer without a place to expend it's energy is a very naughty dog.

Springers should be kept indoors. They will physically do well outdoors, but they have an extreme emotional need to be with their people.

They need to have off-leash time to run at least 3 times a week, with moderate exercise on other days. They do better if they can run every day.

They are good with children and other pets as long as they are exposed/socialized early in life. My Springer was not introduced to farm animals until she was 4, and she is excellent with horses and cows.

The single most effective punishment you can use on a disobedient Springer is to confine it where it can't see you. Because they are so dependent on their person, and because of their intense desire to be with you at all times, the idea that they might be seperated is an amazingly strong deterrent.

Personally, I adore Springers. But I didn't enjoy the one I have until about a year after I got her. They are a lot of work, and if you get one that is dominant aggressive, it will test you EVERY DAY. But that said, after 2.5 years with this dog, I adore her. She still has her moments when I want to strangle her, but she's a great dog.


http://www.essfta.org/essfta/spanmanl_toc.htm
http://www.essfta.org/
http://www.englishspringer.org/Julia/pages/pageone.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_sp...niel/index.cfm

[Riding Hulio]

Never even heard about the "rage" syndrom! Anyways I have bitten three times in my life and all by SS. Not trying to dissuade you, just giving my honest opinion that I am not fond of spripnger spaniels.
ps.- If you're are going to school to become a registered nurse, that takes 4 years, of schooling maybe you should think about a dog that isn't so emotionally dependant on humans.

Good Luck on your quest!

[flutterby]

Good point, RH. Now that I know how emotionally dependent they are, I will do one of those breed selector surveys and post the top 10 matches to pick..

[Ken Nielsen]

Going to school and owning an English Springer Spaniel. Going to Nursing School is enough to test your mettle to your wits end. You do not need an additional test to go along with it. Do your schooling, if you must get a dog for companionship and just the joy of owning a dog, do your survey and be sure to put in how much you will need a dog who will not be testing you while you are trying to study for tests.

That being said, here's my babies,

[flutterby]

You're babies are adorible! I also forgot to mention that I'll be at classes maybe 4 hours a day, three days a week (M-W-F). My boyfriend/STB Fiance will be home when I'm not, so there will always be someone here. I started a new thread about the breeds that matched me.