Hup!: Training Flushing Spaniels the American Way

I used James's first edition as my main source of knowledge to train my first two Boykins in 1994--at that time I knew of no one who was hunting Boykins in the uplands. They were all just dove and duck dogs. 4 Boykins later, I still use Hup as my knowledge base for total training. Hup covers your basics, the retriever work and the upland work. If you hunt your spaniel In Dove fields in the fall, then the Duck blind and chase pheasant, grouse, Huns, etc in the winter, this is your book and single best training manual. Over the years, during off season, I've run my spaniels in UKC-HRC retriever tests set up basically for Labs, plus AKC upland hunt tests for flushing dogs. Hup will get you started with all that activity also. If you can find the hard cover 1st addition, get that, otherwise the paperback 2nd will do fine--since it is basically the same.Here is two year old Hunters Rest Artemis running 5 for 5 titled AKC Senior Hunter and Hup trained.

My partner in the chase--small game, upland birds and waterfowl--is an English Springer Spaniel.I believe any gun dog owner would be well advised to acquire and read books specifically designed for retriever, spaniel and pointer training in order to gain the perspective that can be acquired through the lens of the handler/trainer of those breeds traditionally bred to pursue the respective game.This book provides a highly effective spaniel training perspective as well as a real gem of discussion regarding the differences within the spaniel family itself. The goal is to match the right spaniel with the right hunter.If you are thinking about acquiring your first gun dog this book will help you make a better selection. If you already have a gun dog, as I did, this book will help you understand how to better manage your pursuit within the performance characteristics of that breed. You will come closer to being an educated canine companion and realize how silly it is to ever curse any gun dog afield.Happy hunting!

This book is good for a novice too, we have had dogs but they were just never good hunters. This book tells you easily what to do what not to do and how the trainer does it. One example would be the hush something to learn right away and the writer explains how he does it and if the dog is stubborn to just keep doing it....and it works simple and works. I am glad a purchased this book!

Very informative, explains the eight breeds of spaniels, explains how to train your spaniel from pup to yearlings, from field work flushing, to water retrieving. How to make corrections in a positve manner to achive the proper results. Explains how important positive feedback to your dog is a must.

Spencer knows how flushing spaniels work. He is on target on how and when theses dogs respond to various levels of training.All dogs vary in their training, but he can get you out of trouble and back on track with your training. A most for anyone training their first flushing spaniel and great for trouble shooting you dog.

Very well written

I have an English Cocker Spaniel puppy coming in a few weeks. This book will be used to help me with his training. Great guide.

Great guide, helped me as a new owner of a english springer spaniel on how to properly train my dog to perform well

An interesting introduction to the flushing spaniels breeds. This section takes up 74 pages of the 274 page book.This would be a excellent resource if you are thinking of purchasing a flushing spaniel.The author explains the world of flushing spaniels including obedience training, training for trials, hunting and retrieving. This book will help you understand field trial expectations and understanding the letters awarded for field spaniels. Although I am not in favor of all methods of training mentioned this is a good basic training manual.