Pupchow, we are lloking to buy a farm on 5+ acres in the spring. Im not lloking to buy until then. I want to do as much research as I can before. I knew WPS's need a lot of exercise. Will they calm down with age like most "crazy" puppies do?
How would I go about training myself? Is there any good books or dvds out there?
Our 3 y.o. may be the exception but she hasn't calmed down yet. This dog loves to run so much, you can tell she
needs it. And she is on the large size, at close to 65 lb. My initial intention was to go with a breed that was bit more mellow than a GSP or Britanny Spaniel, to keep our smallish Cocker company. I'd wanted a dog that would not tend to range too far for a walking wingshooter, and one that would not hesitate to bust through tough brush. This WPG is that. Our WPG eagerly goes places that our Lab or Setter would often question/hesitate at, but she's very good at ensuring she's within range of her human. She is a cat chaser, but not viciously so (and nothing like the determination a hound has for its quarry). The Labs I've known get along much better with felines.
Having some property is nice, but be prepared to put on some miles. At minimum, we cover a couple of miles during a walk. While hunting, 6 or 7 miles is typical. This dog never seems to tire. You do need to watch the heat exposure though, as this breed's coat is not fit for hot temps. A distinct difference with the WPG is that she doesn't wander much, going only where there's a seeming purpose to her direction of travel.
Thing with training WPGs is, their intelligence causes them to grow bored very quickly. Training goes easily but they grow tired if subjected to the same tasks. A calm but assertive presence, combined with a mixed routine, is what's worked best. Repetition of a task is key, but over the span of days/weeks. You don't want to spend too much time on one task at a time. And if you find yourself becoming irritated or overly vocal, the WPG picks up on it instantly and ignores you. She enjoys pleasing her human, but on her terms. A Lab is much more eager to please. The WGP requires a more continual, subdued reminder that she's NOT the boss. Again, be prepared to put on some miles. This is not a dog that will take to staying in the yard playing catch & release with a Pheasant wing. Mixing training with a lot of free ranging exercise seems to work best as a reward for her efforts.
As for Griff vs. Lab, the WPG requires a much more attentive, deliberate demeanor. A Lab is more happy go-lucky. And a Lab is nowhere near the burr magnet that our WPG is. Our Griff is a lot to handle and a challenge at many times. It wasn't supposed to be this way, but she's a very strong dog. She's not a barker, but when she does it's because she interprets a threat. Very similar to a Lab in that way. She is a total compliment to our Cocker though, and they work very well as a team when pursuing birds. The Griff points, the Cocker dives in deep for the flush. The Cocker rules when it comes to finding downed birds though (we're working on that). I've never seen a dog work harder than that little lap dog.
For training references, I've referred to many online articles, magazines and various books, and used what fit my situtation. Search Amazon and you'll find an unending list of reference material available. I guess it depends on how far you want to take it, working companion or master of tests? There're also many trainers & clubs to chose from, if you're interested. I haven't participated in that aspect yet.
