[Kitchen Cottage]

Tilly is now 13 weeks old and I would like to start her (and Misty) with Scurries.... I have an overgrown paddock and I think she would love the game.... How do you move from one scurry to 2?

and  I am off to the game fair in July with Tilly and Misty, neither of whom are used to leads.  What is the best way, between now and then, to get them to walk together well? (I have a time constraint but don't want to be pulled around the game fair for 2 days or use muzzles)

Generally.... how did I manage to get two such lovely working cockers ?

[SallyintNorth]

My general approach to leashes is that "if you pull, I stand still".  Clever dogs get the idea pretty quickly

For two, I'd get the basics - ie, don't pull - with each on its own first, then try the two together.  If they'll behave, one of the splitter leads would make things easier for you at the Fair, as you only need one hand

If the dog sits down and won't follow on the leash, I use 'pressure-and-release', as I would training a pony or calf to a halter.  I've written it - and lead-training, too - up several times, you'll find it / them if you search.

Good luck!

[in the hills]

Spaniels are often the 'stars' when it comes to scurries. 

A scurry is basically a retrieve against the clock so you need to train basic retrieving skills and if your thing is scurry competitions you would aim never to do anything that would lead to your dog 'slowing down' .... which they can do if you aren't careful when training. Pup should just be encouraged to carry at that age and given loads of praise for doing so. No formal training or retrieving for quite a while yet as that would just slow her down.

What do you mean by ' How do you move from one scurry to 2'?

[Old Shep]

what SITN says - plus look on youtube for Barbara Sykes lead walking.  She has over 50 rescue dogs in at a time and they need to be able to walk nicely on a lead before they are rehomed - so she has lots of experience.  Having been shown how to do it by her in the flesh so to speak - it works.  Just take your time and be patient (stubborn!).  She got my lad to walk nicely on a lead in 10 minutes ( I hadn't achieved that in 3 years!)

[harmony]

I would say the lead work is more important than scurries at this age, along with recall. They are too young physically and mentally to start proper work. If you want to working cockers then you need a training plan and some help. At this stage they have the potential to be good working cockers but they are not there yet.