Hi folks,
I am hoping anyone might be able to offer any pearls of wisdom

We recently got Milo a 10month male springer, and already had Lily who is same breed etc. Milo is gorgeous but quite problematic certainly compared to Lily. He is a nightmare to take out even just around the block on his leash/harness, anyway we've been doing some basic training these last few weeks in and around the house and garden which is fine. He is now starting to show a little bit of recall when they both go in the garden which we reward with treats. However when we take them both out to the woods, Lily is fine off her lead and goes on a rummage and will come back when called but we are really worried about letting Milo off incase he bolts because he doesn't take a blind bit of notice of either of us. He is completely fixated on just getting away and drags my other half off. I couldn't possibly manage him or he'd have me over. He doesn't appear to be enjoying himself at all when we take them out, he won't respond to treats or any sort distraction, he just gets himself so chewed up with wanting to be away. Does anyone think that we ought to risk letting him off and see if he follows Lily? Or should we be perhaps be more patient and keep him on his lengthy leash until he starts to respond to us? Thanks if any can suggest any tips or tricks

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When i first took my young dogs out i used a long lead(30ft) over the fields and released it little by little a bit further everytime the dog came back to me in recall,,, i would let the dog go sniff the brambles etc and recall , this way i still felt they were safe if they ignored me .

I definitely wouldn't let him off to see if he follows Lily unless you were in an enclosed area, with no other people and dogs (and none likely to arrive), also - letting him off a lead and him sticking with Lily doesn't necessarily mean he'll be easy to get back again, and he'll get used to running around and doing what he likes.

I'm not an expert, but in my opinion, I think you just need to be patient and really really work hard on his recall and lead manners... you'll get there and it'll be totally worth it.

I know that there are enclosed areas near me which owners could use to let their dogs off a lead (like tennis courts) or sometimes free, or rented and you could always explore finding somewhere like that to have a good playtime with him...

There are loads of people on here with springer spaniels, so hopefully there'll be someone that knows more than me to help.

Naomi

Don't let him off or he might bolt.

Put him on a longline and just treat him whenever he comes back to you even if you haven't called him. Terence is very easily distracted when we're out and about and is slowly getting better.

I'd also put him on a collar when you are just walking round the block. A harness makes it easier to pull.

Please, don't let him off the lead, because I don't believe for a second that he will follow your other dog. I am a volunteer for a springer rescue and get in quite a few foster dogs. Most of them are young dogs like yours and the lack of control and zero recall is one of the main reasons for rehoming the dogs. The fact that he is already scanning the horizon whilst he is still on the lead when you go out is very telling. He is most probably used to free hunting and I am totally honest with you, you have got your work cut out with training your lad. Carry on with the training in the house and in the garden and if at all possible join a dog training group. The basic obedience training will help to strengthen the bond between you and your new dog. All of the foster dogs that come to me have been terrible on the lead, not just pulling but also occasionally spinning around. I have found a figure of eight rope lead with a swivel in the middle of the lead the best and easiest way to walk those dogs without them pulling my arms out or tying themselves into knots. You can get them from a company called Black Dog Trading. I have to mention though that those leads don't actually train the dog to walk on a loose lead, you still have to work on that, In the meantime try and find an enclosed safe are to exercise your dog, like the previous poster suggested.
Best of luck with Milo.

Ahhh thanks folks I really appreciate your comments, and yeh we will be patient. It's going to be a lot of hard work I guess but he is definetely worth. it

As the other post's say...Please don't let him off the lead...He will just be off and it is hard trying to watch 2 springers who go in opposite direction's..

Keep working on your training at home little and often and be consistent.It is hard work and sometimes you will feel like you are wasting your time but just keep going and the rewards will be fruitfull

I have been there myself so know how you feel [ stood in a field nearly 2 hrs because missey wouldn't come back when she was 9mths old]......

But Not Anymore

Failing that you could also take him to dog training

Good luck with milo and try and make it fun for both of you

Happy dog happy owner or is it Happy owner happy dog