This book, written by Keith Erlandson, one of the world's top breeders and handlers, covers all aspects of owning a working springer spaniel. How to choose, work, breed and trial this popular sporting spaniel. An essential read for every spaniel owner. The working springer spaniel has long been the most popular sporting breed throughout the English speaking world. A versatile hunting and retrieving dog, its drive and energy give it an attractive temperament but make it difficult to handle. Keith Erlandson is one of the world's top breeders and handlers of both the working springer and cocker. He describes in this book the knowledge he has gained from more than 37 years experience with both breeds.Illustrated with 16 papers of photographs, The Working Springer Spaniel includes individual chapters on the origins of the springer; obtaining a spaniel puppy; hip and eye tests; pre-training procedures; training equipment, dogging guns and ammunition; early obedience lessons; steadiness to dummies and introduction to retrieving; introducing the gun; retrieving real game; hunting and steadiness to game; a breakdown of game scent; dropping to shot; blind retrieves; jumping; water work; walking to heel; artificial lines; punishment; soft and hard mouths; the principles and practicalites of breeding; field trials in Britain, USA, Canada and Europe; the working cocker; woodcock and 'cocking' spaniels. The book is essential reading for anyone who owns or is thinking of owning a working springer or cocker spaniel.