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We have kept Springer Spaniels now for 14 years. My husband John’s shooting hobby led to him wanting a gundog. He tortured me for months before I gave in and allowed him to take me to a litter of (purposely) cute Springers. I am a very “all or nothing” person and had to think long and hard before making this life-changing decision. I knew that once the dog arrived my husband would have to take a backseat - something he wasn't used to doing I can tell you!
We decide to go to Sealpin Kennels in Jedburgh, owned by a gentleman by the name of Edward Martin. This was a life changing experience for myself and John as we had never seen dogs working so amazingly! It was there and then that I knew training these dogs to such an excellent craft was my vocation. John shoots and I work the dogs, we love it. I take such pride in taking five or six Springers out beating with me, knowing that they are so well behaved. Although things have changed slightly, as I do prefer to work a bitch rather than a dog, John started with, and still prefers a dog.
We have let some of our pups go to non-working homes and they have such kind natures that we have had no complaints so far. I don't think you have to have a gun in hand to give a Springer Spaniel a good active life. We have recently moved house to accommodate my love of my dogs, as we also have German Shepherds which we have only started breeding in recent years. I was brought up with German Shepherds and broke the family mould by having Springers. But we still love the breed with big bone structure and the kind temperament, these gentle giants are a lovely family member. We have six adults and have just decided to keep a puppy from our litter in September, he is a solid black dog called Oden. We don't mind anyone calling to see our dogs, they are a noisy but friendly bunch (as long as you’re not a trespasser or burglar that is - even though the dogs are well fed, they love to gnaw on the odd bone!).
When we have puppies they are always a part of us and we keep in contact with the new owners, then if there is ever a problem be it large or small we will help any way we can. If circumstances change we are always willing to take our babies back to ensure their best future. When we decided to move it was a question of space for all my dogs and with 58 acres we hope we are offering our dogs (and those to come) a little bit of heaven. Our first priority upon moving into the new property was to provide suitable accommodation for our dogs, this we finished this in June. John and I had to take a backseat, it’s only now that we can concentrate on converting the old farmhouse to the same high standard. We felt that with so many dogs, organisation was a must; they definitely thrive on structure and consistency.
My life, my dogs, wouldn't change a thing!
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