Seven Careers for Springer Spaniel Working Dogs

When you use the term springer spaniel working
dogs, many people think of the usual definition
of a working dog as one which is used in the
field - that is, for flushing and retrieving
game. Springer spaniels are probably the most
versatile in this respect, as they can work very
well across water. Certainly, labs can work in
water too, but I believe the springer is the
best all-rounder. However, this breed works in
many other ways too, not just in the field -
they even work in wildlife protection.

Rescue Dogs

Traditionally, many organisations (especially
police forces) have used German Shepherd dogs
for searching. However, this breed can make
rescued people apprehensive. So, springer
spaniels are now being trained for this purpose
- for example by Devon and Cornwall Police in
the UK.

Searching for Bombs

Springer spaniels work widely as sniffer dogs in
security operations - on the front line; also for
pre-event security searching - for example where
senior politicians will be in attendance.

Drug Searches

At harbours and airports particularly, springer
spaniel sniffer dogs are widely used for
detecting illegal drugs. International air cargo
traffic has been growing rapidly, especially for
high value/low volume cargoes - and illegal
substances fit wellinto this bracket; air
freight also removes the need to dupe genuine
travellers to carry it, which increases risk.
Whether it is passengers, or freight, the
springers can sniff it all.

Seeking Dead Bodies

Good sniffer dogs pick up normal human scent
easilyat a hundred yards or much more (depending
on wind conditions), but they can also detect the
gases escaping from buried bodies.

Underwater Bodies

In Scotland, a springer spaniel has been trained
to locate dead bodies underwater. Apparently, the
decomposition gases can be detected on the
surface of the river by the springer spaniel,
Barra. He has also been called into service in
Northern Ireland.

Wildlife Protection

In Australia, the New South Wales Parks
Department has a springer spaniel sniffer dog
which has been trained to find Small Penguins.
The breed is at risk as the number of breeding
pairs has fallen, and a springer spaniel is used
to find and track them so that an accurate count
can be maintained.

Preservation of Ancient Buildings

In South Korea, ancient temples - many of which
are made of timber - are threatened by termite
attack. Three springer spaniel sniffer dogs work
to find termite nests and potential infestation.

Why Are Springer Spaniels Used as Sniffer Dogs?

They have one of the best 'sense of smell' of
any breed, able to detect one billionth of a
gram of explosives or drugs. With a very high
workrate they cover ground very quickly. They
are compact in size they search awkward corners
and spaces nimbly. Compare a springer to a
bloodhound!

It's amazing isn't it, the tasks that these
terrific dogs are used for. And when you see the
films of them in action, it's clear they enjoy
their work!

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The author has owned springer spaniels for many
years - both Welsh and English, and is a keen
fan of the breed. Find out more about these
terrific dogs at ==>
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-spaniel-working-dogs/
and get much more springer spaniel news and info
at ==>
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/category/uncategorized/
Click now!

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