What age is best to start taking a Spangle beating?

[alidegg]

As title really! We are going beating on Monday with our very savvie Spangle and Mum is convinced we should take Baby Bertie too... but I think it would be over whelming for him and I would hate to worry him His recall is excelent and he is very well behaved so maybe I'm just being an over-protective owner
I thought we could take him to meet the other dogs before we start and then take him home, what do you think? What age do you think is about right to take a dog beating for the first time?
Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks, A x

 

[Cinnamontoast]

How old is he? I have two 6 month Springers and I think I was told not til 18 months to start actually working them. If he's well-behaved and unlikely to bark in excitement and is old enough to cope with the amount of walking, then maybe take him on a lead?

 

[gunnergundog]

His recall is excelent

Is this whilst in the atmosphere of a shoot or on the village green? To be in the beating line, he needs to understand quartering, be familiar with shot and steady to game.......unless of course you keep him on a line.

If all you want to take him for is socialisation, there are many other places you could go without fear of blowing his brains. Also, tbh, not all the dogs on shoots are the nicest and most tolerant of puppies as they often are so hyped up.

I think you have doubts and if you have doubts then don't do it. You may well end up causing problems that you spend the rest of his life trying to sort. Is it worth it for just one day?

BTW...how old is Bertie?

 

[alidegg]

Thanks for your replies
He is only 6 months and, as you say, did have my doubts so thanks for confirming what I originally thought!
It is only a very local, friendly farm who are hosting the shoot but I know what you mean about the others getting hyped up, they all seem to love it and can get a tad over the top... Maybe next year!
Thank you again, I really appreciate it