With Brandy Elrod

Use whatever pictures you like

At just five months old, Ellie the English Cocker Spaniel is already proving to be a little powerhouse in training. With her soulful eyes, boundless energy, and a nose that’s always on alert, she’s laying the foundation to become a serious upland hunting companion. But don’t let her puppy face fool you, Ellie is already putting in the work and showing real promise.

A Nose for Wings

Ellie’s early bird work has begun with quail and pheasant wings. She’s learning to “find the bird” with enthusiasm and accuracy, hunting low to the ground with that classic cocker drive. One of our favorite training routines takes place during our morning walks, before we head out, I hide wings along the path, tucked into the brush or grass. Once we’re walking, I give her the cue: “Find the bird.” Watching her kick into tracking mode is a thrill every time. She’ll work her nose carefully, quartering naturally, and when she finds the wing, she gets an excited reward.

That’s where the Blue-9 Canine Products Treat Bag comes in clutch. It’s incredibly convenient to wear during walks or training sessions, thanks to its magnetic closure for quick access, ample room for high-value treats, and a secure fit that stays in place without bouncing around. Ellie is highly food motivated, so having treats ready at the moment of success helps reinforce her desire to search hard and stay engaged.

Her instinct to chase anything with feathers is strong, so strong that her vocabulary already includes the essential command: “No bird.” It’s a cue she hears often when the backyard chickens, bluebirds, mockingbirds, and even rabbits tempt her nose and eyes.

Thankfully, Ellie has an impressive command list for her age. She’s already fluent in:

Sit, stay, down, off, here, no bird, find your bumper, get the ball, get your duck, and even wipe your paws, which comes in handy after a muddy romp in the yard.

Tools of the Trade

Training a working spaniel like Ellie takes consistency and the right gear. Our go-to favorites come from RPM Training Products, including:

Round Handlers Slip Biothane Lead – Soft, durable, and perfect for daily walks or field drills. The biothane material has the look and feel of leather but is waterproof and easy to clean, ideal for a dog that’s always into something.

10-foot Check Cord – An essential for distance work, this long line allows us to safely work on recall and steadiness without sacrificing control. We use it often during Ellie’s place board training.

O-Ring Collar – This lightweight, biothane collar is flexible, doesn’t absorb water or odor, and holds up well to Ellie’s rough-and-tumble lifestyle.

Ellie’s place training takes place on a Blue-9 Products Place Board, which gives her a defined, elevated space to practice steadiness, an essential skill for any upland hunter. We use the check cord here too, keeping her safe and under control while building focus and patience.

Big Things Coming

Ellie’s training will soon shift from wings to live quail and pigeons, introducing her to scent trails, live flushes, and controlled excitement. While her instincts are strong, her recall is even stronger, which has already saved us from several close calls involving skunks and jackrabbits.

With each week, Ellie becomes more focused, bolder in the field, and more dialed in to her handler. We’re proud of her progress and even more excited about what’s to come as we step into more advanced bird work.

Stay in the Loop

We’ll be sharing more updates, tips, and Ellie’s training milestones over on our social media channels. Follow along for behind-the-scenes photos, gear reviews, and videos of Ellie in action.

This is just the beginning of Ellie’s journey, from a bird-obsessed pup to a polished bird dog. Stay tuned.