There's a reason you don't see many Springers doing hunt tests and field trials. Most of them are born with the instinct to quarter within gun range and retrieve. This is not a desirable trait when you are wanting to do things that require him to be incredibly sensitive to the handler, like blind work. Their instincts tell them that they need to quarter the field to find the birds. Running in a straight line and waiting for you to help them find the bird never crossed their mind. In their brain, the whole reason you have them is to find the bird. They don't need your help to do their job. If you just let them do what comes naturally, they will get you the bird. I'm not saying it can't be done, but there's a reason why Springer people have their own trials. I love working with Springers, because there is nothing more beautiful than watching a well bred Springer quarter a field looking for a bird. Many of them also have fun and resilient personalities and they usually love to work. They are not my chosen breed when I am looking to do hunt tests, but I would hunt over a good one for Pheasant any day of the week.
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