How do you walk a spaniel on lead when they’ve got the scent of something?

[StarSpangled372]

Nearly lost a limb this morning. My spaniel terrier cross was like a thing possessed sniffing out 6 little grouse that were up ahead of us.

He’s 10 months old. We’re working very hard on his recall and heel walking. He was fantastic off lead in the forest today but I saw this group of grouse up ahead and put him on his lead as I knew he’d make chase. My hands were hurting he was pulling so hard. I didn’t want to turn around as we were doing a round robin and of course the birds walked the way we’re going for quite a way!

There’s no magic answer is there? We’re having the same problem if he gets the scent of a bitch on heat.

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Lots of training, possibly with a gundog trainer. There is no easy fix.