Tatum's test

Evidently, Tatum heard that there were some birds that needed to be rounded up, because the little Welsh Springer Spaniel showed up with handler Susan W. in tow. Tatum flushed her birds when they were flushable, but paused when the birds simply hunkered down.

After hours, Joe DeMarkis opined that birds were wrong for dogs like Tatum, and, in fact, for all of the dogs. Birds that hunker rather than explode out do not bring out the best in a flushing spaniel, and in some cases, can instill a soft flush. Joe said that the classic spaniel flush is a firm drive toward the prey, mouth agape and teeth bared to snare the prey. An explosive bird such as a pheasant brings this classic flush out of a good dog. A bird that cowers or digs in can inhibit the dog.

Everyone has seen Tatum's splendid work in the field, and some pheasant work may lie ahead for Tatum and some of the other dogs at the test.

Susan and Tatum clown a bit.

The team relaxes beforehand.

Tatum takes the line.

This is an honest hunting dog.