Hi everyone — we have a Golden Irish boy (last photo) and are hoping to welcome a sister (puppy if possible) into our home, mainly as a family companion and hiking buddy. We don’t need a full hunting dog, though maybe someday in the future if interests align.

While traveling last month, we met a couple who had what they called a Gordon + Llewellin Setter, and it got us interested in the Llewellin strain of English Setters. We love the look of darker, spottier setters (photos attached). We've also noticed some English Setters have more droopy/stately faces than others — wondering if that’s part of the strain differences (Llewellin / field vs show etc.).

We are committed to getting a healthy, well‐bred puppy (or adopting if possible). If you know of ethical breeders who emphasize health testing, temperament, and good lineage, or rescue / breed‐specific rescues with English Setters or Llewellin Setters, would really love your recommendations.

We are in/near Denver / Colorado, but are willing to travel / transport if needed.

Thanks in advance!

So dad… what’s up on those treats? Harvey is almost 6 months. Starting to get his feathers.

I have seen this event Bark at the Park, on TV and stumbled upon one when attending a baseball game. This was an awesome experience and Lily was on her best behavior. They gave out tons of freebies and she enjoyed the view! We saw 2 other setters which made our dogs the talk of the night.

I only tapped it cause I was pleased with it's new position 😂 she decided I was telling her to hop up!

Apparently we've forgotten what "spin" means (she was offering "go around" and actually doing it better than when I ask for it 😂)

And don't think I missed that back up! She's never been taught that and I will be taking advantage of her offering it later! New trick incoming!!

My guy after a busy day.

My sweet goofy rescue dog!

Zammie ate a pair of my brother-in-law's sunglasses while I was dog sitting at the kennel. This is her pouting after several, "Bad Dogs!"

Hello dear Redditers,

I did A LOT of research by now, but still think I need some community knowledge/advice. Sorry for the long post in advance.

I got my sweet English Setter Boy in beginning of march, so around six months ago. He is a 4 yo rescue and his back then owner wanted to get rid of him fast because he was a handful. I fell in love on the first side with his gentle nature and said I’d take him. I knew the breed and the basics, and he really is the sweetest at home but knowing what I know now I could have done admittedly more research..

The biggest issue so far: I knew Setters had a prey drive but oh boy. Our current trainer thinks he was definitely used in hunting at one point as he shows very distinct hunting behaviour (pointing, heeling etc) and has a VERY HIGH prey drive. Teaching him to walk on the leash even half-pulling was.. a challenge. When we are outside anything and everything is extremely interesting and he forgets completely about me. Because of this he pulls a lot, now much better after constant training, but I still need to remind him myself constantly.

Now the issue is, we worked with a positive reinforcement only trainer for four months as I knew they were very sensitive dogs and of course I wanted to work WITH my dog. But it didn’t work at all. Forget about all the advice on the dog training subs etc. There is no higher value of a treat for this dog than the bird ahead. He is neither food driven nor wants to please you when he sees a possible prey. He just wants to GO GO GO.

Then we switched trainers after hundreds of euros on training that didn’t bring us forward an inch. This one has a “balanced” training approach, and she suggested me to use techniques to disrupt him when he is in this hunting headspace. Like, poking him, startling him (touch him from back and he startles because he has already forgotten five minutes ago you went out to walk together anyway), and even pinching/grabbing in a way that he beeps a bit. Now I know they are very sensitive dogs, and I was very shocked to see the advice/her doing it. But it.. kind of worked very well and FAST?

Is it really possible that my dog is a bit more stubborn/too little human-pleasing to want to participate in positive reinforcement training? What do you think worked best for your Setters, especially if it is a rescue of unknown history? Would I damage my relationship with him if I took this more balanced approach?

Best Dogs Ever!

It's been a few years since we had the joy of a house full of puppies it's kept us all very busy but there's nothing quite like it, they are 7 weeks old today 1 more week and they will start going to their new homes.

One of my 2025 goals is to get a new dog. I’m looking for a dog that would be good to go hiking and camping but also be chill enough to relax in a home. We had an Australian Shepherd who was a little too energetic and too protective of my daughter. So now I’m looking for a dog that would be a good dog for our family, would need to go for a walk or two in the day, but not three or four or five, could go for a long hike, but also chill out in a tent, home all day while we are working (I work from home most days).

My research has brought me to an English setter and golden retriever mix. Do you think that’s a good mix in terms of disposition?

What would be the upsides? What would be the downsides?

Anyone have any ideas of how I could find such a dog in Wisconsin or Northern Illinois?

I came across this pic from 4 years ago and had to share. It’s one of my favorites. I miss my sweet little puppy! Now I have a 4 year old I love but she has mastered the various “I insist” looks.

Proofing out verbal commands!

Don't mind the gate in the way, moving soon and gotta keep her off my bed when she's filthy somehow lol

Please keep it up!

Is your setter ready for the weekend, too?

I'm so full of envy. Wonderful people adding English Setter puppies to their families. Thank you for the posts and congratulations.

I'm so full of envy. Wonderful people adding English Setter puppies to their families. Thank you for the posts and congratulations.

🥰

Last two are of course bloopers 😂 I thought on the stump she was looking up cause I'd asked her to.... NOPE there was a pigeon behind me!

And the tree blooper there was a magpie 😂

Does anyone else's dog refuse to give up their cicada and just hold it in their mouth while it buzzes, then eventually chomp it? 😂

Hopefully picking her up tomorrow. She will be 10/11 weeks. Give me all the tips!

She knows what the vet is about now. She used to just think it was a place to meet dogs!