r/springerspaniel

I've been struggling to find a groomer in my area who will come to my house (my dog would be too anxious to be left alone at a strange place with new dogs). She is a bit of a mess and I want to try finding ways to tidy her up. I can brush her, but she gets impatient with my trying to cut our her treasures and twigs. I'm hoping (!) to getting her used to a pair of shears that would allow me to do more quicker.

Opening to hearing all views and opinions on e-collar training for an ESS. Would not be using one anytime soon but have been seeing a lot of content about them and never used one with my dog growing up.

Basically what the title says. She’s around 9 months old. She was scheduled to be spayed within the next few weeks. Google says look for the typical pink/bloody discharge and swollen lady bits. I’ve noticed not a drop of blood anywhere and as far as the bits go, she’s a hairy girl back there and I don’t really know what they would look like normally LOL. To me, it looks “normal” but I also can’t say I’ve ever studied a dog’s parts.

She’s exhibiting all the behavioral signs though. Restlessness/pacing, more tired, anxious, very loving. Keeps putting herself in her crate which she wouldn’t normally do. Today she peed on a blanket we had down in case she did bleed and she hasn’t had an accident in a long time before this. Seems to be licking more down there.

Should I just assume that is the case? How do I know when it’s over? Precautions I should take? Also she was supposed to be spayed September 24th I think, is that too soon following a heat cycle? But I don’t even actually know for sure she’s in heat lol. Is it possible for her to have a heat cycle with little to no blood present?

—Looking for advice from experienced owners, thanks in advance!
Which do you recommend and why?
I’ve narrowed down my next bird dog between an English Springer and English Cocker. Field lines obviously with proven ability, though desire a more balanced dog who can live well in the home.
Context:
-This will be my first personal bird dog.
I’ve trained several dogs before and lightly hunted over them (well trained but not proper bird dogs, so no long term potential). I’m familiar with spaniels, labs, and pointers, and have landed on spaniels for size, enjoyment, and general preference.
-I will be primarily rough shooting—not hardcore, but decent, weekends or at the least every other while the season lasts. I live in south central Alaska and the main game bird is spruce grouse. Long season from September-March.
-I prioritize a good house dog, good with children, able to hunt well but turn it off indoors (when old enough at least). Wife is sensitive to the lab oily coat and I am not keen on waterfowl (bit brutal even for me in Alaska).
-I’ve heard anecdotal pros and cons for each, but I’m curious about energy level comparison, biddability, general personal experience people have. Some of the springers I’ve seen seem leggier, more intense, and all around bigger/rangier than the ones I grew up with, and it’s pushed me away a bit. I thought I’d go back to springers (grew up with a bench/field mix), but lately I’ve been considering cockers based on size and just what I’ve seen out of some of the springers I’ve run across, some of which look more like a Britany at first glance.
Anything welcome. Thanks again!