welcome to
Trickle Spring Farm
We are a small, dedicated Boykin Spaniel kennel emphasizing health-tested, versatile dogs suitable for family companions and hunting partners.
Key commitments include:
- Prioritizing Breed Health & Genetic Integrity — All breeding dogs receive extensive OFA certifications and genetic testing (hips, eyes, patella, EIC, cardiac, CEA, Von Willebrand’s, etc.). They match pairings to avoid producing affected puppies from carrier genes—a clear dedication to reducing inherited risks in the breed.
- Producing Quality, Well-Socialized Puppies — From AKC/BSS-registered lines with proven hunting/family temperaments. Litters are occasional and selective, with a waiting list system to ensure thoughtful placements.
- Personal, Hands-On Breeding — Run by Mary and David in a family-oriented setup (over 18+ years experience). Emphasis on direct communication and accessibility for buyers.
EXPECTING BREEZY TO HAVE NEXT LITTER
Breezy will be going into season soon.
Join our waiting list now for the next litter.
WHY TRICKLE SPRING FARM
AS Your breeder
Trickle Spring Farm stands out as a dedicated, family-oriented Boykin Spaniel kennel in the Northern Neck , run by it’s owner Mary. We’re a solid choice for buyers seeking health-focused, AKC/BSS-registered puppies from a smaller, hands-on operation emphasizing quality over volume.
Top Reasons to Choose Trickle Spring Farm
- Strong Health Testing Commitment All breeding dogs undergo comprehensive OFA-certified screenings for Boykin-specific issues: hips (Good ratings), eyes (CAER Normal), patella (Normal), EIC (Clear), prcd-PRA (Normal), cardiac (Normal), CEA (Normal), Von Willebrand’s (Clear), and more. This reduces risks of inherited conditions common in the breed—key for long-term health in your puppy.
- Proven, Versatile Bloodlines Dogs come from BSS/AKC-registered lines with hunting/family backgrounds. Stud males like Rascal (born 2017) and Tucker (born 2021) showcase clear health clearances.
- Convenient Virginia Location & Personal Touch As a Northern Neck/Northern Virginia breeder, it’s drivable from most locations. Mary runs a smaller kennel focused on well-socialized puppies from owned family dogs (over 18+ years of experience). Direct, personal communication builds trust—many prefer this over larger operations.
- AKC & BSS Standards Alignment Puppies are AKC- and BSS-registered, following breed standards for temperament, structure, and versatility (great house companions + hunters). We prioritize the same core health protocols promoted by Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS) and the Boykin Spaniel Foundation (BSF).
WHAT OUR
CUSTOMERS SAY
At Trickle Spring Farm, nothing brings us more joy than hearing from the families who have welcomed our Boykin Spaniels into their homes and hearts.
These loyal, intelligent companions have a special way of becoming cherished members of the family, whether they’re retrieving in the field, playing with children, or simply curling up by the fire after a long day.
We pour our hearts into raising healthy, well-socialized puppies with exceptional temperaments and strong hunting instincts true to the Boykin breed. But don’t just take our word for it—hear directly from the people who know our dogs best. From first-time puppy parents to seasoned hunters, these testimonials reflect the lasting relationships we build and the quality Boykins we’re proud to send home.
Carl & Linda E.
We are really happy with Charlee. Smart, quick learner, very loving. She is great with other dogs and the rest of our family. A wonderful addition to our family
John & Mary M.
Woody is our second Trickle Spring Farm dog. We loved his uncle Hayden so much we got another. He is the happiest, friendliest, and most active dog we have ever had. Loves to play, snuggle and always ready to run outside.
Aaron B.
Hayden was our first Trickle Spring Farm boykin (I believe Molly’s brother). He is the best dog we ever have had. Happy, loving and always ready to play ball. We love him so much we got a second, Woody, from Molly’s litter in 2024.
Aaron B.
We have been incredibly fortunate to work with David and Mary Heath and to welcome three wonderful Boykin Spaniels into our family. Blue, our retired stud dog, and Bailey, our retired breeding female, are both exceptional—healthy, well-tempered, and a true reflection of the care and integrity behind their breeding program.
Brody, whom we adopted as an 8-week-old puppy, is now four years old and truly my heart. He is warm, affectionate, eager to please, and wonderfully easy to train. His temperament and loving nature speak volumes about David and Mary’s commitment to breeding dogs with outstanding hearts.
We couldn’t recommend them more highly.
Will & Tracy C.
River Pearl has been an amazing addition to our family. She has a larger-than-life personality and continues to bring joy to us.
Burney C.
We couldn’t be more happy with our pup from Mary. The entire process was great! We loved getting videos after they were born up until we picked him up. Bentley is a wonderful family dog! He loves to play with any stick or toy, he will fetch until you make him stop. He loves to swim and is a great water retriever. According to my husband, he’s one of the smartest dog he’s ever owned. We absolutely love our boy!
Jennifer G.
“We picked up our Boykin puppy ‘Finn’ from Trickle Spring Farm last spring, and he’s been the perfect addition to our Ashburn family! Mary was so helpful from the waiting list to pickup—answered every question and even shared tips for our high-energy household. Finn is healthy, super socialized, and already loves fetch in the backyard. His sweet temperament and those clear health tests on the parents gave us total peace of mind. Can’t recommend Mary and Trickle Spring enough—our little brown buddy is thriving!”
Mike & Sarah
“Our pup ‘Jax’ from Bella is already showing incredible drive! We drove from Maryland to Lottsburg for pickup, and Mary walked us through everything—health clearances, early socialization, even basic retrieving tips. Jax marks birds like a pro at just 8 months and loves the water. The OFA hips/eyes/EIC clearances on the parents were a big reason we chose Trickle Spring. He’s the versatile hunter and house companion we dreamed of—thanks, Mary!”
David E.
READY??
Don’t Miss Out – Join the Waiting List for Our Upcoming Boykin Spaniel Litter Today!
Our sweet dam Molly had her litter on Jan 30, 2026! These versatile little brown dynamos will be AKC/BSS-registered, from fully health-tested parents (OFA hips Good, eyes CAER Normal, EIC Clear and more), and raised with love for family adventures or hunting days.
Ready to secure your spot? Take action now:
- General questions, email Mary at mary@hdmc.us
- Join our Wait List
We’ll follow up personally to answer questions, discuss the process, and get you on the list. Your future adventure buddy is waiting—reach out today before they’re all spoken for! 🐾❤️
Trickle Spring Farm – Healthy, happy Boykins in Virginia.
Puppies from a previous litter
WHAT DO BOYKINS NEED?
FOOD. LOVE.
TRAINING
Boykin Spaniels are intelligent, eager-to-please, high-energy hunters with natural retrieving and flushing instincts. They respond best to positive reinforcement, short sessions, consistency, and fun—avoid harsh methods, as they’re sensitive but can be stubborn. Training progresses in phases: start young (8–12 weeks) for house manners and basics, build obedience, then layer hunting skills around 4–6 months+.
Phase 1: House Training & Fundamentals (8–16 Weeks)
Crate Training & Housebreaking Use a crate as a safe den—take puppy out every 1–2 hours (after meals, naps, play), first thing AM/PM, and praise/treat immediately for pottying outside. Consistency prevents accidents; many Boykins are crate-friendly and learn quickly with routine.
Socialization & Basic Obedience Expose to people, sounds, environments, other dogs. Teach name recognition, “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “come” (use treats/praise; short 5–10 min sessions). Leash walking starts here—keep it positive to build trust.
Play-Based Retrieving Intro Use soft bumpers/toys to encourage natural fetch—reward delivery to hand. Keep it fun; no pressure.
Tip: End sessions on success. Boykins thrive on pleasing you—lots of love and patience.
Phase 2: Obedience & Manners (4–8 Months)
- Solidify Commands Advance “sit/stay,” “heel,” long-distance recall (“here/come”). Practice in distractions. Introduce “place” (kennel/mat) for steadiness.
- Introduction to Collar/Pressure (if needed) Many use gentle e-collar conditioning later for hunting reliability, but start positive-only. Focus on building drive.
- Bird/Feather Intro Get puppy excited about feathers (pigeons/duck wings on bumpers). Short retrieves; build enthusiasm.
Phase 3: Hunting/Field Training (6–18+ Months)
Force Fetch / Hold & Deliver (if pursuing advanced work) Teach reliable hold, fetch to hand, steady to shot. Use resources like “Retriever Training for Spaniels” by Pamela Kadlec (gentler for spaniels) or Tom Dokken’s methods.
Marked Retrieves & Steadying Throw bumpers/birds—dog marks fall, waits for release, retrieves. Progress to doubles, then blinds (unseen falls). Introduce gunfire gradually (start distant, pair with retrieves).
Flushing & Upland Work Boykins naturally flush—use planted birds to teach quartering, flushing on command, steadiness to wing/shot.
Water Work Introduce swimming early (fun swims), then water retrieves. Build confidence; many Boykins excel here naturally.
Advanced/Proofing Simulate hunts: multiple marks, handling (directional casts), diversions, real birds/scenarios. Join hunt tests (BSS Working Ability Certification requires flushes + land/water retrieves).
Recommended Resources (from BSS and owners):
Boykin Spaniel Society site (training/grooming tips) recommended books like ).
Books: “The Complete Guide to Boykin Spaniels” by Jordan Honeycutt; Tom Dokken’s Retriever Training. “Retriever Training for Spaniels” by Pam Kadlec, “Best Way to Train Your Gun Dog” by Delmar Smith
Join local BSS-affiliated clubs for group training days.
