How To Train Your English Springer Spaniel

by CS Swarens



Keep it Short and Sweet


While English Springer Spaniels dont mind training, they prefer playing. So, try to keep your training sessions short and light. If you have to, break a longer session into several shorter training periods over the course of a day. If your Springer Spaniel starts to think hes been put to work, he wont be too happy about it.


Use Positive Reinforcement


Springer Spaniels love praise, almost as much as they love their owners. So, train your dog with praise, toy rewards and even food rewards. Keep the treats light though, as the Springer can sometimes be prone to weight gain.


Focus on Attention Training


Though the English Springer Spaniel is a smart breed, they sometimes have short attention spans. Focus your training on attention, working your dog up to the ability to focus on a task or project for longer periods of time. Start with the STAY command, building up your dogs endurance for attention. Finally, make your way up to heel free exercises without a leash.


Always End With a Play Session


Springers dont like to be drilled, and they especially dont like negative or harsh commands. Remember, youre not dealing with a guard dog, youre dealing with a playful and loving spaniel. So, after every work or training period, end your time together with a light play session. Letting your Spaniel blow off steam during a game of catch the frisbee or fetch after training will help him or her associate positive thoughts with the training process.


Keep Distractions to a Minimum


Because the Springer Spaniel can be easily distracted, try to keep outside distractions to a minimum when you first start training your dog. That means dont start a training session in the middle of the kitchen when everybodys home and youve got guests over. Instead, start with a quiet place inside in a room thats free of dog toys and tasty treats. If youre working outside, look for a quiet space thats not inhabited by other dogs, interesting smells or tempting flowers.


Remember, every dog is different and its okay to make mistakes. While one Springer Spaniel may love heeling and staying, another may be into fetching and jumping. While one Spaniel may be comfortable working with lots of distractions, another may need a quiet space to get down to work. To ensure success though, start by keeping your distractions to a minimum, always ending with a play session, focusing on building your dogs attention span, use positive reinforcement and keep your training sessions short. With dedication, your delightful Springer Spaniel will be ready for the field or championship ring.




CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065


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