Cocker Spaniel Training

For better results, Cocker Spaniel training and housebreaking should be started as soon as possible. When you take a Cocker Spaniel puppy home, learn to recognize when it should be taken out. Take it out after every meal, in the morning, and in the evening. At first, a puppy should be taken outside every two hours in the daytime and several times during the night. As the puppy grows up, he is able to last for longer periods, but it should not be left indoors unsupervised. Adult Cocker Spaniels should have an opportunity to go outside every four hours.

Basic obedience Cocker Spaniel training is very important for every dog, even if you don’t plan to show it. To make a dog a pleasure to own, it should be taught basic manners, such as walking by the master’s side on a leash, sitting and staying, coming when called, going into bed when asked, waiting while the meal is being prepared, keeping feet on the ground and not jumping up at people. Though Cocker Spaniels are very friendly and communicative by nature, they need an early socialization to accept strangers and other animals. Timidity and shyness are serious faults in this breed.

Novice owners may find Cocker Spaniel training difficult. In this case, a local Training Club, Agility Club or a Cocker Spaniel Club will be very helpful. Professional trainers organize obedience courses for puppies and can also correct behavior problems of adult dogs.

Though most people keep Cocker Spaniels as family companions, their original purpose is flushing and retrieving game. Most dogs of this breed have a strong hunting instinct and are eager to work. To succeed as gun dogs, Cocker Spaniels need special training. If you plan to hunt with your Cocker Spaniel, join a local Gundog Training Society and start training. Field trials are held for well trained working dogs. The most competitive dogs come from working bloodlines; show lines usually lack the hunting drive, endurance, and keen sense of smell necessary in hunting. Before starting Cocker Spaniel training for field trials, make sure your dog was bred for work, but not for shows.