An Easily Distracted English Springer Spaniel

Tags: dogs, pets, breeds, english springer spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of medium build – it can weigh 40 to 55 pounds and stand 18 to 21 inches, depending on its gender (males are heavier than the females). The length of their double coats is medium. The external coat can either be wavy or flat, while the internal coat is shorter and softer.

It has a somewhat smooth feel to it and can come in several color combinations. This pooch may be smart and a fast learner, but it doesn't fancy training much. It would rather play and spend time with its master. Training an English Springer Spaniel would be similar to training other breeds that would prefer playing over learning.

So if you're planning of buying one or you already own one, you have to remember the importance of early education for this dog - the sooner the better. Don't let its potential go to waste and wait till its really hard-headed before you decide to teach it something. To start, you have to know how your pet responds to certain stimuli.

One that all members of the breed responds well to, like most dogs do, is praising. Complimenting it for good behavior or for obeying commands makes it more willing to learn. Adding toys or giving treats as rewards to daily routines also helps - keep the sessions fun and exciting. This pet has a short attention span.

If made to do something that it finds boring or a waste of time, its mind will drift. You've got to use methods that will keep it focused. Sometimes it will be be hard for it to learn if you train it once a day. If that happens to you, you may consider shortening the duration of the sessions, dividing it equally through out the day.

That way you will be making the most of its short attention span and maximizing your efforts on the dog. Another thing that you should always remember is that it can be easily distracted. This is very true for most dogs of this breed. To solve that problem, it's best that you don't try teaching it with other people present, especially while there are other members of the family that it just loves playing with it.

Choosing an area that is quiet and where it will just be the two of you will keep it more focused. The English Springer Spaniel got the “Springer” in its name because it is was used as a hunting dog that would “spring” on prey. It is swiftness, agility, and slender build made it very good at the job.

Sniffing out prey with its great sense of smell was found to be useful by many people into hunting game. But some owners found that to be an obstacle during training. During routines it would easily get distracted if it smelt something that it found interesting. It then would leave its master to follow the scent trail.

To deal with this, you better have it isolated in a room. The smell of food is attractive for this pet, so better not train during meals. Training an English Springer Spaniel will require patience, perseverance, and a man that's up to the task. It won't be as hard as it seems if you use the right techniques and fully understand the behavior of your pet.

About the author

Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.

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