English Springer puppies are naturally curious and energetic, so early socialization is key to developing good manners and a strong bond with your dog.
At 8 weeks old, puppies are ready to start exploring the world and learning basic obedience skills.
English Springer training should begin with housebreaking, which can be achieved through consistent feeding schedules and frequent potty breaks.
Consistency is crucial when training a puppy, as they thrive on routine and clear communication.
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Getting Started
Getting started with English Springer training is an exciting step, and it's great that you're taking the first leap. You can begin by introducing your dog to dog sports through the 'Intro to Dog Sports' section.
To determine which sport is best for you and your dog, consider enrolling in a mixed breed program through 'Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed'. This will help you understand your dog's capabilities and potential.
Before diving into training, familiarize yourself with dog sports titles and abbreviations, as outlined in 'Titles & Abbreviations'. This will ensure you understand the rewards and recognition your dog will receive for their achievements.
For your interest: English Springer Spaniel Standard
To find the perfect sport for you and your dog, take a look at 'Which Sport Should You Do With Your Dog?' section. This will help you choose a sport that suits your lifestyle and your dog's personality.
To get started with training, follow the steps outlined in 'Get Started in Dog Training'. This will provide you with a solid foundation for your dog's development.
If you can't make it to in-person events, don't worry – you can participate in virtual dog sports and events, as mentioned in 'Virtual Dog Sports & Events'. This is a great option for those who prefer online training or have mobility issues.
Training Basics
To get started with English Springer training, it's essential to understand the basics. Intro to Dog Sports reveals that dog sports are a great way to bond with your dog and improve their behavior.
To begin, you'll need to enroll your dog in a program, which can be done through Canine Partners / Enroll Mixed Breed. This will help you find a suitable training program for your English Springer.
Here's a quick rundown of the titles and abbreviations you'll encounter: Titles: These are the awards and recognition your dog can earn in dog sports.Abbreviations: These are the shortened forms of dog sport names, such as "AGI" for Agility.
Train Your Partner to Listen
Training your partner to listen is one of the most crucial aspects of dog training. At 7-8 weeks of age, English Springer Spaniels are like sponges, eager to absorb new commands, cues, and behaviors.
Proper socialization is also essential during this period, from 3 to 14 weeks, when they are most amenable to new experiences, sounds, sights, and interactions with humans and other animals.
Early training helps channel their natural hunting and tracking instincts in a positive manner, preventing them from becoming misdirected or problematic. This can be achieved through breed-specific modules offered by online dog training platforms.
Online training platforms offer flexibility and consistency, allowing you to train at your pace and on your schedule. You can revisit lessons, clear doubts, and share experiences, ensuring consistent and informed training for your pup.
Here are some key benefits of online dog training for English Springer Spaniels:
History
The English Springer Spaniel has a rich history that dates back centuries. They were originally bred to work on upland game birds.
Before the invention of the hunting rifle, springers worked alongside hunters using nets, falcons, or bows to bring down their quarry. This early partnership laid the groundwork for the breed's future as a reliable gundog.
The English Springer's job is to detect game birds in high grass or bramble, flush them from their cover, then point and retrieve the downed bird. They'll work tirelessly all day in the field.
At first British dog shows, in the 1870s, English and Welsh Springer Spaniels were exhibited as the same breed. This distinction wasn't made until 1902, when the Kennel Club recognized them separately.
English Springers gained their first great North American fame in the 1920s and quickly made their mark as a tough but stylish gundog.
Dog Care
English Springer Spaniels require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. Brushing about twice a week is essential, especially around the ears and feet.
To keep their ears healthy, regular checks for signs of infection are necessary, and shaving the hair on the underside of the ear can help prevent infection. Their feet should also be trimmed regularly to prevent picking up burrs or branches.
English Springer Spaniels are average shedders, so be prepared for regular hair maintenance.
Recommended read: English Springer Spaniel Short Hair
Consequences of Skipping Early Training
Skipping early training for your English Springer Spaniel puppy can have serious consequences. If you don't train them between 7-8 weeks of age, they may become hyperactive and develop destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, or excessive barking.
Their joyful nature can also lead to excessive jumping up on people or mouthing, which can become an issue, especially around children or elderly individuals. If left untrained, their natural prey drive can manifest in the unwanted chasing of smaller animals, vehicles, or even running children.
English Springer Spaniels are known to form strong bonds with their families, but without early training on how to be alone, they might develop signs of separation anxiety, including howling, urination, or destructive behavior when left alone.
Here are some potential behavioral complications that can arise if you skip early training:
Dogs
If you're considering bringing an English Springer Spaniel into your family, you're in for a treat. These dogs are known for their gentle, happy, and enthusiastic personalities.
They're devoted to their owners and love to be around people as much as possible. In fact, they'll often get into trouble if left alone for too long. So, if you have a busy schedule, you might want to consider investing in a dog walker or asking a friend to check in on them.
English Springer Spaniels are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise. They love to run around and play, and they need a good-sized, well-fenced yard to do so. If you live in an apartment, they'll still need regular walks and off-leash playtime to keep them happy and healthy.
One thing to keep in mind is that Springer Spaniels can be a bit mischievous, especially when it comes to other pets. They get along well with dogs of the opposite sex, but they might have a few disagreements with same-sex dogs. And, of course, they have a strong instinct to chase birds, so you might want to keep that in mind if you have feathered friends at home.
Recommended read: English Springer Spaniel Puppy Pics
Here are some key characteristics of English Springer Spaniels:
Overall, English Springer Spaniels make great family pets, especially for families with children. They're loving, loyal, and always up for an adventure. With the right care and attention, they'll thrive and bring joy to your life for years to come.
Grooming
Brushing your Springer's coat about twice a week will help deter matting, especially around their ears and feet.
Regular checking of their ears is crucial to prevent infection, and keeping the hair shaved on the underside of the ear can make a big difference.
The hair on your Springer's feet should be kept trimmed to prevent picking up burrs or branches.
English Springer Spaniels are average shedders, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
Weekly brushing can also help remove dirt and loose hair, keeping their coat healthy and shining.
Overly long nails can be painful to your Springer, so regular trimming is essential to prevent problems walking and running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do English springer Spaniels ever calm down?
English Springer Spaniels typically calm down between 2-3 years old, but proper training is essential to manage their high energy levels.
Are Springer Spaniels easy to house train?
Springer Spaniels are relatively easy to house train, thanks to their mother's early potty training efforts. Consistent outdoor breaks are still necessary to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth training process.
How do you tire out a Springer Spaniel?
To tire out a Springer Spaniel, engage their brain with mentally stimulating activities like weaving, jumping, and scent games, and incorporate physical exercise like walks and agility training. This combination of mental and physical stimulation will keep your Springer Spaniel active and engaged.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- English Springer Spaniel Puppy Training (iheartdogs.com)
- English Springer Spaniels (spanielsinthefield.com)
- How to Train an English Springer Spaniel (alaskadogworks.com)
- English Springer Spaniel Training, Personality, & More (trainpetdog.com)
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