The cocker spaniel is a dog that stands out for its cheerful and playful character, although behind this restless behavior hides an intelligent, collaborative dog that is willing to learn. In fact, training a cocker spaniel is very simple if you follow a series of training guidelines.
A loving, playful and intelligent dog
The cocker spaniel is a very noble breed . It is a sweet and tender dog , especially with people it knows, so it will quickly win the hearts of all members of the family.
The cocker spaniel loves to be in company and has a special gift for making new friends . However, he does not like to be disturbed and if you do, he can react aggressively, as revealed by a study carried out at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
This breed has a playful and enthusiastic character and enjoys physical exercise and playing outdoors. It is very intelligent , loves to collaborate and has a great ability to learn new tricks. However, to stimulate these skills it is important to train the cocker spaniel from puppyhood.
Keys to training a cocker spaniel
Training a cocker spaniel is quite simple, but you will have to be consistent and patient. To achieve good results you will have to persevere in your goals and maintain a certain regularity in the training sessions. Ideally, you should dedicate one hour a day to training your pet , in short sessions, but if you can’t, try to do it at least three times a week.
Keep in mind that the cocker spaniel is a very sensitive breed that does not react well to punishment. Instead, it responds very well to positive reinforcement . That is why incentives and rewards such as treats or words of encouragement can become your best ally during training to help you achieve great things.
Remember that this is a very energetic dog that needs daily exercise. Use these times to teach him new tricks and reinforce the commands he already knows. Start with basic lessons, such as responding to your call or walking at your side, and as he grows you can teach him more complex tricks.
The cocker spaniel in the family and its socialization
The cocker spaniel is a very family-oriented dog , but it is important that you teach him some habits from a young age to make living together at home easier. First, you will have to integrate him into the family . That first contact will set an important precedent for your pet, so make sure it is a positive encounter.
If there are children in the house, it is essential that they learn to respect the cocker , because one of the things that this breed hates most is being bothered too much. So, at least during the first few weeks, you should pay attention to the relationship that the children establish with the pet in order to correct any problems before it is too late.
From puppyhood, the cocker spaniel should also interact with other people outside the family unit. This will encourage socialisation and prevent possible aggressive reactions to strangers in the future. Take advantage of taking your pet for a walk to expose it to different situations and environments , and when you have guests at home, allow them to pet it.
Don’t forget that the cocker spaniel is a dog that needs a lot of attention , so you’ll have to spend at least two hours a day making plans with your pet . Take him for a walk, play at home and give him toys that keep him entertained. This will help him release excess energy and reduce separation anxiety.
Remember that it is important to start training your cocker spaniel as soon as possible. This will make it easier to live with and you will be able to turn your pet into an obedient dog. If you do not get the results you expect, you can ask a professional for help.
