Cocker Spaniel Training Tips

There are several simple Cocker Spaniel training tips that can be used to start your puppy off on the right path. Since the breed is naturally friendly and loves to interact with people training is often much easier than with the more independent breeds. Even though the training tips listed below are recommended for puppies you can easily continue to use these tips throughout the dog’s life, ensuring that he or she continues to learn new tricks and commands and stay mentally and physically active.

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Tip 1 – Keep It Short

Just like kids, puppies have a short attention span. One of the most important Cocker Spaniel training tips is to constantly monitor the dog’s mental engagement with the training and end on a positive note. It is much better to have a 5 to 10 minute training session where the puppy learns positively than have a longer training session where he or she is uninterested or distracted elsewhere. Avoid having the puppy complete the same trick multiple times, this is sure to create boredom and cause the puppy or dog to be less compliant.

Tip 2 – Cover the Basics

Cocker Spaniel training tips should include getting the basics mastered before going on to the more advanced levels of tricks. By about 10 to 12 weeks old the puppy should know come and sit, have some basic experience with working on the lead and collar and should also be able to lie down on command. Stay is the next lesson but it does require a complete understanding of come and sit. Teaching “enough” is also important and can prevent problems with barking or attention seeking types of behaviors.

Tip 3 – Give Praise

Any list of Cocker Spaniel training tips would be incomplete without stressing how important it is to praise the puppy or dog as he or she completes each command. Small food rewards can be provided on a random basis but it is the attention, love, petting and verbal praise that is most important. Often clicker training can be used to help the puppy or dog understand immediately that they are doing the right thing, but it will eventually be phased out and words or hand signals used as the direct command and reinforcement.

Tip 4 – Be Consistent

If you aren’t consistent in your training and use of commands and cues no matter what Cocker Spaniel training tips you use the progress will be poor at best. A dog needs to have consistent input from the handler in order to understand what is being expected. Never change the words or the signals you are using with the dog until they have mastered the command or trick. If more than one person is training the puppy they have to be identical in what they are asking and how they are giving the command. It is recommended that one person work with the puppy first, then add more people as the puppy learns the command.

Tip 5 – Make It Fun

Adding play time, walks, outings and lots of attention for the puppy is essential in keeping them mentally engaged in training.  Always end each training session with some type of fun activity for the puppy or dog such as a walk, game of fetch or time playing together.

Following these Cocker Spaniel training tips with your puppy will ensure that both you and your dog continue to look forward to the training practice sessions. They will also help with bonding and developing a good working relationship with your pet.