How to House Train an English Springer Spaniel

The English springer spaniel is an intelligent, loyal breed that is eager to please, so housetraining is simple to accomplish if the dog understands what is expected. Whether your springer spaniel is a puppy or adult dog, he will learn the rules quickly if you're consistent with his training. Expect a puppy's training to take a bit longer; the muscles for controlling elimination begin to develop at 12 weeks but are not complete until six months of age.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Newspaper
  • Old towels or blanket
  • Washable dog toys
  • High-value treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a crate for your English springer spaniel. The crate should be large enough for the dog to lie down, stand up and turn around. Roughly two-and-a-half times the dog's body length is ideal. If your spaniel is a puppy, purchase a crate with a divider so you can enlarge the space as the dog grows.

    • 2

      Place the crate in a room where the family spends time, such as a family room or kitchen, so the dog can be with the family. A puppy should be kept in its crate overnight, whenever you are not in the room, or when you leave the house. Line the bottom of the crate with newspaper and cover it with an old towel or blanket that can easily be washed. Add a few washable dog toys. The puppy will think of the crate as his den.

    • 3
      Walk the dog frequently while housetraining.

      Introduce your English springer spaniel to its crate when you bring it home. Take the dog outside at regular intervals ̵2; every half hour for a young puppy when it's awake, every hour for an older dog. Take your spaniel outside immediately when you take it out of the crate, after eating, drinking, sleeping or playing, as well as first thing in the morning and just before bed each night.

    • 4

      Establish a spot in the yard where you want the dog to eliminate, and take it to the same place each time you go out. Use the same command each time you ask the dog to go, such as ̶0;potty.̶1; Give the dog a high-value treat and enthusiastic praise when it eliminates. Once your spaniel has done his business, allow him some free-play time in the house out of the crate in a confined area where you can watch him.

    • 5
      Give your English springer spaniel puppy praise when he performs.

      Expect accidents, especially with a young puppy. Never scold a dog after the fact; he won't understand what he's done. If you catch your spaniel in the act, say ̶0;no̶1; firmly; pick the dog up, carry him outside and put him in his spot. Use the word you've designated for potty when you put him down.