The Best Training Ideas for Brittany Spaniels

Daily Exercise

• This may not seem like a training technique but proper exercise can actually help prevent your Brittany spaniel from developing bad habits and behavior problems. A bored Brittany will try to find fun of its own, which can result in the destruction of your house, yard or belongings. This type of behavior can become a habitual way for your Brittany to relieve its frustration.

  Help your Brittany spaniel get exercise every single day to avoid behavior problems. You can take your dog for walks but Brittany spaniels are highly energetic dogs that need more than a daily stroll through the park to satisfy their needs. Jog with your dog, play a rowdy game of fetch, take your Brittany swimming or enroll it in competition training such as agility. Animal Planet's "Dogs 101" experts recommend giving your Brittany at least an hour of intense exercise throughout the day.

Stay Positive

• Brittany spaniels are very sensitive dogs. They don't respond well to harsh training methods or punishment. A Brittany that is scolded or hit can become timid, fearful or even aggressive. Punishments can also make a Brittany spaniel less responsive to training. Fear of punishment will prevent them from even trying and they will become confused, wondering what they will get in trouble for next.

  Rather than punishing your Brittany spaniel, reward it for things it does correctly. Praise it excitedly (these dogs love affection) and give it treats to let it know you are pleased with a behavior. This will help you show your Brittany what it is allowed to do, giving it an alternative to inappropriate behaviors without damaging your bond.

Training Sessions

• Training should always be a game to your Brittany spaniel, which is likely to be a very playful dog. Use treats and praise to show your dog that it is on the right track. You can even use a game of fetch as a reward for correctly obeying a command. Some Brittany spaniels can be more motivated by play than food.

  Don't train if you aren't in a happy mood. If you are frustrated or angry, your Brittany will be hesitant to keep on trying. Keep sessions short. They should last about five to 10 minutes or until your dog's attention starts to wander. Brittany spaniels are curious dogs and may not focus for long. Instead, hold several short sessions per day and practice only one command at a time.

Rules

• Your Brittany spaniel should be expected to follow rules, just as you would expect your children to follow them. Your dog's rules will, of course, be different than your children's but they should be enforced just as consistently. If your Brittany is not allowed on the couch, never allow it on the couch.

  These independent dogs will feel free to break a rule over and over if they think they can get away with it. Establishing boundaries for your Brittany helps reinforce your role as pack leader and prevents your Brittany from developing dominance-related behavior problems such as aggression. Remember that "alphas" are not cruel, domineering or mean. They simply lead the pack. Reward your Brittany for obeying the rules and it will happily continue to do so.