Springer Spaniels have been a popular hunting dog since the mid-19th century. The term Springer Spaniel can refer to either the English or Welsh Springer Spaniel, which are closely related breeds popular with hunters for their intelligence and diversity. Springers are smart, moderately sized dogs with relatively few health problems, making them not only excellent hunting dogs, but good family companions. Training Springer Spaniel puppies is not a difficult process and will make your new canine buddy welcome in any home.
Things You'll Need
- Crate
- Bed
- Toys
- Collar and lead
- Food and water boys
- Treats
Instructions
Set up your crate in a quiet area of your home. Springer Spaniel puppies are small and can be easily injured if they are left unattended, so make sure your puppy is always placed in the crate if you are unable to watch it. Place a bed inside the crate and a few toys to keep your puppy comfortable and occupied while you are away.
Fit your puppy with a collar as soon as you get him home. A collar is an essential training tool, so getting your Springer Spaniel used to wearing one when he is young will make later training much easier. Tighten the collar so that you can slip two fingers between the collar and your puppy̵7;s neck to make sure it is not too tight.
Look for an empty section of yard to designate as a potty area. Take your puppy outside to potty after each meal and upon waking, as these are the times when your puppy will be most likely to go. Give your puppy the command to go potty and stand quietly while he does his business, praising him and offering a small treat as soon as he goes. The praise and treat will teach him to associate at the act of going potty with the command, and he will learn to go potty as soon as you ask him.
Feed your puppy at the same time every day to monitor how much he is eating and to make housebreaking easier. Springer Spaniel puppies are voracious eaters and can quickly gain too much weight if you do not keep an eye on their food intake.
Take your puppy with you on short trips to introduce him to the world and give him the chance to socialize. Frequent visits to places such as the vet̵7;s office, pet store and dog park will allow your puppy to interact with other dogs and people.
Teach your puppy a variety of simple commands such as sit, come, lie down, stay and heel. Begin with sit, as it is the easiest command to tech. Clip your puppy̵7;s lead on his collar to help control him and hold a treat in your hand. Ask you puppy to "sit," raising the treat above his head and gently pulling up on the lead. Give him the treat as soon as he sits down, praising him for a job well done. Move onto the other commands once your puppy sits upon command.
Work with your puppy in 10 to 15 minute sessions twice a day. Springer Spaniel puppies are very intelligent, but they have short attention spans. Two short training sessions allows your puppy to learn new skills without becoming bored and losing focus.