How to Train an Irish Setter Puppy

Irish Setters are highly intelligent, highly active dogs who get along great with people and other pets. Generally happy-go-lucky, Irish setters excel at sports, such as hunting, tracking, agility and competitive obedience. This popular breed does have a reputation for being stubborn and learning how to get their way, therefore, when training an Irish setter puppy, one must be patient, diligent and very consistent.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Brush

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your Irish setter puppy in a crate or sectioned-off area when you are unable to supervise her. Irish setters are active and need constant stimulation for their mind. If your puppy is bored, she will likely chew and destroy whatever is close by to keep her occupied, which can be dangerous for her and costly for you. Therefore, place her in a crate or a small area so that she is contained.

    • 2

      Potty-train your Irish setter by keeping her in a crate that is just big enough for her to stand up and turn around in. According to the dog behavior web site, DogBehaviorOnline.com, Irish setters are generally clean breeds and are easily housebroken. Because of their fondness for being tidy, they will not want to be around their waste; therefore, placing her in a crate will not allow her to walk away from it, which will prevent elimination.

    • 3

      Provide an outlet for your Irish setter̵7;s energy with daily walks and exercise. Irish setters who cannot exert their energy generally turn into frustrated dogs who may exert bad behavior because of this pent-up frustration. Consider also enrolling your puppy into a play-group to socialize with other dogs and release some of that energy.

    • 4

      Brush your Irish setter puppy on a routine basis to help her become comfortable with the process. K9Web.com states that Irish setters require daily brushing because of their long, fine hair. Without this grooming, the hair will become matted, which is typically uncomfortable for dogs. Therefore, it is important to help your dog become accustomed to this practice or she may need to endure painful mat-removal or shaving.