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Are Clumber spaniels easy to train?

The Clumber spaniel is an intelligent, easy going and loyal breed of spaniel.

They are great family dogs and have a laid back approach to life, enjoying the fine arts of outdoor life and indoor relaxation.

Originally bred for shooting and gundog work, the Clumber spaniel is a smart breed that enjoys training and is easy to train. Like the other spaniels, Clumbers are keen to please and enjoy activities with their owners. They can be sensitive dogs and they do not respond well to harsh or rough treatment. With careful treatment a Clumber can be trained to be an effective pet and working spaniel.

When to start training a Clumber spaniel

Basic training with a Clumber spaniel can begin as a puppy as soon as he has settled in at your home.

Although I use the word ‘training’, we are not really doing any formal training but, instead, trying to instill some good habits.

The main things to work on with a young Clumber spaniel puppy

Getting him to recognise and know his name – when you play tell him he is a good dog, use his name when you play and stroke him

Teaching your Clumber puppy to sit down – this is easy and is exactly the same technique that you will find in this article on ‘getting a spaniel puppy to sit’.

If you follow this technique then you will get really quick results – it also based on real, positive reinforcement and, unlike some ‘training’ does not use any force whatsoever.

Retrieving – this can be important and it is a good idea to get your Clumber used to picking things up when he is a puppy.

The best way is to get some rolled up socks and throw them for your puppy to run after.

Let him pick them up and carry them around, when he brings them to you, gently take them from him and tell him he is a good boy.

Never tell him off when he has something in his mouth, even if it is your Jimmy Choos.

Encourage him to come to you – play with your Clumber puppy and call his name, when he comes bounding up to you, play and tickle him.

Always be happy when he comes to you.

Can a Clumber spaniel be trained as a gun dog?

It is perfectly possible to train a Clumber spaniel as a working gun dog and the breed can be exceptional shooting dogs and workers.

Clumbers are strong and powerful spaniels that can get into the thickest of cover, they may not be as fast across the ground as an English Springer or Cocker spaniel, but, with the same levels of training, they can be just as thorough and effective as the other, more popular spaniel breeds.

One of the main difficulties when training a Clumber as a working spaniel, will be to find a suitable dog that has been bred from working parents.

For many years Clumbers have suffered as a breed through poor breeding practices among those interested in dog shows, and the breed has been bred for looks rather than working ability.

Thankfully there are those that are dedicated to restoring and maintaining the breed as an effective working spaniel and, if you are looking for a working Clumber then a good place to start the search would be with the Working Clumber Spaniel Society.

When to start basic training with a Clumber spaniel

In the majority of cases, basic training with any type of spaniel normally begins at around six months of age and this is also true of Clumbers.

Having said that it is important that you do not rush into training and take your time.

If your dog is sensitive then waiting a little longer for him to mature will not do him any harm at all.

Basic spaniel training is similar for all of the working spaniel breeds and I have an excellent article here that will get you and your Clumber started.

Are there any problems to be aware of when training a Clumber spaniel?

Probably the one main potential issue that you may face is that he is a dog with a personality.

Clumbers enjoy training and being outside but, like many of the other spaniels, they also enjoy their creature comforts and the Clumber tends to enjoy them the most.

At times they can be stubborn and can appear to be uncooperative.

If this occurs during your training sessions and your dog seems uninterested, then take some time off from training, do something that he is good at to end the session, take him home and have a break from training.

He is probably just having a bad day and best not to make it worse by persevering with training that is ‘not working’.

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Can Clumber spaniels be trained for other activities?

Clumber spaniels are no different to the other spaniels in the variety of things that they can be trained for.

One aspect of a spaniel is that he has an excellent nose and a drive to hunt and this is very true of Clumbers.

Spaniels are trained and used widely for a variety of tasks including law enforcement and detection and I am sure that Clumbers would be suitable too.

More common areas where you may see Clumbers would be at:

Dog shows – Many people enjoy dog shows and Clumber spaniels often feature at these events.

Sadly Clumber spaniels are one of many dog breeds that have suffered at the hands of show breeders, many of whom have bred animals with hereditary defects that have impacted the ability and quality of the breed.

Obedience competitions – are other areas where Clumbers can be found, performing various tasks on command to the clock.

The real purpose of Clumbers is to hunt, flush and retrieve – if you are looking to train a Clumber spaniel then I recommend that you take this route – even if you don’t shoot you can replicate the conditions with dummies and other items.

What training methods work best for Clumber Spaniels?
Clumber Spaniels respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, which involve rewarding good behaviour with treats, praise, and affection. They are sensitive dogs and do not respond well to harsh or negative training techniques. Consistency in commands, clear communication, and using rewards that motivate them, such as food or play, can greatly enhance the training process.
Are Clumber Spaniels suitable for novice dog owners?
Clumber Spaniels may not be the ideal choice for novice dog owners due to their moderately difficult trainability. Their independent nature and stubbornness can pose challenges for inexperienced handlers. However, with patience, commitment, and a willingness to learn, novice owners can still train and enjoy a fulfilling relationship with a Clumber Spaniel.
What are common training challenges specific to Clumber Spaniels?
Clumber Spaniels can be stubborn and independent, which can present challenges during training. They may test boundaries, become easily distracted, or lose interest in repetitive tasks. Additionally, their slower learning pace compared to some other breeds may require more patience from the trainer. Being aware of these challenges and tailoring the training methods accordingly can help overcome these obstacles.

Conclusion and final thoughts

Clumbers love training and as intelligent and biddable dogs they pick up new skills easily.

Begin early and introduce your Clumber spaniel to good habits when he is young for best results.

More formal training can begin when he reaches adulthood when you can begin more advanced exercises.

If you can train your Clumber to be a working gundog and support this great working spaniel breed.
Can puppies have marrow bones? Things you should know
Puppies are like babies and they depend on us for everything. As a responsible dog parent, we all want our pups to be safe, happy, and healthy.

Bones provide the calcium that your four-legged friends need. Marrow bones are a source of some added vitamins and minerals. They are also a recreational favourite of many puppies. Puppies keep themselves busy with chewing marrow bones.

You probably have heard that marrow bones are dangerous for pups and this is true of young puppies, you should avoid giving marrow bones to dogs until they are at least 12 weeks old. At this age adult teeth are appearing and chewing the odd marrow bone will help with teething, cleaning and healthy gum and tooth development.

Do puppies need marrow bones?

No, marrow bones are not necessary for a puppy or dog to be healthy, but they do enjoy them.

Providing your puppy has developed his adult teeth then the occasional marrow bone will do him no harm and will actually help with tooth and gun health.

Marrow bones should not be used as an alternative to a good, balanced diet.

Risks of feeding marrow bones to young puppies

There are a few things to think about if you do consider feeding marrow to young puppies. 12 weeks is the recommended minimum age and you should avoid listening to the ‘experts’ who insist that it will be okay to feed them at a younger age.

If I haven’t convinced you then here are some of the risks – they can also apply to older dogs if the ‘wrong type’ of bone is fed or if they are fed too often:

Damage and break puppy teeth:

Marrow bones are too hard for puppy teeth.

When a dog chews on bones, they may break their chewing teeth. Improper size selection of marrow bone causes injuries to teeth and jaws.

This results in the bone becoming trapped around your puppy’s canine teeth.

Mouth or tongue injuries:

The pressure from their bites could cause fragments to break off.

These fragments tend to be sharp and could cause lacerations in your dog’s mouth and throat.

Pieces of bone could also become lodged in their mouths and injure their jaws.

Cause digestive distress:

Puppies have stomachs that aren’t strong enough to digest bones.

Marrow bone pieces can cause indigestion, vomiting, constipation, intestinal obstructions, or diarrhea in pups.

Choking hazard:

When pieces of marrow bone break off, your dog will probably try to swallow them, or they could accidentally slide down the throat.

If those chunks are big enough, they could block your dog’s airway and cause choking.

Pieces of bone can lodge in the pup’s esophagus on the way down to the stomach.

Contain high fat content:

Bones with marrow are high in fat. If your pup is already on a high fat diet, these bones can cause a flare up, runny tummy, or diarrohea.

Risk of bacteria contamination:

With raw marrow bones, there is some risk of bacterial contamination.

This can compromise your pup’s health. However, with proper handling, this risk can be reduced.

Risk of organ damage:

Marrow bones can puncture an organ and may lead to life-threatening issues.

It may lead to Peritonitis, a bacterial infection of the abdomen. Peritonitis is caused by punctures in the stomach or intestines.

What types of marrow bones can puppies have?

If you do decide to feed your dog marrow bones then there are a few things to think about:

Bones should only ever be fed raw – Cooked bones can splinter and break apart which can present a whole range of hazards to your dog, including choking and internal injury.

Processed bones, such as many that you see at pet shops, have often been treated with chemicals to dry and preserve the bone – some dogs may have adverse reactions to these additives.

Do not be tempted to feed poultry, chop or small joint bones to puppies and dogs – these types of bones are most likely to break apart which can have deadly results.

Raw marrow bones are safer than cooked bones. Cooked bones can shatter much easily.

Always check marrow bones for sharp edges.

Choose the correct size of bone. It shouldn’t be too big or small for your puppy’s muzzle. Avoid the large marrow bones because they do break teeth. Avoid small bones like neck bones as your pup might swallow them as a whole.

As marrow bone dries, it gets harder and more likely to splinter.

Store marrow bones properly to reduce bacteria contamination.

Never leave your puppy alone with the marrow bone. When you watch signs of danger, take it away from your pup.

Bones are special to dogs but make sure that you feed the right type

Rules for feeding marrow bones to puppies

There are a few basics to remember when feeding bones to puppies.

The golden rule is to never leave your dog alone with a bone – you should always supervise in case any problems occur.

Be watchful – If the bone does splinter then you can take action.

A bone should be a treat – it is not the main meal and marrow bones should only be given after the puppy has eaten.

Educate – other household members particularly children need to understand that puppies and dogs love bones and can become very protective of them.

They need to leave the dog alone when he is enjoying his bone.

Bones carry bacteria – these may be harmless to your puppy but could make humans unwell.

Keep the bones away from eating areas and always wash your hands properly after handling the dog’s bone.

Don’t keep bones for long – throw them away before they dry out or at the first signs of smelliness of change of colour.

Final words

There you have it! Your pups deserve only the best.

All dogs have a natural desire to chew. As a dog parent, we should provide them with chewing options that pose no health hazards.

By all means use marrow bones but choose the right sort, don’t feed too often or at a young age and alwasy supervise your puppy when he is eating one,

As an aside there are many vets and dog experts recommend that the nutritional benefits that the puppy can get from marrow bones isn’t worth the risk.

There are other safer ways to get nutrients and physical and mental stimulation as marrow bones and you may wish to speak to your vet if you have any concerns.

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Can Cavalier King Charles spaniels swim?

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are renowned for being likeable, loveable and friendly dogs that share many traits of the other spaniel breeds.

But even though they behave like many of the other spaniels people often wonder what they are like in water and whether they are competent swimmers.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels can swim, but this does not necessarily mean that they enjoy swimming. Some Cavaliers do not even like water and if your dog objects to bath time then swimming might not be fun for him. For those that do, swimming can be an excellent form of exercise and a great source of fun and entertainment on hot days

Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Swim?

This podcast explores the swimming abilities of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It answers common questions, offers tips on teaching them to swim, and highlights important safety measures for both dog and owner. Learn how to encourage your Cavalier to enjoy the water with simple techniques and fun toys.

How to Teach your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Swim?

If you would like to go swimming with your Cavalier King Charles, you should start from scratch.

Some dogs know to swim on their own, but others might not and will need more time and perhaps some help to get going.

It is quite common for dogs to make mistakes while swimming, but you can teach your dog.

You have to get ready when you introduce your Cavalier to water for the first time.

Choose a nice warm day when your dog is more likely to want to get wet.

Most dogs paddle with their front paws and it is quite normal for a novice swimmer to splash a lot when he first starts out.

With some dogs, you may have to teach your Cavalier to use his back legs also by giving support to his back legs.

Once your Cavalier gets comfortable, you can provide him with a dog life vest until he learns to swim by himself.

Certain Things to Consider Before You Go Swimming With Your Spaniel

Even though you can have a lot of fun swimming with your Cavalier, you should consider certain things beforehand, which are as follows.

It is essential to make swimming with your spaniel safer.

No matter how good your dog swim, accidents might occur.

Therefore, you should get pet insurance before you go swimming with your dog.

Do not swim with your dog in severe conditions like rough, cold, choppy water, or heavy rain.

It is advisable to swim in the warmer summer months.

Avoid swimming in the colder months as it can lead to health issues like hypothermia.

Similarly, avoid swimming with your dog in difficult water conditions. Swimming in lakes and the sea can be dangerous for your dog so use common sense and, if in doubt, wait for another day.

You must keep your dog clean and dry rafter swimming, specifically his ears. Water in his ears could lead to an ear infection.

It is recommendable to wash and clean your Spaniel’s ears with a good-quality cleaning solution to avoid such issues.

Get a good-quality dog life vest for your Cavalier so that your dog will be safe against drowning.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel swimming in the sea

Choose a warm day

One of the biggest mistakes that many dog owners make when they are introducing their dog to water is choosing a day when the weather is cold and horrible.

Pick a time when it is warm, sunny and when you can take your Cavalier out for a good run around.

If he gets warm then he is more likely to get into the water to cool off and have a good splash around.

Often, with dogs you have to apply a little bit of basic psychology and, if it’s a hot sunny day, then you stand a much better chance of success when you introduce him to the fun of water.

Pick a shallow spot

Many Cavaliers can become nervous around water and to help your dog with this you should choose an area where the water is shallow and gradually becomes deeper.

Encourage your Cavalier to go into the water and allow him to play, exploring the shallows.

As he becomes more confident you can work on getting him into deeper areas where he can swim.

A hot day at the beach is a great way to get your dog into the water

Take a ball with you

Cavaliers, like all spaniels, love to play chasing games and a tennis ball is a great tool when you are working with your dog to get him swimming.

As he is paddling in shallow water, get his attention and throw the ball into a deeper area.

Don’t be tempted to throw it too far – the idea is to get your Cavalier to go deeper without becoming frightened.

The reward of fetching the ball can be enough to get a young or reluctant dog into deeper water.

Go for a paddle or even a swim with your Cavalier

Your dog will love it if you go paddling or swimming with him.

Make sure that it is safe before you enter the water and never do this alone – always ensure that there is another adult with you – who will be able to help you should you encounter any difficulties.

If in doubt – don’t do it.

Take another dog that loves water with you

This is often the best and easiest way to get a spaniel to go into the water.

By taking an older dog out with you, that loves water, and playing games, your young Cavalier will be more prepared to join in and get himself wet.

Final Words

Of course, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can swim in the sea, lakes, outdoor or dog pools, etc.

However, some spaniels need to be taught, and some will swim on their own with little need for human involvement.

By taking your dog out when the weather is warm and sunny you increase your chances of success when introducing him to water as he’ll love to splash around and cool off.

Always think about the safety aspect of water, dogs can drown as easily as humans, so be careful and don’t let your Cavalier get into a situation where he is in danger.
Is a Field spaniel the same as a working Cocker?

There are many different breeds of spaniels and often the breeds look very similar to each other. One such example is the Field spaniel which many people, particularly in the USA, confuse with working Cockers.

Although similar in appearance the Field spaniel is not the same as a working Cocker spaniel. The Field Spaniel is a specific breed of spaniel that is larger and heavier than the Cocker and can often be a similar size to an English Springer Spaniel.

What is a Field Spaniel?

The Field Spaniel is a medium sized spaniel, which places it into the same size category as an English Springer Spaniel or a large Cocker spaniel.

The breed, like so many of the spaniel breeds, was developed in Great Britain by breeders and sportsmen who wanted a heavier spaniel than the Cocker.

Once a popular shooting dog, the Field spaniel became less favoured as poor and questionable breeding practices led to a heavy dog, with short legs that was unsuitable for most shooting and outdoor working needs.

Currently considered a rare breed in the UK, the Field Spaniel has been in decline for two decades ( since 2000), and is close to the Sussex Spaniel in it’s levels of rarity.

The UK Kennel Club have registered the breed as a Vulnerable Native Breed

How big is a Field Spaniel?

A healthy, adult and fully grown Field Spaniel is a medium sized dog weighing between 16 to 20 Kgs.

They are larger dogs than Cocker Spaniels but generally smaller than English Springer spaniels.

The breed stands about 18 inches tall for males, slightly smaller for females.

What does a Field Spaniel look like?

Field Spaniels generally have solid coloured coats that are either black or brown, and occasionally roan.

Their coats are an average length with no undercoat, they are not as thick coated as Cockers.

Like all spaniels, the Field Spaniel has feathering on his legs, chest, tummy and tail.

Do Field Spaniels shed a lot?

Field Spaniels do shed but, as they have a single coat, this is less than other spaniel breeds.

They are easy to groom and if this is done regularly then any shedding will be kept to a minimum.

Are Field Spaniels rare?

Yes. The Field Spaniel is considered by the UK Kennel Club to be a rare breed and is officially registered as a Vulnerable Native Breed in the United Kingdom.

What is the temperament of a Field Spaniel?

Field Spaniels are active dogs that love to explore the great outdoors. Like all of the other breeds of spaniels, the Field spaniel loves to chase his nose.

This breed is great with children and makes an ideal family dog or companion, They love training and make good hunting dogs, although finding a working bred dog may prove tricky.

As a spaniel, the Field Spaniel likes company and if he is left alone for too long or too often, without stimulation, then he can become bored which might lead to destructive behaviour.

If you are looking for a lively dog, that enjoys exercise and training, then a Field Spaniel may be the right dog for you if you can give him the exercise that he needs.

They tend not to be as excitable as Cocker spaniels and ‘ The Intelligence of Dogs‘ rates this breed as ‘above average intelligence’.

To sum up

Although it may look similar, the Field Spaniel is not the same as the working Cocker.

This is an old, traditional spaniel breed that is less common than Cocker spaniels but which, in his own right is an excellent choice for a family or as a companion dog.
How to train a Cocker spaniel to sit

There are many commands that a Cocker spaniel should be familiar with, but the most basic command is ‘sit’.

The sit command form a basis for many other areas of training such as stay and sitting at a distance and it is easy to teach.

The best and easiest way to train a Cocker spaniel to sit is at mealtimes. Put your Cocker’s food in his dish and tell him to sit. As you do so hold out your other hand, palm facing outwards. After a few seconds your Cocker will eventually sit down to think about things, as soon as he does, give him his food.

Why it is important to train a Cocker spaniel to sit

Cockers are active dogs that can quickly disappear if you take your eyes off them which can have consequences for the dog if he gets into trouble.

Teaching a Cocker spaniel to sit will help him to develop his patience and steadiness, it is also a good way for you to control him and to keep an eye on him whenever you need to.

Sitting down on command is one of the basic areas of training that you should do with your Cocker spaniel and it is also one of the easiest exercises.

If you don’t train your Cocker spaniel to sit, then you will find more advanced areas of training difficult to achieve.

When to train a Cocker spaniel to sit?

Ideally as soon as he has settled into your home. This is a basic exercise and is something that you can easily teach to a young puppy safely without problems.

As you do this at mealtimes you should have no difficulty getting your spaniel to sit down and, as he is being fed when he does it, he is being rewarded – which is exactly how you should deliver Cocker spaniel training sessions.

Cocker spaniel puppies will catch onto this activity really quickly and all you will need to do is be consistent and alwasy get him to sit before you feed him from now on.

An older Cocker may take a bit more effort but you should remain calm and persist. He will soon pick up on what you need.

You can also reinforce this with an older dog outside of mealtimes by keeping a tasty treat or two in your pocket and getting him to sit down at various times of the day – rewarding him when he does.

Should you push your Cocker spaniel’s bottom down when training him to sit?

There is no need to do this and using any type of force can have a negative result on a dog, particularly a Cocker spaniel as most are sensitive animals that can be put off by forceful measures.

If your Cocker is familiar with the sit command and he refuses to sit down then, before you become concerned, ask yourself a cuople of questions:

Is the floor wet? Barmy I know – but would you sit down on a wet floor?

Is your Cocker spaniel cold? – Sitting down won’t help him to warm up.

Remember that dogs don’t behave badly and they don’t know what being naughty is.

If your Cocker won’t sit down then best to simply ignore him rather than get into a battle of wits.

There’s probably a good reason that, as a human you don’t understand.

How long does it take to train a Cocker spaniel to sit?

This will depend on you, your spaniel and how consistent you are, but, in general with regular practice, your Cocker spaniel should be sitting down reliably within 1 to 3 weeks.

Should you use a clicker when training a Cocker spaniel to sit?

Clicker training has become more popular and many people use this when training dogs to sit along with other training activities.

The clicker provides very little input during the training process and, arguably, is another obstacle to the dog learning.

When the dog hears a click after a command, he anticipates a reward, normally edible.

As you are giving your dog an edible reward when he sits ( in the form of his food or a treat ) there is not much value in adding a clicker.

Every time you introduce something new into spaniel training you are introducing an extra ‘point’ at which the training could fail or become tricky.

You don’t need a clicker to train a Cocker spaniel to sit down.

To sum up

You are going to be successful if you use this way to train a Cocker spaniel to sit.

As you are basing this training around mealtimes, your spaniel will quickly pick up what you need from him and you should have little, if any difficulties.
Training a Springer spaniel to hunt the easy way

Springer spaniels are excellent working dogs, full of energy, keen to learn and very amenable to training.

As a gun dog the Springer is arguably one of the best all rounders, a powerful and capable hunter and a good, keen retriever both on land and in water.

Training a Springer spaniel to hunt effectively is an important exercise that will take up the majority of your Springer training. Thankfully it is an enjoyable and easy activity to undertake providing that you follow a few basic principles and pay close attention to your dog when out hunting. Springer spaniels are natural hunters and this is one aspect of spaniel training that you should have little difficulty with.

Are Springer spaniels good hunting dogs?

Springer spaniels are well recognised as being excellent hunting dogs, and, having trained and worked several Springers, I am able to vouch for their ability when hunting game, both birds and land based game such as rabbits.

This breed of spaniel has an excellent nose and scenting ability which, with exposure to game through effective training, makes it one of the the best of the spaniel breeds for walked up and driven game shooting.

Springers have almost infinite levels of drive and energy and a fit Springer spaniel is easily able to maintain his performance during the course of a busy day’s hunting and shooting.

Why we train a Springer spaniel to hunt

Springers, like all spaniels, are natural hunters and are capable of hunting all on their own.

As owners and handlers we don’t really train a Springer to hunt but, we train a Springer to hunt effectively, in a way that suits our needs for shooting and other purposes.

The way that we train a Springer spaniel to hunt involves exposing him to a variety of different situations that will help him to recognise the smell of game, use the wind effectively and stay within range without getting too far away.

Just as the police or customs would teach a spaniel to recognise the smell of drugs or explosives, as a gundog we look for ways to introduce our Springers to the scent of various types of game to improve his hunting ability.

A good customs Springer finds illegal substances and a good working Springer, used for hunting, will find copious quantities of game if he is trained to hunt properly.

Spaniels almost train themselves to hunt, they just need a human to take them to the right places

A few considerations when training a Springer spaniel to hunt

Whenever you embark on any form of training with your spaniel ( or for that matter any dog ), there are always a few things that you will need to consider:

The area

Where are you going to do the training?

You’ll need to find somewhere quiet, where there are no distractions, such as other dogs, people and too much game or wildlife.

The weather

You should never hunt your spaniel in the heat of the day.

In summer temperatures can be excessive and, for a dog that is running and hunting, he can quickly become overheated, dehydrated and working in hot conditions will encourage your dog to slow down and pace himself.

Avoid hunting and other high pace training on hot days and have a day off or do some water work.

The type of ground

When you are training a Springer or other spaniel breed to hunt then, in the early days, you need to think about the type of cover.

Cover that is tough such as brambles or sharp such as dead bracken, can be off putting for a young spaniel or a dog that is new to hunting.

The best cover for a novice spaniel is rushes of the type often found on open moorland.

Rushes are soft yet provide interesting cover that holds scent well. They are also found in clumps which can you to introduce a pattern to your spaniel’s work.

Extremes of weather

Hot days have already been mentioned but the same can be said for other types of weather extremes.

Storms, heavy rain and snow can all impact the ability of a young spaniel and can be off putting.

If the weather is awful then hold off with the hunting, it won’t do you or the dog any harm to wait until it improves.

As your Springer becomes more experienced and competent with his hunting you will be able to introduce him to different types of cover, different environments and also be able to take him out working in different weather conditions.

Basic hunting training with a Springer spaniel

Try to pick a calm day when the ground is slightly damp and any breeze is slight.

Ideally you’ll be in an area where there are rushes or other ‘clumps’ of light cover that your spaniel can move between.

Take your spaniel, on his lead, to the area that you plan to hunt through.

Make sure that you are facing into the wind. This is very important with a young spaniel or with a spaniel that has never done any hunting training.

Don’t be lazy with this, always hunt a young or inexperienced Springer into the wind.

Sit your dog down,

Calmly take his lead off and tell him to stay.

When you are ready, cast your dog off to one side ( left or right ) with the command ‘Get On’ and indicate with your hand the direction that you want him to go in and you should begin to walk slowly in that direction.

As your Springer heads off, wait until he is about 15 to 20 yards beyond you and then give two quick, short peeps on your whistle, get his attention and then turn and walk in the other direction.

This is where cover such as rushes help – when you turn your dog try to get him towards a patch of interesting cover that he can run towards and explore.

The diagram below should give you an idea of this.

Training a Springer spaniel to hunt

As you can see from above you are aiming to get your Springer to cover the ground ahead of you, exploring all of the cover that he encounters, and turning him so that he does not get too far out to either side.

The distance varies among trainers, with many keeping their spaniels really close and others letting their dogs hunt further out.

You should aim to keep your Springer around 25 to 30 yards away, no further – this distance is around the effective range of a shotgun – imagine that you are walking up game with your spaniel.

Be prepared to walk in a zig zag like fashion during the early days of your training, this will encourage your spaniel to cover the ground properly.

As he becomes more proficient you will be able to walk in a straight line as he ‘quarters’ the ground ahead of you.

Top tip

A useful skill – that can set you above many other spaniel handlers, is to be able to direct your spaniel to an interesting piece of cover simply with your body position.

As your dog develops his skill he will keep an eye on your position, as you are hunting with him, turn your body slightly and look and nod towards an area of interesting cover – chances are he’ll change direction and take a look.

This takes practice but it’s great when it works and it’s added polish which will help you in competitions.

Keep your hand signals to a minimum when hunting

One thing to note – you’ll often see spaniel handlers indicating with their hands for their dog to quarter and many of them can look like a windmill when they are hunting their Springers.

Try to avoid doing this – in the early stages you may need to use an extended arm to encourage your dog to change direction but, as he develops his skill, drop the hand signals when hunting.

If you use too many hand signals when you are hunting your Springer will get ‘sticky’, he’ll often stop to watch you and you want to avoid this.

Get a coat with pockets and put your hands in them when you are hunting with your Springer. Only give hand signals when hunting if they are absolutely necessary.

When to start hunting training with a Springer spaniel

Most spaniels, Springers included enjoy hunting so much that they can ‘neglect’ other areas of their training and so it is important to focus more on the other areas before getting heavily active with hunting work.

The most common problem with Springers is that they can almost refuse to retrieve if they have been allowed to hunt too much as youngsters.

Your Springer should be a reasonable retriever of the dummy or ball before you spend time focussing on hunting and your early training days should focus upon basic skills including retrieving.

Once your Springer spaniel has begun to mature and reaches 6 to 8 months old you can begin to work on training him to hunt.

A word on the schedule. When you are training your dog to hunt, it is always best to do some retriever training before you set him off hunting. This will help to embed the retrieving and the hunting work will be a ‘reward’ for retrieving.

More advanced Springer spaniel hunting training

As your Springer becomes more conversant with hunting you will need to adapt his style to help him to use the wind.

I’ll cover these different aspects of hunting with different wind patterns in another article, but in essence your dog should always be working in a manner that gets his nose into the wind.

You can read more about working with your spaniel’s sense of smell in this article.

As you are hunting your Springer, stop him occasionally with the stop whistle, and throw a dummy into cover. When you are ready send your dog for the retrieve using the fetch command.

Make this exercise more challenging by dropping a dummy without your dog seeing it, then whistle him to stop and send him for the blind retrieve.

As he becomes more experienced you can use the starting pistol, firing a shot to stop him and then sending him for a retrieve.

This is, in effect, joining all of the dots together in the training of your spaniel, you can even use cold game for the retrieving.

Final Words

Training a Springer spaniel to hunt is great fun and, once your dog is good at the basics of sitting and retrieving, you’ll find that hunting is the main activity that you will work on.

As your dog progresses you can make hunting to be a challenging task and with some thought will be able to create scenarios that resemble real life shooting conditions to help your spaniel to learn and grow in confidence and ability.
How to train a Cocker spaniel to stay

Cocker spaniels are lively dogs that adapt well and enjoy training. For a Cocker spaniel owner it is desirable and important to undertake training activities with the dog.

There are many commands that you will want your Cocker spaniel to be responsive to and one of these is to stay.

Training a Cocker spaniel to stay is a simple process that involves sitting the dog down, holding your hand up while giving the stay command, and then gradually walking backwards before returning and praising the dog. Increase the distance as your Cocker becomes familiar with what you want him to do.

Where to begin when training a Cocker spaniel to stay

The easiest and best starting point is to begin with the ‘sit’ command. I use the word ‘hup’ but you can use whatever word you choose.

Training a spaniel to sit is not difficult but it is better if you can begin this when the dog is a youngster, simply because he will have no bad habit. However, it is not hard to get an adult dog to sit either.

You can read more about training a spaniel to sit in this article, but, if you are in a rush here’s a quick overview:

We introduce the command at mealtimes. Hold your spaniel’s dish of dog food in one hand and, with the other hand, hold your palm outwards ( like in the Stop position ) and give the command ‘Hup or sit’.

Your spaniel, particularly a puppy, will jump around and get frustrated when he doesn’t get his food, but, eventually will sit down to think about it.

As soon as he sits, give him his food and repeat the command ‘sit or hup’.

Repeat at every meal and, as he gets better, get him to sit occasionally, such as when out on a walk before you take his lead off.

Training your Cocker spaniel to stay

Once your Cocker spaniel sits when told you can begin to work on the stay command. This is an extension of ‘sit’ and your dog will need to be familar with that command before you move onto stay.

The way that you will get your Cocker to stay is simple, but you will need to be consistent. Here is how to do it:

Facing your spaniel, tell him to sit, use the hand signal to reinforce the instruction.

Keep facing your dog as he is sat down and walk backwards 3 to 4 steps. Keep your eye on him and, if he gets up to follow you, step forward and repeat the sit command, again using the hand signal also.

It will take a while and you will need to practice this frequently until your dog sits and does not move, so don’t become impatiemt or worried – if he gets up it is normal as he just wants to be with you.

As your dog becomes better at this you can gradually increase the distance that you are able to walk backwards from him.

Don’t rush and don’t get annoyed with him if he gets up.

Some Cocker spaniels pick this up really quickly and others will try everything to get to you, normally crawling on their bellies which is funny to watch.

More advanced stay exercises for your Cocker spaniel

Once your Cocker spaniel is familiar with the basics of the ‘stay’ command you can begin to think of more creative and advanced training.

This will help to embed the training more fully and will also be a good exercise for your Cocker which will help to develop and improve his steadiness.

Once you are able to walk backwards for about 20 to 25 paces without your Cocker getting up then you can start to work on more tempting stay exercises.

Sit your spaniel down and walk backwards for about 12 paces.

Making sure that he stays, begin to walk around him in a circle.

Don’t be surprised if he gets up to watch you walk around him and don’t get concerned if he does this. He would have to be a nutcase to not want to see where you were, as long as he doesn’t start to come towards you things are fine.

Go in different directions to mix things up as you circle him.

You can also sit him down and turn you back on him while walking away. This can be tempting for your dog as he cannot see your face and he may run to you. Again, practice makes perfect and whenever you introduce some changes to an exercise ( however minor ) your spaniel may need time to ‘get it’.

The importance of teaching a Cocker spaniel to stay

There are probably 101 reasons and more to teach your spaniel to stay and, in most cases safety is the key reason.

A working Cocker spaniel will need to be steady to both game and shot and will often need to simply ‘stay’ if it’s handler is occupied with another task.

Cockers may need to stay when they are in the car and their owner is opening the door to let them out. Being able to stay can prevent a dog from jumping out into danger.

Stay can be a good game for a spaniel to play while you throw tennis balls or dummies around him, which he can then fetch as a reward

Whatever your reason for training a Cocker spaniel to stay, these simple tips will help you to get success.

To recap – how to train a Cocker spaniel to stay

All dog training tasks build from one activity to another and the stay command is no different.

Start with sit and then progress.

Take things slowly, particularly with a puppy or young dog, and always end the training session with something that the dog can do.

End on a positive note every time and, if things aren’t going well then have a break.
Can Cocker spaniel puppies eat cooked chicken?

Many owners of Cocker spaniel puppies, particularly first time owners have questions around the types of food that they can feed to their pets.

There are many foods that should not be fed to spaniel puppies, or for that matter adult dogs of any breed but how does cooked chicken fare as an option?

Cooked chicken is an excellent food for Cocker spaniel puppies that are over 8 weeks of age. This meat is an excellent source of low fat protein for all breeds of spaniel puppies and most, if not all dogs, will happily devour this tasty meal.

Is cooked chicken good for Cocker spaniels?

Cooked chicken is perfectly safe for for them to eat.

Most mass produced commercial puppy foods contain chicken as one of the main sources of protein.

Chicken is a healthy food that is enjoyed by spaniel puppies and it is a great food choice for health and growth.

Cooked chicken can be fed to spaniel puppies that are 8 weeks or older and you can feed it on it’s own or as an addition to your puppy’s food.

To avoid any problems such as upset tummies you should only feed chicken in small amounts and gradually introduce it into your puppy’s diet.

At what age can they eat cooked chicken?

Puppies will need to be fully weaned from their mother before they can eat any form of solid food, which includes cooked chicken.

At 8 weeks of age most spaniel puppies will be ready to start on solid foods and most will already be eating some type of puppy food.

This is the minimum age for a spaniel to be eating cooked chicken.

By this age his puppy teeth will be albe to cope with soft meats and his adult teeth will be starting to push their way out.

For best results and to help your spaniel pup, tear the chicken up into easy to eat strips and pieces.

Dogs love cooked chicken

How do you cook chicken for puppies?

There are numerous ways to cook chicken but the best way for a spaniel puppy is to boil it in a pan of water.

Chicken breasts are the best source of chicken for a young dog as they contain no bones, little sinew and it is easy to remove the skin – always try to serve skinless chicken to spaniel puppies as the skin contains high levels of oils and fat.

Place chicken breasts into a pan and cover with water, bring to the boil and boil for at least 12 to 15 minutes, ensuring that the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Once the breasts are cooked you can chop them into puppy sized pieces that are easy to eat, and, when they have cooled you can serve them up.

The liquid from the pan can also be used as a great ‘soup’ that can be added to dried dog food for puppies or older dogs to enjoy.

How much cooked chicken can I give to a spaniel puppy?

This really depends on the size of your puppy, his age and his activity levels and, of course, the amount of other puppy foods that you give to him.

Spaniel puppies grow quickly and are very active dogs, playing hard and sleeping lots.

The quantities of cooked chicken that you can feed to your puppy can and will vary depending on just how hungry he is and his stage of growth.

It is always best to feed too little rather than too much as too much cooked chicken could result in an upset tummy or bloating.

Feed several small meals that contain chicken rather than larger meals once a day.

Cooked chicken will always be favourite among your dogs

Can spaniel puppies eat cooked chicken bones?

No. Absolutely not. Never, ever, ever feed cooked chicken or other poultry bones to a puppy or adult dog.

These bones can splinter in sharp pieces and can choke a dog in seconds.

They can also cause internal injuries that, if not detected and treated, can be fatal.

Cooked chicken bones should never be fed to puppies or adult dogs.

Is boiled chicken water good for spaniel puppies?

Yes. Spaniel puppies and adult spaniels love boiled chicken water, it contains nutrients and is a safe addition to a puppy’s diet.

It is really useful if you have a puppy that is off his food or is a picky eater and can also be useful for dogs that have been unwell as the taste and smell is appealing and will encourage the dog to take on fluids which will keep him hydrated.

Can Cocker Spaniel puppies eat cooked chicken?
Cocker Spaniel puppies can eat cooked chicken as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s important to ensure that the chicken is boneless, skinless, and properly cooked. Additionally, the chicken should be free from any seasonings, spices, or oils that could be harmful to the puppy’s digestive system. It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount and frequency of chicken in your puppy’s diet.
Are there any risks or health concerns associated with feeding cooked chicken to Cocker Spaniel puppies?
Feeding cooked chicken to Cocker Spaniel puppies is generally safe, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Chicken bones can be hazardous as they may splinter and cause choking or gastrointestinal blockages. Always ensure that the chicken is boneless to prevent any potential risks. Additionally, overfeeding chicken or using excessively fatty cuts may lead to weight gain or digestive issues. Moderation and balance are key when incorporating chicken into your puppy’s diet.
Can cooked chicken be the main source of nutrition for Cocker Spaniel puppies?
While cooked chicken can be a healthy addition to a Cocker Spaniel puppy’s diet, it should not be the sole or main source of nutrition. Puppies require a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients from different food groups. Commercially available puppy food or a veterinarian-approved homemade diet that meets their nutritional requirements is highly recommended. Cooked chicken can serve as a supplemental protein source, but it should be accompanied by other appropriate food choices to ensure your puppy receives all the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

To recap – Can spaniel puppies eat cooked chicken?

It’s an excellent source of food for a spaniel puppy. Chicken breast is the best choice and it should be cooked in boiling water for best results.

Only feed small amounts and only to spaniel puppies that are over 8 weeks of age.

Feed on it’s own or mixed in with your puppy’s food.
How much do Brittany spaniels shed? What you can expect
One thing that many potential Brittany spaniel owners consider is what levels of shedding do this breed have? This is what you can expect.

How much do Britanny spaniels shed?

Brittany spaniels have a flat and wavy coat that sheds moderately. Like most spaniels the Brittany sheds hair all year round but, with weekly brushing the amount of hair lost will be kept down and will help to keep his coat in top condition. Regular and consistent brushing will keep mess caused by shedding to a minimum.

Brittany spaniel hair shedding information

Like all of the spaniel breeds, Brittany spaniels are biddable and healthy dogs that require little in the way of extra care or treatment.

All of the spaniels shed their coats and Brittanys are no different. Thankfully their short and straight hairs make grooming easy and, unlike some dog breeds, they can manage quite nicely without any grooming for a long time.

However, if your Brittany lives in the home then, unless you brush him, you will find dog hairs on the floor, furniture and other areas as he naturally sheds hs coat. Grooming and brushing helps to remove the dead hair and by doing this you will reduce any mess caused by shedding.

Do Brittany dogs shed a lot?

Brittanys have a flat coat which is easy to take care of. They often have feathering on their chests and legs but it is easy to maintain with regular brushing.

If you are looking for a spaniel breed that doesn’t shed then you are going to struggle. The Brittany, with his single layer coat, sheds less than most of the other spaniel breeds so, with a regular brushing routine you’ll keep any mess to a minimum.

Brittany spaniels moult all year round, which is the sign of a healthy dog with a healthy coat. Moulting ( shedding ) is simply the act of new hair replacing old hair which falls out.

Grooming a Brittany spaniel

Grooming a Brittany is quite a simple task. They have short coats with straight hair making them an easy breed to take care of.

As a spaniel, a breed which loves to hunt and ‘throw cover over his back’, he is likely to get dirty and a variety of twigs, thorns and other debris caught up in his coat and sometimes a good brushing after you have been out is a good idea.

Brushing is the best way to remove dead hair from your Brittany’s coat, as well as helping to keep your home free from dog hairs, it is also a great way to check your dog over for any signs of cuts, grazes or other injuries.

Unlike some breeds of dog, you don’t need to bath your Brittany very often. Once or twice a year is enough for most spaniels, unless he gets really dirty and smelly. Always choose a good quality dog shampoo when you bathe your Brittany.

We have some recommendations for dog shampoos that are suitable for all spaniel breeds and using one of these shampoos will keep your Brittany’s coat in good condition. You can see these recommendations in my article here.

Can you stop a Brittany spaniel from shedding?

No it’s not possible. Shedding or moulting of hair is a natural and necessary process that all dogs go through.

Your only option is to manage your dog’s coat so that you keep shedding to a minimum through regular grooming and brushing.

If excess dog hairs are a problem then you may want to consider a dog grooming vacuum.

Yes, it sounds a little strange but these easy to use devices are designed to be safely used on dogs, allowing you to groom your pet while at the same time collecting the hairs through a vacuum cleaner.

You can see some of these useful grooming devices over on Amazon.

What causes a Brittany spaniel to shed excessively?

If you think that your Brittany is moulting more than is normal then there are a few things to consider:
- Ask your vet – your veterinary surgeon should always be your first point of contact and advice if you think that your dog is unwell or you notice any changes in his behaviour.
- Food – have you changed your spaniel’s diet recently? Dogs, including spaniels can be very suspectible to sudden changes of dog food and any changes in diet should be made slowly and carefully.
- Stress – stress is one of the prime reasons for a dog to lose hair more quickly than normal. Have there been any changes to your Brittany’s lifestyle that could cause stress? A house move perhaps, a family member leaving, a new pet arriving in the home. There are many stress points that can affect dogs and, if in doubt, see your vet.
- Allergies – It is rare for dogs to have allergies but they can and do occur. Some dogs can suffer from hayfever which can result in loss of hair, others can react to certain types of foods.
More questions that people ask about Brittany spaniels shedding

Are Brittany spaniels hypoallergenic?

No, they are not.

Do Brittany spaniels smell?

Brittany spaniels do not normally smell any more than other dogs. If they get dirty then their coats can become stinky and they will need a bath and a brush.

Are Brittany spaniels easy to groom?

Yes. They have straight hair which does not tangle or get matted.

To sum up

The Brittany spaniel is no different to the other spaniel breeds in that it sheds moderately.

This breed of spaniel is a good house dog and provided you brush him regularly, dog hairs should not be too much of a problem.

As a spaniel, the Brittany only needs washing once or twice a year, unless he gets very dirty or smelly, bathing him too often will wash away valuable oils from his hair and skin.

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