Training a Cocker Spaniel

donnups · Nov 7, 2011

I think hes doing quite well really as he is only little .. two things he is a proper pain with is.. not coming back to call if he escapes!!! but with so many new sites and smells cant blame him really.. makes for an interesting afternoon crawling through bushes with handfulls of treats and a giggling toddler!! and jumping on the baby when hes crawling around

donnups · Nov 7, 2011

But massive thanks for all that info .. we shall put more of it into practice and see what happens

dazzle · Nov 9, 2011

Start simple and start with the basics. First first get your family together and decide your commands. remember the dog carnt understand what you are saying its just tone definition so each command has to sound unique. remember barabara!

A nice high pitch sit with a crisp t!!

A strong low down

and for recall come or heee ya! (my prefered cos you can extend the heeee and give the ya a bang.

Once you all know then stick to them and try and avoid too much chitter chatter so the dog gets used to if your saying something it needs to be responding!

next get a hand signal for each. If you hold you lead in your right hand but have the dog to your left side stick to this when on the lead and make sure you compel the dog to be there. hard at first but stick with it it makes the rest easier if the dog knows what side to be at. Practice the commands on the lead at first then when you say sit (nice and high tone remember! ) lift your right hand which will hold his head up and naturally help him understand the sit command. this gives you a right hand raise hand signal for the sit! Always lots of praise when he gets it right a treat a fuss something he likes.
the down follows that you point to the floor with your leead hand this will help move his head down and get the down position again with the praise.

For the recall go with open arms to each side. this will direct the dog to your feet when you are doing it off the lead but start with it on the lead and you can direct him to you with the lead until he understands. again with praise you want him to want to ollow your comands because he enjoys it not through force.

the hand signals are to assist the dog as at the start he may hear you not understand but he will naturally look so in effect your giving him twice the command! bonus

make sure all family members practice it for a short time each day start very small a couple of goes and as he gets older you can prgress the time scale so he doesnt get bored. And remember repetition repetition repetition!

The biting is probably through puppy excitement and thats where your cage time outs or when you have a good control position (usually the down) will help him understand your not happy with his behavior and he has to stop be controlled before the fun can start again.

by each of your family members practicing the commands you will get where they can all walk him safely and it also reinforces his position in the pack (right down at the bottom! ) this will again help with preventing unwanted behavior ie biting!

As said before spaniels are workers originally and its still in there head even after years of show breading so i can sort some fun games to train in him when you get the basics firmly sorted. We had one that when he went out the back dorr would run to a hedge and just run round and round it! so much so he formed ruts in the grass. this was just his desire to put birds up out the bush somethin that was eventually solved by cutting down the bush!

The start is the hardest part but the more time you put in and by doing it daily he will eventually twig and from that point the fun can start.

Oh and for the first steps make sure you practice yourobedience in the same location because changes in location can cause confusion in the dogs understanding in the commands (you wouldnt belive it but it does!! ) so until your think your getting somewhere with the commands dont change the location where you practice.

If you give this a start and let me know as problems develp and i shold be able to help you along the way a little. Unfortunately there is no definite answer for every dog and some things works for one but not for others its just finding the best or you dog!

Bit long winded but i hope you get the idea!

Dude you are a legend

Taken some of your advice and its going really well so far. He seems a lot more open to commands etc to the point where he seems to be wanting to instigate doing some command work.

Ill keep you posted on how we go over the next week or so.

Cheers for the advice and tips mate
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marowak · Nov 9, 2011

i want to get a dog

Magical Trevor · Nov 9, 2011

No worries with the advice! The not comming back when he gets off the lead is normal with a puppy so if you stick with practicing the recall first on the lead then using a longer bit of rope to get the distance and then finally practicing in an enclosed field! Its all down to baby steps and making sure he understands the command and wants to respond.

If he likes playing fetch remember to get him mad for the game by playing it lots. it will increase his drive for the ball and will help with some fun games that will cause you hours of fun, give him something to occupy his mind and tire him out!! Also will be great party tricks to amase your friends with!

But will talk you through them when your well on your way with the rest!

donnups · Nov 10, 2011

The change in him the last couple of days has been amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

are you a dog whispererer?? lol

Magical Trevor · Nov 10, 2011

Glad its working!! ;D Im no dog whisperer But I train and work dogs for a living and you pick things up!!

Keep up the good work and remember repetition reoetition repetition!! ;D

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Training a Cocker Spaniel

donnups

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dazzle

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Training a Cocker Spaniel

donnups

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dazzle

marowak

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