Sit. Stay. Fetch. English Springer Spaniels can and will learn these commands. Owners just need to learn proper training techniques. In general, the breed is obedient and eager to please. They love praise and want to make their owners happy. It is important to begin training early on. Training classes are a good idea. Before enrolling your dog, make sure you are comfortable with the trainer's methods. Most trainers use positive reinforcement. This is the best way to get an English Springer Spaniel to perform as desired.
When your dog acts inappropriately, ignore the behavior if possible. It is important not to make a fuss. The dog will see this as attention. To the dog, any attention is better than no attention. If absolutely necessarily, scold the dog once and walk away. Do not nag the dog with negative reinforcement.
When the dog does something right, praise it with a pat on the head or a treat. Rewards are important in potty training and obedience training. If rewarded, the dog will want to repeat the positive behavior. Obedience is important with both field and bench English Springer Spaniels. A good working dog needs to know its limits, when it should chase and when to sit quietly. A good show dog should be able to remain calm and follow instructions. They should be able to remain poised and attentive when viewed by a judge.
With obedience, there is very little difference between male and female English Springer Spaniels. Both are prone to similar behavioral issues. The breed is prone to separation anxiety. English Springer Spaniels don't like being left home alone for more than a few hours, if that. While alone, they tend to bark and if given free reign of the home, can tear things up. If you work long hours, this is not the breed for you.
Also, if English Springer Spaniels aren't exercised properly, their stored-up energy can lead to destructiveness. It is important to run the dog everyday and keep it mentally stimulated. English Springer Spaniels enjoy a variety of activities. They will generally go where the family goes. They'll go swimming or go along on a camping trip. If kept inside all day and night, English Springer Spaniels are likely to become bored. They may take it out on your house. If chewing up furniture is the most excitement they can get in a day, they'll likely give it a try. English Springer Spaniels aren't just pets. They need owners who can devote time to them.
If properly trained and socialized English Springer Spaniels make obedient companions. They will behave around new faces and welcome visits to new places. In general, they are good dogs and make extremely loyal life-long companions.
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