Cocker Spaniels are referred to two dog breeds: American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel and are called Cocker Spaniel in their respective countries. Cocker Spaniels were initially bred to hunt Eurasian and American Corkwoods and hence their name was coined cocker. These dogs are widely called “merry dogs” as Cocker Spaniels are very cheerful, playful and they tend to stay happy.

Cocker Spaniels have really long hair that is prone to shedding. Cocker Spaniels are very beautiful dogs and are available in various colors. These are dedicated pets that love people and are going to be happiest with their owners.Cockers are small in height and will not give you a tough time while training or controlling them. Cocker Spaniels bark on an average frequency and are patient listeners. This is one of these few breeds that can get along with a cat pet. Mostly cocker spaniels are friendly and take strangers easily, but without socialization they might grow up as reserved cockers.

Importance of Cocker Spaniel’s Training

Cocker Spaniels are medium height dogs, hence; do not need a lot of exercise to lead an active life. Though cocker spaniels get along with strangers, but without socialization training we might get reserved cocker spaniels. Training cocker spaniel is very important so that they do not get a small dog syndrome. Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and lively. Cocker Spaniels must be trained in a voice that is firm and gentle.

Cocker Spaniels that are not taken for daily walks and are treated as baby humans get an idea that they have an upper hand with humans and develop behavior issues. Cocker Spaniels must be dealt with calm and composed authority that is stern and has made the rules clear. Dogs with daily walks where he walks behind human generally have the best temperaments.

Useful Training Equipment and Accessories for Cocker Spaniels

A huge variety of training equipments and accessories are available in pet market these days. Choosing the appropriate and correct training equipment for your cocker spaniel is a deed itself. The available training equipments and accessories are sure to add fun and frolic to boring training sessions. Cocker Spaniels might need training against submissive urinating as they tend to urinate in excitement and when cocker is not provided with daily mental and physical training sessions. Thus, it is important to ensure training of these beautiful animals.

A variety of training methods are used to train a Cocker Spaniel. Some of them are-

Respect Training

Cocker Spaniels are very intelligent dogs and they do have dominancy traits instilled in them and that is what makes cocker’s training a must. It is important for your dog to understand that in your pack, you are the alpha and then all the family members and his is the bottom most position, otherwise he might get a certain behavior issue. You can take your cocker for daily walks and lead the way. This exercise must be executed by all the family members so that he knows his place in the pack. All the family members should take turns to feed him.

Clicker Training

Cocker Spaniels will hopefully adapt to clicker training very soon. A clicker is a device that makes a sound of a click. It is easily available, yet you can make use an object that makes the ‘click’ sound. Cockers will learn quickly that a click is a reward. You should appreciate him by clicking when he performs well.

Positive Reinforcements

Positive Reinforcements are a tried and tested way of training on Cocker Spaniels. They are sensitive and intelligent and to the right amount of rewards, motivation and appreciation is going to make your pet at his best behavior. Your dog will need to learn just what the desired responses to your commands are.

Tips to Make the Training Task Easy for Cocker Spaniel

• Be appreciative while training your dog as cocker spaniels are very affectionate.
• Be firm and gentle as they will not obey if you are not being firm and also they do not take harsh treatment well.

Different Trainings Required for Cocker Spaniels

When training your Cocker Spaniels, certain factors need to be taken care of, such as:

Short Dog Syndrome

• You need to prevent your dog from short dog syndrome.
• Cocker Spaniels will shut out the world with this syndrome.

Obedience

• Your pet should always know who is in command.
• Cocker Spaniels do not obey if they feel they are the alpha of the pack.

Do’s and Don’ts in Providing Training to Cocker Spaniel