If you do not train your Springer in the right way, they can become pushy and obnoxious instead of affectionate, loving, and loyal. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
This will show your dog that doing the right thing brings pleasant things. As you train your Springer, start small with easy commands, such as stay or sit. [4] X Research source
As soon as your Springer starts behaving correctly, praise them for it and show them affection. Remember to keep your calm demeanor and don’t get mad. This is not productive. [5] X Research source
You can start training your English Springer Spaniel at the age of 8 to 10 weeks old. Any earlier is too young for your Springer to learn anything. [7] X Research source
You can also take your Springer to socialization class, where a professional will help you and your dog interact with other young dogs as well. Take your Springer to have all their shots before you take them around other animals.
Your Springer may not respond to all forms of training. Keep being patient as you switch between training approaches until you find the one that works best. For example, if a specific form of treat is not working for your Springer, try a different one. If your approach to teaching your Springer how to sit is not working, try a different environment or treat. [9] X Research source
You will be able to know which rewards your Springer likes the best. Your Springer will be more eager to get those than other rewards. You can also change treats depending on the day if your Springer likes them all. [10] X Research source
This will make your Springer work harder for the treats because they already know they will get them if they do things correctly. Start by treating every other correct behavior. As your Springer gets better at this, start skipping two, three, and four behaviors in between treats. Don’t do more than this. The few skipped ones will keep your Springer working for the treats but also let them know the treats are still coming. [11] X Research source
If you see your Springer’s attention wavering, go ahead and cut the session off. You aren’t going to get anywhere if your Springer isn’t paying attention. As your Springer ages, they will be able to pay attention longer you’re your sessions can run longer. [12] X Research source
This will keep good feelings in your puppy’s mind as they leave the training session, which will make them more willing to come back to it in the future. [13] X Research source
For example, hold a treat in your hand. Show your Springer that you have a treat. Take the treat hand and lower it to the ground. As your Springer follows your hand, they will start to lie down. When your Springer is lying all the way down, say calmly and firmly “Lay down” and give them the treat. If you are clicker training, press the clicker when your Springer lays down as well. [14] X Research source If your Springer is having a hard time, push their body gently into a laying down position, then say “Lay down” and give them the treat. Your Springer will pick up on the action after a while. You can use a similar method for all basic commands.
As you are training your Springer, hit the clicker every time they do something they should in order to reinforce that good behavior. For example, if you are teaching your Springer to “come”, hit the clicker whenever they get to you when you call them. [16] X Research source
At the early age, your Springer should be taken out every 20 to 30 minutes, moving to longer wait times of about once an hour as they get older. Keep a constant eye on your Springer at all times indoors when they are learning. You will need to either keep your Springer in a crate when you leave the house, follow them around when you are home, or keep them on a leash. If your Springer accidentally potties in the house, clean up the excrement as soon and as well as you possibly can to remove the smell. This will deter your Springer from using the same spot again. [17] X Research source
You want to make the crate as inviting as possible so your Springer will be happy staying in here when you leave the house. Leave the door open and put a toy inside. When your Springer goes inside, close the door behind them. Leave your Springer inside for a little while at first, then slowly increase how long you leave them in there as they get used to it. Keep doing this until your Springer can spend hours in the crate without whining. When your Springer does this correctly, give them tons of praise and maybe a treat. [19] X Research source
You want to make the crate as inviting as possible so your Springer will be happy staying in here when you leave the house. Leave the door open and put a toy inside. When your Springer goes inside, close the door behind them. Leave your Springer inside for a little while at first, then slowly increase how long you leave them in there as they get used to it. Keep doing this until your Springer can spend hours in the crate without whining. When your Springer does this correctly, give them tons of praise and maybe a treat. [19] X Research source
