When you think about the most difficult tasks you face in your day-to-day life, training a dog probably doesn’t top your list. After all, how tough can it be choosing between beef jerky and chicken fillet to make your pooch follow your commands? Surprise! It’s easier said than done. Certain dog breeds can indeed be a bit stubborn and challenging to train – not that it’s their fault – but that’s how they are naturally.
However, anyone who has ever had a royal encounter with an English Toy Spaniel might think differently. Regal, affectionate, and intriguingly intelligent, this small breed, with its breathtakingly beautiful silky coat and sweet, calm demeanor, can make you wonder, “Could an English Toy Spaniel be easy to train?”
Truly, these dogs shimmer with charm and personality. There’s an old tale from the English courts that says King Charles II, who loved these dogs so much they were later named after him, didn’t mind his beloved spaniels causing mischief in court! He would even interrupt important state affairs to play with them. Imagine having a creature so adorable that even a king is willing to put his entire kingdom on pause just for them!
Of course, it’s not the 17th century anymore, and while not many of us live in palaces, some absolute essentials need to be learned by these four-legged companions. Training, both obedience and house, is crucial in ensuring a well-adjusted, happy, and harmonious relationship between you and your English Toy Spaniel.
First things first, let’s talk about puppy training. It’s a myth that small breeds mature faster than large ones. Sure, they might physically grow faster, but their emotional and mental development follows the same timeline. So it’s crucial to start introducing commands and house rules early on to make sure they grow up into well-behaved adults.
Patience is the golden thread with these regal little creatures. The English Toy Spaniel tends to be a little independent and stubborn. They might not respond to your commands immediately or might get easily distracted. While this might seem like they are hard to train, in reality, it’s just a part of their charming personality.
It’s essential to focus on positive reinforcement methods– toys, treats, or affection as rewards. An English Toy Spaniels won’t respond well to harsh methods. Instead, appreciate their progress, be it small or large, to encourage them to learn more.
While not famous for their agility or speed, these dogs are good problem solvers and handlers of complex situations. Similar to the royal courts where they were once a common fixture, English Toy Spaniels can quickly learn to navigate around house rules and commands.
Housebreaking may be a slightly tough nut to crack with these dogs. They’re known to be late bloomers in this aspect but don’t give up. Consistency is the key here. Schedule their meals and potty breaks and stick to it. Reward them every time they do their business at the right place and soon, they’ll get the hang of it.
As for obedience training, teaching them to sit, stand, or come on call can be achieved with regular and patient efforts. Play their favorite game or give them their cherished treat whenever they follow a command correctly. These gestures will reinforce the idea that obeying your orders leads to good things.
Are there special classes or tools you can use? Yes, dog training classes can be a big help, especially if you’re a first-time owner. These classes not only help in training but also in socializing your English Toy Spaniel with other dogs and people.
Training tools like clickers can also be effective. This small device emits a clear, sharp sound that can quickly grab your Spaniel’s attention. Reward them every time they listen to the clicker and soon, they’ll associate it with rewards, making training a lot easier.
To sum it up, training an English Toy Spaniel isn’t exactly a royally challenging task. All you need is a bit of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement – a sprinkle of love and kindness. After all, like their King Charles II once said, “Spaniels are dogs of great understanding.”
In conclusion, while challenges might appear in the training process with an English Toy Spaniel, you can easily overcome them with the right approach and mindset, creating a harmonious and affectional bond with your little royal companion.
