Who would have thought that an Irish Setter was once used as a hunting dog? Surprising, isn’t it? These graceful, friendly red dogs were not always the family pets we know them as today. Instead, they were hard workers, bred to spot and point out game birds for their human hunting companions. This may make you wonder, is an Irish Setter a calm dog?
To answer the question, we need to delve into the unique character traits of these dogs and understand what influences their behavior.
The Irish Setter, known in Gaelic as “Sotar Rua,” meaning “red setter,” is famously recognised for their shiny, mahogany or chestnut coats and bubbly personalities. They are loaded with energy and exuberance, which can sometimes be confused with hyperactivity. While they can be calm dogs, this trait is not predominantly associated with them. However, it’s important to remember that each dog is an individual and generalizations aren’t applicable to every single Irish Setter.
The temperament of an Irish Setter is greatly influenced by their environment, training, and social interactions. A bored, untrained, poorly socialized Irish Setter can be a whirlwind of activity and destruction. However, with the right stimulation, training, and love, an Irish Setter can become a relatively calm family pet.
Let’s explore these areas and see just how you can bring out the calm in your Irish Setter.
Best Environment for an Irish Setter
Irish Setters are happiest when they’re part of the family activities. They love their human companions and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Your Irish Setter will thrive in a home with a large fenced yard where they can run and play. If you live in an apartment, make sure you’re prepared for long daily walks and visits to the local dog park. Setting a routine for exercise from a young age can help in calming the energy levels of your Irish Setter and reduce destructive behavior.
Proper Training
Now, let’s talk training. Irish Setters are intelligent dogs, but they can also be stubborn and independent, which can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. However, with consistency, positive reinforcement, and early training, these dogs can learn good behavior and the value of calmness.
Moreover, they are extremely sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training techniques. Patience is key while training your Irish Setter.
Remember, a trained Irish Setter is a calmer Irish Setter!
Socialization
The Irish Setter is a sociable breed and a lack of contact with humans and other dogs can lead to anxiety. Socialization is key for these dogs to develop a calm demeanor. Exposure to different environments, people, and other animals from a young age can help in reducing fear and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed adult dog.
Age Factor
Another factor that affects the calmness of an Irish Setter is age. Puppies and young Irish Setters can be quite active and playful, but as they grow older, they can become calmer and more laid-back, displaying the gentlemanly or ladylike behavior that the breed is also known for.
Whether the Irish Setter is a calm dog or not significantly depends on their upbringing and living environment. Creating a happy, stable atmosphere that is conducive to learning, exploration and play will help to shape your Irish Setter into a delightful and relatively calm pet.
One thing is for sure, Irish Setters thrive on love and attention, and will reward their owners with unending loyalty and sweet, although sometimes boisterous, companionship.
So, while an Irish Setter may not be the epitome of calmness, with right training, environment and love, they can be lovingly tranquil friends who light up your life with their exuberance and affectionate nature. Their love for life is infectious and they make exceptional pets for the right owners!
To conclude, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before choosing an Irish Setter. They might not be the calmest, but they will enrich your life with their playful antics and endearing devotion. So, if you have the time, energy, and love to pour into these beautiful dogs, they just might shower it back manifold.
Next time someone asks you, “Is an Irish Setter a calm dog?” you can confidently smile and say, “They can be… with a little bit of patience and a whole lot of love!”
