Master Cocker Spaniel Commands: Solutions to Common Training Challenges

Training a Cocker Spaniel can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a dog owner. I remember when I first started with my own Cocker, George—it was a journey of trial and error, but watching him learn new commands and become more responsive to me has been incredibly satisfying. In this post, I’m going to walk you through the exact steps I used to teach George the basic commands, like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These are not just tricks—they are essential for his safety, my peace of mind, and building a strong bond between us.

Cocker Spaniels are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, but they’re also a breed with unique quirks that can make training a little tricky at times. From their strong hunting instincts to their sensitive nature, understanding what makes them tick is key to successful training.

In this guide, I’ll share the strategies that worked for me, as well as a few I’ve picked up from professional trainers. Along the way, I’ll provide links to research and resources that will help you understand not just how to train your Cocker Spaniel, but why certain methods work better for this breed.

Before we dive into the individual commands, I’ll also share some must-know insights into the Cocker Spaniel temperament and why it’s so important to tailor training to their specific needs. So, grab your treats and your clicker—we’re about to get started!

Why Training is Crucial for Cocker Spaniels

Training your Cocker Spaniel isn’t just about obedience; it’s about keeping them safe and happy. Commands like “stay” and “come” are lifesavers when it comes to keeping them out of dangerous situations, while others like “heel” can make your walks much more enjoyable. Plus, a well-trained dog is less likely to develop behavior problems like excessive barking, jumping, or pulling on the leash.

But perhaps the most rewarding part of training, in my experience, is the bond it creates. When you work with your dog on a regular basis, you start to understand their cues and personality on a much deeper level. Training builds trust, and trust is the foundation for a lifelong relationship filled with love and companionship.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this post, I’ll cover:

The five essential commands every Cocker Spaniel should know: Sit, Stay, Come, Down, and Heel

How to tailor your training techniques to fit the unique temperament of a Cocker Spaniel

Tools like clicker training and positive reinforcement that I’ve found especially helpful

Common training pitfalls and how to avoid them

For those of you who want to dive even deeper into the science of dog training, I’ll be linking to a few scholarly articles and expert resources that provide a more in-depth understanding of behavior and training. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Cocker Spaniel Temperament

When I first brought George home, I quickly realized how much a dog’s temperament plays into their training. Cocker Spaniels are incredibly intelligent and eager to please, but they also come with some unique quirks that can make training a bit of a challenge.

1. Intelligence and Sensitivity
George is a quick learner, but I had to be mindful of his sensitivity. Like many Cocker Spaniels, he would pick up on my tone and body language immediately. If I ever got frustrated (which happens to the best of us!), he’d sense it and become less responsive. This breed thrives on positive reinforcement, so keeping things upbeat and encouraging is crucial. If George felt unsure or overwhelmed, he’d shut down, so I quickly learned that patience was key.

2. High Energy and Instincts
Cocker Spaniels, including George, are high-energy dogs with a strong prey drive. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, so it’s in their DNA to chase and explore. This instinct was a blessing and a curse during training—while it made him naturally curious and active, it also meant I had to work extra hard to keep his attention. If something moved nearby—a bird, a leaf, or even another dog—I had to compete with that distraction.

This is where daily exercise played a huge role. Making sure George had a good walk or play session before training helped burn off that excess energy, making him more focused during our sessions. I can’t stress enough how important physical and mental stimulation is for this breed. Without it, you might find yourself struggling to hold their attention.

3. Eagerness to Please
One of the things I love most about George is his eagerness to make me happy. Cocker Spaniels tend to form strong bonds with their humans, and they want to please you—sometimes almost to a fault. George would sometimes rush through commands, trying to anticipate what I wanted before I even said it! This can lead to confusion, so it’s important to slow down and be clear in your instructions, rewarding them at the exact moment they perform the correct behavior.

Essential Training Tools and Techniques

When I started training George, one of the first things I realized was how important the right tools and techniques are for success. Cocker Spaniels, with their energetic personalities and strong instincts, can be a handful at times. But with the right approach, training becomes much easier and more effective. Below, I’ll walk you through the tools and methods that worked best for George and how you can use them with your own dog.

1. Clicker Training: A Powerful Tool for Fast Learning

Clicker training has been a game-changer for me and George. This method uses a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound to mark the exact moment your dog performs a desired behavior. It works by associating the click with a reward, making it easier for your dog to understand which actions are being reinforced.

Here’s how I introduced George to the clicker:

• Charging the clicker: Before jumping into training, I spent some time familiarizing George with the clicker. I would click and immediately give him a treat, even if he wasn’t doing anything specific. This taught him that the sound of the click meant good things were coming.
• Timing is everything: One of the key advantages of clicker training is precision. When George sat down during our first session, I clicked at the exact moment his bottom hit the ground, followed by a treat. This immediate feedback helps dogs connect the dots more quickly than relying on verbal praise alone.

If you’re interested in learning more about how clicker training works, there’s a fantastic study on operant conditioning in dog training here that dives into the science behind why this method is so effective.

2. Positive Reinforcement: Keeping It Fun and Engaging

Cocker Spaniels respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, and George is no exception. Every time he successfully performed a command, I made sure to reward him with something he loved—whether it was a small treat, a quick play session, or even just verbal praise with a happy tone. This kept him engaged and eager to learn.

Types of rewards that worked for George:

• Treats: I used small, soft treats that George could quickly eat. Since Cocker Spaniels are prone to weight gain, I made sure to use healthy, low-calorie options.
• Praise: George thrives on affection, so I used lots of enthusiastic praise when he got things right. He loves hearing a cheerful “Good boy!” almost as much as getting treats.
• Playtime: Sometimes, after a particularly good training session, I’d reward him with a few minutes of fetch or tug-of-war. This not only served as a reward but also allowed him to burn off some energy.

It’s important to vary your rewards to keep your dog excited and motivated. You can read more about the psychological benefits of positive reinforcement in this study on reward-based training methods here.

3. Consistency is Key

Consistency is crucial in training, especially with a breed like Cocker Spaniels, who are eager but sometimes easily distracted. In George’s case, I made sure that everyone in the household used the same commands and cues, so he wouldn’t get confused. For example, if I was using the word “sit,” I made sure no one else used “down” for the same action.

I also stuck to a training schedule, breaking our sessions into short, frequent intervals (about 10-15 minutes). Cocker Spaniels have a lot of energy but short attention spans, so shorter sessions prevented George from becoming bored or overwhelmed.

Consistency also applies to the timing of rewards. The faster you reward your dog after they perform a command, the more likely they are to repeat the behavior.

Basic Command 1: Sit

Teaching George the “sit” command was one of the first things I did, and it’s a great place to start for any dog. Not only is it a foundational behavior, but it also helps establish trust and communication between you and your Cocker Spaniel. Here’s the step-by-step process I used to get George sitting like a pro.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Sit”

1. Get Their Attention
   Before you start, make sure your dog is focused on you. With George, I’d call his name or make eye contact to ensure he was paying attention. You can also use a treat to lure their focus if they’re easily distracted.
2. Use a Treat as a Guide
   Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their head tilts upward to follow the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground. This is an instinctive movement for most dogs.
3. Introduce the Cue
   The moment George’s bottom hit the ground, I said “sit” in a calm, clear voice. It’s important to introduce the verbal cue at the exact moment they perform the action, so they start to associate the word with the behavior.
4. Reward and Praise
   As soon as George sat, I immediately rewarded him with the treat and lots of praise—“Good boy, George!” This immediate positive reinforcement helps solidify the behavior. Timing is everything here; make sure you reward as soon as they sit so they make the connection.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
   I practiced this process multiple times a day, keeping sessions short—about 10 minutes each. Gradually, I reduced the number of treats and relied more on praise, so George would sit without needing a food reward every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pushing Your Dog’s Bottom Down: Many people make the mistake of physically pushing their dog into a sit position. While it might seem helpful, this can confuse your dog and create resistance. Instead, let them figure it out by following the treat.
• Inconsistent Cues: Be sure that everyone in your household is using the same word—“sit”—and not variations like “sit down” or “stay.” Consistency is key in training.
• Delayed Rewards: If you wait too long to reward your dog after they sit, they might not understand what action you’re reinforcing. Quick, precise timing is essential for learning.

Basic Command 2: Stay

Teaching George the “stay” command was a bit more challenging than “sit,” but it’s an essential part of obedience training. This command helps keep your dog safe in situations where they need to hold their position, whether at the park, near a road, or when guests arrive. Cocker Spaniels, with their energetic nature, may find it difficult to stay still at first, but with patience and consistency, they can master it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Stay”

1. Start in the “Sit” Position
   Begin by having your Cocker Spaniel sit. It’s easier to teach “stay” from this stable position because they’re already stationary. I made sure George was calm and focused before moving on to the next step.
2. Introduce the Cue
   Hold your hand up with your palm facing your dog, like a stop sign, and say “stay” in a firm but calm voice. With George, I started by taking just one step back, as this minimized the chances of him getting up.
3. Take a Step Back
   After giving the “stay” command, take a single step back. If your dog holds their position, return to them immediately and offer a reward (a treat or verbal praise). If they move, reset them into the sitting position and try again.
4. Gradually Increase Distance and Duration
   As George became more reliable with the “stay” command, I slowly increased the number of steps I would take away from him. I also began to increase the amount of time he needed to stay before getting the reward. Start small—just a few seconds—and gradually build up to a minute or more.
5. Introduce Distractions
   Once George was able to hold the “stay” for a minute or more, I began adding distractions. I’d practice the command while someone else was in the room or even with a toy nearby to see if he could stay focused. Training with distractions is key because, in real-life situations, your dog will need to stay despite tempting distractions around them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Calling Your Dog to You: A common mistake is calling your dog to you after they’ve stayed. This can confuse them, as they may think “stay” means to wait and then come. Always return to your dog to reward them when they stay, rather than calling them over.
• Advancing Too Quickly: It’s tempting to add more distance or distractions quickly, but take it slow. If George struggled with a step, I’d go back to basics and shorten the duration or reduce distractions to reinforce the behavior.
• Inconsistent Reinforcement: As with all training, consistency is crucial. Every family member should use the same hand signal (the “stop” sign) and verbal cue (“stay”) to avoid confusing your dog.

Tip for Success

Patience is key here. Cocker Spaniels, with their active nature, may find it hard to stay in one spot for long. Short training sessions worked best with George—about 5 minutes of “stay” practice, a few times a day.

Basic Command 3: Come

Teaching George the “come” command, or recall, was one of the most important things I did for his safety and my peace of mind. Whether he’s at the dog park or just exploring the backyard, knowing that he will return to me when called is essential. Cocker Spaniels can be a bit excitable, especially with their strong prey drive, so a solid recall is a must to keep them safe in potentially dangerous or distracting situations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Come”

1. Choose a High-Value Reward
   Start with a treat or toy that your Cocker Spaniel loves. George responds best to small pieces of chicken or a squeaky toy. Make sure it’s something that will really motivate your dog to return to you, especially when distractions are present.
2. Get Their Attention
   Begin in a low-distraction environment, like your home or a quiet backyard. Call your dog’s name in an upbeat, cheerful tone. When George is looking at me, I know I’ve got his attention, and we’re ready to move to the next step.
3. Introduce the Cue
   After calling his name, I immediately follow with the cue “come” in a happy, enthusiastic tone. I found that the more excited I sound, the more likely George is to come running to me. Make sure your dog starts associating the cue “come” with something positive.
4. Reward When They Approach
   The moment George starts moving toward me, I immediately start praising him. When he reaches me, I give him the high-value reward and lots of affection. This positive reinforcement helps your dog associate the act of coming to you with something fun and rewarding.
5. Practice in Different Locations
   Once George was consistently responding to “come” indoors, I started practicing outside. I used a long leash or training line for safety and control, gradually introducing distractions like other people or dogs. Slowly increase the level of distraction to ensure your dog responds in more challenging environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Punishing When They Return Slowly: Never punish your dog when they finally come back, even if they took longer than you wanted. If you scold them, they may associate returning to you with something negative and be hesitant to do so next time.
• Repeating the Command: Avoid calling “come” multiple times in one session. If your dog doesn’t respond immediately, go back to a more controlled setting or use a higher-value reward until they get the hang of it.
• Using “Come” in Negative Situations: Make sure you’re not using “come” only in situations where your dog will experience something unpleasant, like bath time or leaving the park. You want them to associate the command with positive outcomes, so mix it up with fun activities.

Strengthening Recall Over Time

1. Use a Long Leash: When practicing in more distracting environments (like parks), use a long leash to maintain control while still allowing your dog to roam. This way, if George started to get distracted by a squirrel, I could gently guide him back while still using the command.
2. Avoid Overuse: Don’t overuse the “come” command when it’s unnecessary. Save it for times when you genuinely want your dog to return to you, so they don’t learn to ignore it.
3. Advanced Recall: As George got more reliable, I introduced off-leash recall in safe, fenced areas. I also incorporated games like hide-and-seek, where I’d hide and call him, making the recall command more fun and engaging.

Basic Command 4: Down

The “down” command is essential for managing your Cocker Spaniel in various situations. Whether you’re at home, in public, or visiting the vet, “down” is a great way to help your dog stay calm and controlled. With George, teaching this command took a bit of patience, but once he got the hang of it, it became a useful tool for keeping him settled when needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Down”

1. Start in the “Sit” Position
   It’s easiest to begin teaching “down” when your dog is already sitting. This creates a stable starting point for them to transition into the down position. With George, I always began with him sitting in front of me.
2. Use a Treat to Guide Them
   Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly lower it to the ground. George naturally followed the treat with his head, and as I moved the treat down and away from him, his body began to lie down. This technique, often called “luring,” encourages your dog to lie down without needing physical prompts.
3. Introduce the Verbal Cue
   Once George’s elbows hit the ground, I said “down” in a calm, steady voice. As with all commands, it’s important to say the cue word as they perform the action, so they can associate the word with the behavior.
4. Reward Immediately
   After George was fully lying down, I rewarded him right away with the treat and lots of praise. This immediate reinforcement helps build a clear connection between the command and the behavior.
5. Repeat and Practice
   Repetition is key. I practiced this with George multiple times a day, always keeping sessions short and fun. As he got more consistent, I started giving fewer treats and relied more on verbal praise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pushing Your Dog Down: Don’t try to force your dog into the “down” position by pushing on their back or shoulders. This can create confusion or even resistance. Instead, use the treat to guide them naturally into position.
• Not Using a Clear Verbal Cue: Always introduce the verbal cue just as your dog is performing the behavior. Saying “down” too early or too late may confuse them.
• Rushing the Process: If your dog doesn’t get it right away, don’t worry. Cocker Spaniels like George can sometimes be a bit too excited to focus on “down” initially. Patience and consistency will pay off.

Tips for Success

• Use a Calm Tone: Since “down” is meant to be a calming command, I always use a low, soothing tone when teaching it. This helped George understand that “down” meant it was time to relax.
• Practice in Different Environments: After George became reliable at home, I started practicing the command in different settings—like outside in the yard or even at the park. This helped reinforce the behavior in more distracting environments.
• Gradually Increase Duration: Once George was comfortable lying down, I began asking him to stay down for longer periods before giving the reward. This taught him to settle calmly for extended periods, even when other things were happening around him.

Basic Command 5: Heel

Teaching George the “heel” command has made our walks so much more enjoyable. “Heel” is crucial for ensuring your dog walks calmly by your side without pulling or lagging behind. Given Cocker Spaniels’ natural curiosity and energy, this command helps keep them focused on you rather than getting distracted by their surroundings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching “Heel”

1. Start with the Proper Position
   To begin, have your dog sit on your left side, facing the same direction as you. This position will serve as the foundation for the “heel” command. With George, I would say “sit” to ensure he was calm and ready before starting the walk.
2. Introduce the Cue
   As you start walking, say “heel” in a firm, clear tone. You can also use a hand signal, like tapping your left thigh, to reinforce the command. The goal is for your dog to walk by your side, matching your pace, without pulling ahead or trailing behind.
3. Use a Short Leash
   Using a short leash helped me maintain control over George and keep him close to my side. It also gave me the ability to quickly correct any pulling or lagging with a gentle tug. A shorter leash keeps your dog from wandering too far away while learning.
4. Reward and Praise Frequently
   As soon as George stayed by my side and walked calmly, I rewarded him with a treat and verbal praise. At the start, I’d reward him frequently—every few steps—to reinforce the behavior. As he became more consistent, I reduced the frequency of treats and relied more on praise.
5. Change Directions to Keep Focus
   If George ever started to pull or get distracted, I would change directions abruptly, saying “heel” again to remind him to stay by my side. This technique kept him focused on following my movements, helping him understand that he needed to pay attention to me.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Letting Them Pull Without Correction: One mistake I made early on was letting George pull ahead without correcting him. It’s important to correct pulling behavior immediately by stopping and resetting your position. If you let them pull even a little, they’ll think it’s okay to keep doing it.
• Inconsistent Pace: Keeping a consistent pace helps your dog learn to match your speed. If you’re constantly speeding up or slowing down, it might confuse them about where they’re supposed to walk.
• Using Too Long a Leash: A long leash gives your dog too much freedom to pull ahead or wander off during training. Stick to a short leash until your dog masters the “heel” command.

Tips for Success

• Start in a Low-Distraction Area: I started teaching George the “heel” command at home or in the backyard, where there were fewer distractions. Once he was reliable there, we moved on to more challenging environments, like the park.
• Use the “Heel” Command Throughout Your Walk: Incorporating the “heel” command randomly throughout our walk helped reinforce the behavior. I’d let George have a bit of freedom, then ask him to “heel” for a few minutes to keep him engaged.
• Stay Calm and Consistent: Patience and consistency are key with this command. Cocker Spaniels like George may get excited during walks, but staying calm and consistently enforcing “heel” helps them learn faster.

Troubleshooting Common Training Issues

Training a Cocker Spaniel like George can sometimes be challenging, and there are bound to be bumps along the way. From stubbornness to getting distracted easily, I’ve experienced it all. Here are some common problems that might come up during training and how to address them.

1. Dealing with Stubbornness

Cocker Spaniels can be a bit stubborn at times, especially when they’re not in the mood to follow commands. George definitely had his moments where he decided he’d rather sniff around than listen to me.

Solution:

• Use High-Value Rewards: If your dog is being stubborn, try switching to a more exciting reward, like a favorite treat or toy. When George got tired of regular treats, I started using bits of chicken, and it worked wonders to get his attention.
• Keep Sessions Short: Don’t push your dog too hard. When George started losing interest, I kept training sessions short—no longer than 10 to 15 minutes—and ended on a positive note.

2. Addressing Distractibility

Cocker Spaniels are highly curious and often distracted by sights, smells, and sounds, especially outdoors. George would often break focus if he spotted a bird or another dog.

Solution:

• Train in Low-Distraction Areas: Start training in a quiet space, like inside your home or a fenced yard, before moving to more distracting environments. This gives your dog a chance to learn without too much stimulation.
• Use Distraction Training: Once George mastered commands in a quiet area, I gradually introduced distractions, like having another person walk nearby or tossing a toy. The key is to slowly build up the level of distraction so your dog learns to focus on you no matter what.

3. Inconsistent Progress

At times, it might feel like your dog is regressing or forgetting commands they’ve already mastered. George went through a phase where he seemed to ignore “stay” after weeks of doing it perfectly.

Solution:

• Reinforce Basics: Sometimes, it’s important to go back to basics. If George regressed with a command, I would return to easier versions of that command (e.g., shorter “stay” times) and gradually build back up.
• Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in preventing regression. Make sure you, and everyone who interacts with your dog, use the same cues and follow the same training routines.

4. Overexcitement During Training

Cocker Spaniels are known for their energetic and playful nature, which can sometimes result in overexcitement during training. George would occasionally get too enthusiastic and start jumping or barking when we were working on commands.

Solution:

• Burn Off Excess Energy First: I found that George trained much better after a good walk or play session. Burning off that extra energy made it easier for him to focus on the task at hand.
• Use Calm, Firm Commands: Overexcitement often happens when dogs are feeding off your energy. Using a calm, steady tone and avoiding overly excited praise can help keep your dog more grounded.

Continuing Education and Advanced Training for Your Cocker Spaniel

Once George had mastered the basics like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel,” I realized how much he enjoyed learning new things. Keeping a Cocker Spaniel mentally stimulated is just as important as physical exercise, so I decided to explore advanced commands and fun activities to keep George engaged and challenged. Continuing training, even beyond the basics, also helps maintain your dog’s discipline and responsiveness as they grow older.

1. Advanced Obedience Training

Advanced obedience training takes the basics and pushes them further. Commands like “stay” can be extended to greater distances or for longer periods, while “heel” might be practiced in more challenging environments, like busy streets or parks.

Off-Leash Training
One of the most valuable things I worked on with George was off-leash control. This is crucial, especially for dogs with a strong prey drive like Cocker Spaniels. By reinforcing his recall command (“come”) and practicing in safe, fenced areas first, I gradually built up his confidence and reliability when off-leash. Using a long training leash during the transition phase was key to maintaining control while allowing him more freedom.

2. Dog Sports and Activities

Cocker Spaniels are an active breed that loves to be challenged physically and mentally. George thrived when I introduced him to new activities beyond obedience, particularly those that tapped into his natural instincts.

Agility Training
Agility courses are a great way to engage your Cocker Spaniel’s mind and body. With George, we practiced weaving between poles, jumping over hurdles, and running through tunnels. This not only helped him burn off energy but also improved his focus, coordination, and ability to follow commands under pressure.

Flyball
Flyball is another fun sport for energetic dogs like Cocker Spaniels. It’s a relay race where dogs run over hurdles, retrieve a tennis ball, and race back to their handler. The high-energy pace and teamwork involved make it a fantastic way to keep your dog engaged while reinforcing recall and focus.

Scent Work
Given that Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs, they have an exceptional sense of smell. I found that introducing George to scent work tapped into his natural instincts and gave him an outlet for mental stimulation. Scent work can be as simple as hiding treats or toys for your dog to find or as advanced as competitive scent trials.

3. Tricks and Fun Commands

Teaching tricks not only keeps training fun but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. With George, I started with simple tricks like “shake” and “roll over,” which were easy to build off the basic commands he already knew. As he became more confident, I moved on to more complex tricks like “play dead” and even “fetch specific items.”

Fun Commands to Try:

• Fetch your leash: Teach your dog to retrieve their leash when it’s time for a walk.
• Spin: Have them spin in a circle on command.
• Bow: A playful trick where your dog lowers its front legs while keeping its rear up, as though they’re taking a bow.

Teaching fun commands not only gives your dog mental stimulation but also adds variety to your training routine, keeping things enjoyable for both of you.

4. Enrolling in Advanced Classes

If you’re looking for structured guidance, enrolling in advanced obedience or agility classes is a great way to refine your dog’s skills. Many training centers offer classes that go beyond basic commands and cover things like off-leash obedience, canine good citizen certifications, and even dog sports competitions.

Continuing to challenge your Cocker Spaniel with new commands, activities, and sports will keep them mentally sharp and happy. The journey of training never truly ends, and it’s a wonderful way to strengthen the bond with your dog while keeping them well-behaved. If you’re ready to explore these activities with your dog, you’ll be amazed at how much they can learn!

Conclusion: Mastering Basic Commands with Your Cocker Spaniel

Training your Cocker Spaniel, like George, is an incredibly rewarding journey. Mastering basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “heel” not only makes life easier but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. These commands help keep your dog safe, well-behaved, and responsive in a variety of environments.

Throughout this guide, I’ve shared the step-by-step methods that worked with George, as well as tips for overcoming common challenges such as stubbornness and distractibility. Remember, consistency is key, and using positive reinforcement will make the training experience enjoyable for both you and your Cocker Spaniel.

Beyond the basics, continuing your dog’s education with advanced training or fun activities like agility, flyball, and scent work can keep their mind sharp and prevent boredom. The more you challenge your dog, the more they’ll grow in confidence and ability, and you’ll find that training can be a lifelong adventure.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your dog’s skills, patience and persistence will lead to a well-mannered and happy Cocker Spaniel. Enjoy the journey—it’s one of the most fulfilling aspects of being a dog owner!

Further Reading

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
This book by Zak George offers a fresh approach to dog training that is personalized to each dog’s needs. It’s filled with practical, positive reinforcement techniques and is ideal for new dog owners.

The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Renowned dog trainer Pat Miller shares her positive reinforcement methods that focus on building a respectful and fun relationship with your dog. The book includes a six-week training program for mastering basic commands.

Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
This book by Larry Kay and Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz introduces a gentle, easy-to-follow training plan that’s perfect for new dog owners looking for an effective and positive approach. It’s widely recommended for training puppies and older dogs alike.