Steps For Training Cocker Spaniels For Hunting

Training By Leading

One of the training methods you can use is to lead by example. This might sound strange, but it is a very effective training method. To start this method, you need to use decoys when playing with your dog. You should also start training them as early as possible.

Once your dog is used to the decoy, you should start taking them on walks around your hunting grounds. While doing this, you should try moving as stealthily as possible because your dog will copy your movements. When you notice any potential prey, you should pause and draw your dog's attention to it.

After you have your dog's attention, you need to become excited about the prey. You can use a high-pitched voice to get your dog excited, but the goal is for your dog to associate seeing the prey with being excited. This is when your leading by example will start and you need to follow through by railing your prey. Doing this will teach your dog to startle the prey for you. The last step in this training method will be to reward your dog when they chase prey correctly or returns with it.

Training By Scent

If you would rather have your dog track prey by scent, you should try this training method. Cocker spaniels have a very powerful sense of smell and you can train this by applying scent spray to decoys and other toys. Doing this will teach your dog to be excited when that scent is around.

While your dog needs to become used to the scent, also want to train them to track using it. To do this, you will need to set up a decoy in a hidden area and lay a scent trail. It is recommended that you start this close to the door of your property and lead it to the decoy. This should be simple to follow at first, but you will need to make it harder as your dog learns.

Once you are confident with their basic scenting ability, you need to make everything harder. You should lay a few scent trails that overlap each other as they would when hunting. When your dog finds the right decoy, you need to reward them. It is important that you do this training a few times a week.

Cocker spaniels are a breed of gun dog which makes them ideal for hunting. You can train them for this through a lead by example method or through the laying of scent trails. Regardless of the method you choose, you should ensure that they also learn to stay in your gun range and to return to you when you call.