English Setter: Training and behaviour
Training a English Setter works best when the goal is made easy to understand, rewarding to repeat, and safe to get wrong. Keep English Setter close to a calm handler and use reward-based cues during the first repetitions. Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed. Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
What this breed clue changes in training
English Setter's training is recorded as English Setters are sensible, good-natured, and devoted companions. Here, that matters because it changes how much reinforcement, repetition, and choice the dog may need to stay engaged.
A better way to practise
- Change one variable at a time and record what helps this individual dog succeed.
- Let the training note (English Setters are sensible, good-natured, and devoted companions) set the reinforcement, session length, and distance from distractions.
- Practise the same cue in one slightly harder setting only after the easy version is reliable.
Escalate when
Escalate when behaviour changes suddenly or safety cannot be maintained.
References
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: To keep their long, silky coats beautiful, English Setters need to be brushed at least once a week with a soft bristle brush. A long-toothed metal dog comb can also come in handy for gently working through areas where tangles may be beginning to form. Left unattended, tangles and mats are uncomfortable for your dog and can cause skin problems to develop.…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: An English Setter needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ideally this could be a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area. Many owners don't have access to such an area, however, so they may ride a bicycle with their English Setter alongside on a leash, jog with him, or take him for long walks or hikes. Because their…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: English Setters are sensible, good-natured, and devoted companions. They are very sensitive and take reprimands to heart, so it's best to teach them with positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Their keen nose and prey drive can lead them to follow their instincts'but this can get them into trouble, so it's important to start training early and be…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog of sweet temper and show-stopping good looks. It is one of the AKC's four British setters created to work on the distinctly different terrains of England, Ireland, and Scotland.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation', 'BAER Testing']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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