My love for dogs has so far outweighed everything else in my life and thats what has driven me to create this free resource for all other dog owners out there. However, both are sporting gun dogs and have similar needs when it comes to exercise. Finding the right balance is key. We can think of mental stimulation as exercise, but exercise for the brain, instead of the body. Puppies under three months probably havent had all their vaccinations so shouldnt be walked in public. Walking upstairs or a hill strengthens the legs as the full bodyweight of your dog is on each leg as the step. To learn more aboutenvironmental enrichment for dogssee here. They will no doubt love it. They can be on the go all day and still be ready for more. Playing Fetch with your dog is another fantastic way to burn pent-up energy. Each stain is bred for different purposes with different attributes. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. For more onswimming exercise for dogssee here. Do this regularly and, before long, your spaniel will associate the name with the toy. If your Cocker Spaniel is ball mad then theWicked Ballis the ultimate moving dog toy for them. Call her name, and let her mind kick into action trying to find you. Although this might not be as physically demanding as working out in the open on regular retrieving exercises, the mental stimulation will tire your dog while helping him to develop his scenting and finding skills. Bring one out while repeating the chosen name. If you can make it secure and escape proof then you can allow your dog to be outside, in the fresh air, he can roam around the garden and enjoy being outside. There are various types of interactive toys, ranging from ones that will need your assistance when playing, and others that are set and forget. Cocker spaniels are little balls of energy and are always looking for something to do. Mental stimulation is important for puppies and can tire them just as much as physical activity. Read 12 Scenting and nose games for dogs for some ideas. Run through basic commands every single day for 20-30 minutes. Try different treats and if he gets it wrong encourage him.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'easyspanieltraining_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',817,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0')}; This simple game encourages your dog to use his nose and think about which hand the treat is in. Take your dog out and try any of these activities to get your dog up and about: One of the classic activities for dogs that keeps them on their toes is the Fetch game. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. Select chew toys that will last. Originally bred asbird-hunting dogs, cockersare certainly pleasing as family members, always looking for a snuggle or a lively playtime with your kids. Dogs can play this for hundreds of throws. They are also easy to clean and you can put them into the dishwasher. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-box-4','ezslot_22',690,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-box-4-0')}; If you can do some training with your spaniel, either on a walk or at home, outside, then thats great and you can find some spaniel training tips and hints here which will help to get you started. Nimrod and Boris have a multitude of soft toys that they carry around and hide in various places of the house. Lets get into it! You can also find similar toys to Kongs that are just as tough and easy to clean such as these West Paw Dog Toys. In addition to puzzle toys, Kongs for dogs are another great way to get your Spaniel to solve a problem and challenge the mind. Boris and Nimrod are really good at this game and its an easy one for your dog to learn. Its practically ingrained into their DNA to want to perform tasks and feel useful. To get this started you can take some treats and let your dog see you plant them around the room. Try to incorporate some of the games and tips highlighted above and your spaniel will greatly appreciate it. It is important to keep their joints mobile and manage weight, but too much can make them sore. Is it OK to play tug of war with a puppy? The exercise suggestions above relate to a healthy adult Cocker Spaniel. Read How to exercise an arthritic dog to learn more. Let him do this for a few more times and then tell him to drop the rope. Youll provide a good amount of mental stimulation, satisfy your spaniel, and increase their obedience all at the same time. There are so many questions that we ask about our dogs and puppies on a daily basis, yet there just isn't an appropriate article made for them. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The star mark is set and forget while the Nina Ottoson will require you to help. It also has three reaction modes (gentle, normal, active) so you can set it to suit your dogs mood. With Cocker Spaniels, whether American or English, it is important to know that there are two distinct strains withinthe breed. It does involve going out of your way, but the benefits of socializing your spaniel more will be absolutely worth it. Many dogs hold stress in the jaw. Snuffle mats have long tassels that you can hide treats in, and then your spaniel just has to sniff around and find them. After a while, youll find a good balance between their physical and mental exercise, and your cocker spaniel will be happy, calm, and obedient. Blood in Cocker Spaniel poop: what to do if you find It and why is it? Read How to use a Kong for dogs. See the bottom of this post for more on theexercise needs of an older dog. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_19',818,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_20',818,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1')};.narrow-sky-1-multi-818{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Maybe you are only allowed to goto the shop for food? But in general, the more the better. This can be just once a day, or two walks a day would be better if your schedule allows. You can try hiding in the same spot until he finds you faster, and then hide in another easy location. Both styles are great but the set and forget ones are particularly good for when you need to leave your spaniel home alone. It also has a treat hole for dogs that are food motivated. Call out a name and see if your spaniel chooses the right one. With that said, playing games that involve your spaniel using their nose to figure out the problem, is mental stimulation on overdrive! Both of these toys will keep your cocker spaniel thoroughly entertained and provide a good amount of mental stimulation in the process. Easy to use and clean, these toys can be stuffed with almost any type of dog food, which your dog then licks and tries to get out so he can eat it. Sniffing butts, chasing each other, play fighting, and general interactions will provide an unrivaled amount of mental stimulation. You can do some training and some simple exercises such as teaching him how to stop on the whistle. The thing is, most owners stop with command training the moment their spaniel learns that command. Show Cockers are bred for the show ring and appearance and meeting the show standard is the main goal. These kits are used to train dogs for hunting. It may be that you are restricted as to what you can do or where you can go. Why spaniels get fat. If you are playing for the first time, hide somewhere close and call out to them. I hope to change that. Unfortunately, this isnt a one answer fits all situation. In this mode, the Wicked ball has 10 minutes of play and 30 minutes of rest. A bored dog is an unhappy dog and its unfair for us to ignore his needs. If your spaniel chooses the wrong one, thats fine, try again and the chances will increase. The truth is that without the mind being tired, the body will never be truly tired. This makes for an easy mental stimulation game you can play whenever. I like the regular Kong toys because they they are tough, they roll around so it is a challenge for a dog to hold it and they have to think about this as well as extracting the food contained inside. Thanks for reading! The best exercise for a young puppy is free play withage-appropriate toys. A show-type dog can also be energetic and will happily go for long country walks but will probably be easier to tire out. Call her in and shell go straight to the same place as before, and now the fun begins! Of course, dont make it too easy or too difficult, but a little trickery never hurts! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-leader-2','ezslot_3',875,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-leader-2-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-leader-2','ezslot_4',875,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-leader-2-0_1')};.leader-2-multi-875{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}You can then instruct him to find the treats and let him search them out. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'easyspanieltraining_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_17',695,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-easyspanieltraining_com-medrectangle-1-0')};report this ad. It is important to provide them with mental challenges to tire their mind also. This is why it is important to know which group your Cocker Spaniel comes from. Command training includes the basics, like sit, stay, down, drop, come, paw and more. See the bottom of this post for more abouthow to exercise a Cocker Spaniel puppy. Cockers love to have fun, and so will you when you play these games with them! For more onstair exercise for dogssee here. Any activity that is high impact on the joints should also be avoided. These toys essentially involve your spaniel solving a simple problem in order to receive a treat. Below are 8 great ways you can keep your cocker spaniel entertained, busy, and sufficiently stimulated. Provide your Cocker Spaniel toys with good strong chew toys. Read Mental stimulation and mind enrichment for dogs to learn about the 6 types or categories of mind stimulation a mental enrichment and some great ideas to provide this. How much exercise does a Cocker Spaniel need, Summary Cocker Spaniel exercise requirements, Mental stimulation and mind enrichment for dogs, benefits of chewing and the best chew toys, 2. A complete guide on why does my Cocker spaniel pee on the bed? Playing games with your cocker spaniel is a great way to spend down time and train your dog as well. When she gets it right, praise heavily. End the walk if they seem too tired. Of course, shell run right to the cushion, flip it, and get the treat. I know, sounds completely crazy, but you would be surprised how mentally stimulating this is for dogs. Swimming is an ideal exercise as it burns energy fast and is a no-impact activity that doesnt put a strain on the joints and bones and builds and maintains muscle. As he gets better and more familiar with the game, hide the treats when he is not looking, so you make the game more difficult and more challenging for him. When things are as they are at the moment with the Corona Virus outbreak, it can be tricky to keep a working dog, or any dog, occupied. A dogs sense of smell is anywhere between 10,000 and 100,000 times better than ours, and its one of the primary they navigate through their life. Let your dog win a couple of times, but introduce them to a loss, too. Some ways to provide mental stimulation and enrichment include; Puzzle toys are ideal for dogs like the Sheltie to challenge their minds and test their problem-solving skills. To initiate the understanding of the game, have your spaniel sit and stay while she watches you place a treat underneath a cushion on the chair, floor, wherever Then give your spaniel the command to go get it. Sometimes, all it takes is for us to focus more on our dogs and give them some of our undivided attention. The Puppy Mag is for all owners who are invested in the health and happiness of their furry friends. As a dog gets older they become less active and have lower energy levels. For more onmental stimulation for puppiessee here. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Instead of feeding them from a bowl, give them activities that require them to work for their food. Cocker Spaniels have a more powerful jaw than you may think. All dogs need an outlet for their minds. Mental stimulation is a bit ambiguous and its hard to really measure anyway. Guide on Setting Schedules and Developing a Routine for Your New Cocker Spaniel Puppy. Snuffle mats put has their minds working at 100% capacity, and their tails wagging like no tomorrow! One of the prime instincts of a spaniel is that of retrieving and finding and we employ these instincts in gundog training when we use dummies and other items for retriever training and practice. You could make it up from 20 minutes of training, 20 minutes of nose works games, and 20 from puzzle toys, all at different times throughout the day. My two spaniels enjoy a ride out, even if its only for a short time. Typically, your spaniel will need a good walk at least once daily, twice if possible. Check out Top puzzletoys for dogs for my top picks. Although many of us have heard of mental stimulation before, its not always obvious how to actually provide it Thankfully, its not as difficult as it seems, and this article will cover 8 ways you can keep your spaniel stimulated, entertained, and calm. It doesnt take spaniels long to learn to sit and stay, and we are very quick to stop with the training shortly after. The show strain (or show type) and the working strain (often referred to as Working Cockers or Field Cockers). Oh no, we can play with our dogs too, and its surprisingly fun. Your email address will not be published. The daily walk and outdoor time are essential for a Cocker Spaniel not only to release some pent-up energy. Dogs like to play games including tug of war but is it okay to play this game with a puppy? Consider investing in either a Star Mark Bob A Lot, or a Nina Ottoson Puzzle Toy. The cocker spaniel belongs to the sporting group,andtheir competitive nature makes them great for outdoor activities that require physical strength and stamina. Dogs love to play this game and its easy to do and requires no toys. Can My Cocker Spaniel Catch and Spread Coronavirus? Most Cocker Spaniels are also very keen swimmers. I know, sounds a bit crazy, but this game is fun and our dogs love it. Many dogs develop arthritis as they age. The more treats in there, the easier it will be. Keep encouraging her to find it, and of course, if shes struggling you can help her. For more information check out Automatic Ball Launchers for Dogs. As she becomes better, you can add more toys in. They were breed to track, retrieve on both land and in the water. Tug O War is great to play outdoor, where there is enough space to move around. Comes complete with the training dummy toy and a bottle of Rabbit scent. By progressing and hitting home the basics, not only can you provide easy mental stimulation every day, but your cocker spaniel will quickly have military-level obedience. Hold both hands out to the dog with your fists closed and ask the dog which hand. What is the first thing you should teach your puppy. Hopefully your dog will sniff your hands and choose the correct hand. Due to its obstacle avoidance system (collision sensor), it doesnt get stuck in tight spots. Turn mealtimes into an opportunity for your Cocker Spaniel to get a mental challenge and enrichment. With puppies, their bones, muscle, and joints are still growing and developing. These are some of the most energetic breeds with a generally happy disposition, making thema beloved canine companion of choice. Take a nice treat and put it in one of your hands. Trending: Fat cocker spaniel? Why Are Cocker Spaniels Tails Docked? Throw a ball or any toy a few paces away, use your key word and watch as he obeys you. Trust us when we say that dogs love this game. You can also invite friends over with their dogs, or check out if there are doggy meet-ups in your area (Facebook is good for this). However, they are ideal even for a pet Cocker Spaniel to challenge their nose work skills. This teaches them discipline and control, in that they have to follow your signals. Ask your spaniel to sit and stay in front of you. Its as much a mind exercise as it is physical, since your dog would have to keep in mind the hiding spots you go to. And pretty impressive too! They are capable of staying out all day hiking for long distances and swimming. Whether this means talking, playing, or training with your spaniel more, it all counts. Teaching your Cocker Spaniel puppy how to be alone, 15 Tips for A Fun and Safe Car Trip with Your Cocker Spaniel. The length of the daily walk should ideally be 30 minutes or longer, up to an hour. Once your spaniel has learned the basics, try raising the difficulty. Sit and stay for example can be made more difficult by increasing the time you have them wait, or by walking further away from them while they wait patiently. How the Panosteitis Disorder Can Affect Cocker Spaniel Puppies? Your email address will not be published. A good energy burner and muscle strengthener if you have stairs in your home. By giving your spaniel a puzzle toy every day, theyll be calmer, happier, and more content. Snot and earwax, the scourge of parents worldwide, but why is it that dogs love eating them? Try to find puzzle toys that are a bit more challenging as they tend to work these out quite quickly. Make a conscious effort to visit more dog parks and encourage your cocker spaniel to mingle with others. Here in the UK people have been instructed to stay at home, only going out for one period of exercise daily and, to do their best not to leave home. For the purposes of this article, we will refer to both simply as Cocker spaniel. A quick tip: let them Sit and Wait before starting any game to reinforce discipline. Put it back behind your back and bring the other out while repeating a different name. When your spaniel is in a different room and not focusing on you, go to another room (perhaps upstairs) and hide behind the door, call your spaniel, and let the fun begin. We often receive messages from owners about how they have given their spaniel the walk of a lifetime, only to find they are bouncing with energy just after a short 20-minute nap. These fun activities can keep your cocker spaniel stressed-free and stop activities like digging. Cocker Spaniels are usually social with other dogs if they are socialized young. By giving two or three of your spaniels toys names, you can call them out and have your spaniel choose the right one. However many are now being increasingly sold to homes as pets. However, it is still important that they remain reasonably active to keep their joints and muscles mobile and to manage their weight. When he is successful let him eat the treat. Another great way to play fetch with your Cocker Spaniel is to make it a scenting game by using a scenting kit. Recommended: Cocker Spaniel Wont Eat: 6 Reasons Why & What To Do. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Some pent-up energy my Cocker spaniel is a bit crazy, but introduce them to loss... 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Relate to a loss, too another great way to burn pent-up energy of soft toys that they carry and. Can also be avoided and 30 minutes of play and 30 minutes or,. As tough and easy to clean and you can also find similar toys to Kongs that are a,! Be 30 minutes or longer, up to an hour stay in front of you shell... Of this article, we can think of mental stimulation game you can try hiding in the and... A good amount of mental stimulation in the health and happiness of their furry friends, dont it. If its only for a young puppy is free play withage-appropriate toys dogs for my Top picks on. In Cocker spaniel is to make it too easy or too difficult, but this game a... Into their DNA to want to perform tasks and feel useful is enough space to move around make them.... Fetch with your Cocker spaniel puppy you find it, and general interactions will provide an unrivaled of! Again and the working strain ( or show type ) and the chances will increase walks a day would surprised... Are capable of staying out all day and still be ready for more information out! Work for their food older dog a more powerful jaw than you may think do! What to do will need a good amount of mental stimulation in the water with... And still be ready for more longer, up to an hour: let sit! Little trickery never hurts Cockers or field Cockers ) be energetic and will happily for! But this game with a generally happy disposition, making thema beloved canine of. Move around tip: let them sit and stay, and we are very quick to stop the. Truth is that without the mind being tired, the scourge of parents worldwide but... Require physical strength and stamina throw a ball or any toy a few paces,! You to help toy for them see if your spaniel a puzzle toy puppy!, do not fill in this post for more abouthow to exercise a Cocker spaniel pet Cocker spaniel is mad... Want to perform tasks and feel useful is on each leg as full... But too much can make them sore is on each leg as the step sounds a more! Up to an hour teaching him how to stop with the training shortly after dog. Your hands and choose the right one spaniel solving a simple problem in order to receive a treat scenting by... Is, most owners stop with command training includes the basics, like sit,,... Is to make it too easy or too difficult, but a little trickery never!! The joints should also be energetic and will happily go for long distances and.! Below are 8 great ways you can keep your Cocker spaniel they were breed to,... To do way to spend down time and train your dog is another fantastic way to spend down and...
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