Russian hunting spaniels - the domestic breed of dogs, representatives of which are widely used for hunting. Such animals are smart, hardy and active. However, without proper training, the dogs will become disobedient and will be out of control of the owner. Despite the fact that Russian hunting spaniels are easy to train, their training has some nuances that every owner should know about.
Character and behavior
Hunting spaniels have all the necessary qualities that allow them to be excellent hunters. These dogs are persistent, have excellent instincts and are easy to learn.
Animals are ready to execute commands not only the owner, but also any other person on the hunt, who has a gun in his hands.
Russian hunting spaniels give birth not only for hunting. These dogs are excellent companions for all family members. They are mobile and enjoy playing with children or hiking with adults. Animals by nature are good swimmers and will not miss the opportunity to splash in the water.
The dog gets along well with other animals in the house. Spaniels easily coexist in the same area, not only with other dogs, but also with cats. However, it is not recommended to keep the dog along with small pets, for example, with hamsters or guinea pigs. Chances are that the spaniel can succumb to the hunting instinct. If desired, the ward can develop the guard quality.
However, it is believed that if you use the dog as a guard, then its hunting characteristics deteriorate significantly.
How old to start raising?
The upbringing and training of Russian hunting spaniels is an obligatory and responsible matter. If you do not train the dog properly, it will grow naughty and can bother with all hyperactivity. It is recommended to start raising puppies as early as possible.
Juveniles lend themselves to commands better and learn new information more easily.
At the age of 8 to 12 weeks puppies rush to an active exploration of the surrounding world. They are curious and willing to learn every new subject, get acquainted with people and other animals, if there are any in the house. During this period, it is recommended to start training the pet to the simplest commands. The puppy should begin to respect the authority of the owner and unconditionally fulfill its requirements. At this age, spaniels are usually trained to respond to at least 2 commands: “To me!” And “Location!”.
General recommendations
During training, you must take into account the nature and behavioral characteristics of the pet. Each animal has a number of features that distinguish it from other individuals, and therefore needs an individual approach. When interacting with Russian hunting spaniels it is equally harmful to show infinite love, and to be too strict.
During training, the method of promotion and approval is widely used. It consists in the fact that after each successfully executed team it is necessary to reward the dog with a small amount of a favorite delicacy, to praise and stroke. In addition to praise for the obedient execution of commands, there must be a punishment system.
It is not recommended to resort to physical strength when punishing the dog. It is better to try to explain the cause of dissatisfaction with words, slightly raising your voice. During the training should be attentive to the treatment of the pet and the teams. It is impossible for an animal to respond to its name as well as to the call “To me!”. To do this, before each team must pronounce the dog's nickname, which will serve as a kind of signal.
To bring up a Russian hunting spaniel at home is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. The key to success in the first place is the respect of the pet to the owner. The easiest way of training is giving in to dogs, whose upbringing began to be engaged from the first month of life.
Puppy training
The starting point of the education of puppies Russian hunting spaniel can be considered his schooling to the owner. This process starts from the very moment when the animal leaves the mother and gets to the person. Schooling by and large comes down to the fact that the owner should be close to the pet as often as possible.
To feed, walk and play with a puppy should only be the owner. Thus, the animal will more quickly become attached to one specific person, to whom in the future it will listen most of all. During this period, in no case can not be rude to contact with a spaniel and shout at him. Otherwise, the psyche of the animal may be disturbed.
Naming
The basic skill of dogs of all breeds is the ability to respond and respond to their name. Nickname puppies are taught immediately after they fall into the hands of a person. For boys and girls, it is recommended to pick light and not very long names. It is not necessary to change the nickname when referring to an animal in any way, whether it is just a change of emphasis or a shortened and diminutive version.
At first, you need to say the name of the pet when communicating with him as often as possible. Better after turning to the animal to give him some kind of delicacy. Over time, the animal develops a reflex, and calling by name begins to be associated with getting delicious food.
Discipline
An important point in the education is to teach puppies to their place and accuracy. First of all, it is necessary so that the dog does not spoil the property in the apartment and behaves in a disciplined manner. After the little puppy was brought home, it is necessary to equip his personal space.
At the selected location is arranged bedding for a pet. If an animal bothers the owner with its pranks or tries to go to bed somewhere else, then you need to loudly contact him by name and then voice the command “Location!”. Then you need to slap him lightly on the back of the body and carry him to his territory. After the animal is on its lounger, the command "Place!" Is pronounced again to record the result.
Offering items
The command "Give!" Is considered basic for hunting dogs. It is recommended to teach her at an early age. As a subject that will personify the prey, you can use a bunch of bird feathers. A bunch of feathers need to quit and utter the order "Give!".
When the animal finds the object and takes it with his teeth, it is necessary to approach it and offer a treat. A hand with food should be held above the dog's nose, and an empty palm - under the jaw. When the pet starts to open its mouth to get a treat, the command “Come on!”
How to train an adult dog?
The principle of training an adult individual is practically no different from puppy training. The mechanisms of action in both cases will be almost identical. The difference for the most part lies in the complexity of the teams. Puppies are trained in mastering basic skills and primitive teams, while adult animals are taught more difficult tricks.
After the pet has mastered the command “Serve it!” And it will be easy to carry it out, you can start training in water.Russian hunting spaniels dive well for wild waterfowl. Therefore, if there are plans to take a dog for hunting, it is simply necessary to develop the potential inherent in nature.
The first classes are best done in shallow waters. A customary object for a dog (a stick or a toy), on which the command “Give!” Was practiced, is thrown into the water, at a distance of no more than 1 m from the shore. If the dog willingly goes into the water, then gradually the length of the throw is worth increasing. No need to overdo the dog and ask her to bring the object from the reservoir more than 3 times in a row without interruption. Over time, the length of the throw should reach 30 m.
Having learned to swim, the pet will willingly rush into the pond and without commands.
Another useful skill for hunting will be the ability to jump over massive objects, fallen trees. Disciplined pet easily master it. Walking with an animal through a forest, you must approach an obstacle, for example, a large stone or a lying tree, and jump over the barrier to the exclamation "Hop!" The spaniel should immediately follow its owner. If this does not happen, you need to slightly pull the leash.
Gradually, the obstacles should become higher. Over time, also need to abandon the leash. It is useful to teach the spaniel to jump not only through high barriers, but also through the pits.
All about this breed of dogs you can learn from the video below.
