Training an English Cocker Spaniel: what works and what to expect

Cockers are among the easier spaniels to train because they want to please and they adore food. Use reward-based methods with plenty of variety, and keep sessions short and upbeat; one harsh word can shut a sensitive dog down for the rest of the lesson. Many owners find that a small zip-up treat dummy, which the dog retrieves and you open, becomes the most powerful reward they have.

The usual struggles are recall when a scent is fresh, pulling on the lead and picking up everything on walks. Build recall on a whistle, since spaniels are traditionally trained to one and it carries farther than your voice. Teach settling on a mat early, and practice short spells alone from the first week so your dog learns that you always come back.