Training an English Setter: what works and what to expect

English Setters are sensitive and do best with calm, positive training. They are clever, but their nose and their love of fun often compete with your instructions. Short sessions, food rewards and patience deliver results; harsh handling makes them shut down.

House training can take longer than in many breeds, sometimes until six months or beyond. Recall is the biggest hurdle, so practice constantly and use a long line in open spaces. Retrieving games and scent work channel natural instincts and give a young setter something useful to think about.