Training a Spinone Italiano: what works and what to expect

Spinoni are intelligent and keen to please, but they run on their own timetable. They respond best to patient, positive training with food and warm praise; harsh correction makes them shut down or dig in. Give them a moment to process a cue before repeating it, especially when something interesting is in front of their nose.

Early priorities are loose-lead walking (a large adult pulling is hard to hold), polite greetings without jumping up and a reliable recall. Gundog and HPR training clubs are a wonderful outlet even if you never shoot. Many Spinoni also enjoy scentwork and do well as visiting therapy dogs, where their gentleness shines.