Spaniels make the best hiking companions...don't they?!

If you love the idea of long hikes through the countryside, a Spaniel with their compact size and endless stamina might seem like the perfect choice.

But the reality can be very different.

Spaniels were bred to hunt. They’re genetically wired to seek out and flush game with persistence and determination. For most Spaniels, there is nothing more important than hunting.

So given that most hiking spots are rife with wildlife... getting to the point where you can hike with your Spaniel safely, responsibly, and without a massive headache, takes time and dedication.

How your young dog experiences “walks” in those first couple of years plays a huge role in whether you raise a great adventure buddy or a feral hunting machine!

And genetics matter too…much more than most people realise.

If your Spaniel is from strong working or trialling lines, don’t expect their training journey to look the same as a Spaniel bred from a chilled out family pet.  

The more natural hunting drive your dog has, the more advanced their training needs to be.

And the more advanced their training needs to be, the more you’ll need to invest in developing your own knowledge and practical skills so you can get them there.  

When their walks are unstructured and without purpose, and they are left to free hunt, things can unravel fast once you get beyond the puppy stage. Don’t get comfortable because your puppy is staying close now. Puppies DO stay close – they need you. But they are not puppies for long!

Once they’ve experienced successfully hunting without you and at a distance from you, convincing them to stay close and listen becomes a real challenge. 

That’s why a huge part of my work with young Spaniels and other Gundog breeds focuses on laying solid foundations of engagement outdoors.

Engagement, breed-specific activities, and giving their walks structure and purpose are the essential foundations that the rest of their skills training are built on.

If you’re ready to get started with your youngster, you just need to click here to book a call so we can chat about what you need and make sure we are a good fit for each other!

For now, here's a simple but super fun game you can start adding to your walks today!

Click here to learn how to play the Catch Up Game!