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...

Drive, desire, and determination aren’t behavioural issues, but the more your dog has, the more challenging life with them as a pet dog can become. A dog’s intensity in these areas is shaped by two things: Genetics Experience If you have a Spaniel, Labrador, or other Gundog breed, your dog’s determination to hunt has been purposefully bred in for generations. It’s hardwired. The strength of that drive varies between breeds and individuals, and how it shows up depends on both their...

If you have a high-energy Gundog breed and feel like they are constantly on and unable to switch off, you’re definitely not alone. I recently started working with a lovely young Cocker and her mum. They walked miles and played fetch every day, but after a quick power nap she’d be pacing the house and just couldn’t settle, ever. This story is such a common one for the high-energy breeds I work with and it so often becomes a vicious cycle to become trapped in. We see all this...