Trainability

This breed loves to run and play, for this reason it is vital you start early training to ensure your young pup grows into a well-trained dog. A solid recall is needed to allow your dog to run off leash and romp with other dogs, something they will cherish, as they get older. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, as with all breeds, they will not take well to harsh punishment training. They have been noted to get bored easily in training so ensure you use a good list of fun techniques to keep your dog’s attention on you. They excel in dog sports and anything that requires a good amount of brain and brawn power. As a natural and athletic hunter, they will simply adore anything along these lines for entertainment. Early socialisation is important, consider enrolling in a local puppy-preschool that can help with socialisation with other dogs. As many sights, sounds, smells and experiences in the early days will lead to a confident dog. Remember that this breed has been bred for work as an independent hunter, this trait must be taken into account when training is considered and suitability to your lifestyle.

Grooming

This breed does need grooming to keep their stunning coat in good quality. Brushing at least three to four times a week, and for some (depending on their escapades) daily is better. They can be prone to matting so take extra care to remove tangles with a steel comb brush. To prevent excessive shedding; it is important to keep up with your grooming regime. As with all breeds with beautiful long ears, weekly checks and cleans are important to rule out any possible problems. Check for excess discharge or a smell and seek veterinary treatment if you are concerned. Nails should be trimmed regularly and it’s a good idea to get your wee puppy used to this procedure early on.

Exercise Requirements

The English Setter is an athletic breed and will require a good amount of daily exercise to keep them happy and entertained. A good brisk walk in the morning and an afternoon off-leash run is advised. As your dog grows they can make wonderful jogging companions. Remember not to overexercise your young pup and go at your dog’s pace to prevent problems.

Intelligence

These are very, self-thinking, independent dogs. So needless to say, they rate pretty high in the intelligent stakes. Because of this independent nature training must be kept fun and light. This breed has been used working a fair distance from the hunter, so this independent streak must be complemented with good training. It’s important that you consider boredom busting techniques when your pup is left alone. They are strong thinkers and will create their own entertainment if bored. They are wonderful diggers and barkers, so attention must be given to avoid these problems due to boredom. A good secure fence is a must.

Family Friendly

The English Setter makes a wonderful family companion and is very tolerant of even the smallest of the human race. However, always teach your children how to correctly behave around a dog and supervise all interactions. As too, teach your English Setter how to also behave around children and the correct manner in which to interact and play. They love other animals especially if they have been raised alongside them. However please keep in mind that they have been bred to chase birds, so this may need a lot more work and attention to train-out this natural trait.

Indoor/ Outdoor

The English Setter is happiest when they are in direct contact with their loving owners and should not be left alone all day every day. Your Setter will need a good amount of shade in the summer and a warm cosy area in the wintertime. A good secure fence is very important, these dogs are incredible jumpers and diggers so check your fence regularly for any possible escape routes. Always give your dog a ‘job’ to do when you are not at home. Think treat-balls or fun toys that you rotate daily. They have been known to easily become overweight if not exercised and fed correctly so always take your ‘treat’ portions out of your dog’s daily intake of food.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.