Cocker spaniels are active dogs even as adults. Now imagine what they would be like as puppies! They would be even more of a delinquent! Of course, that is not putting it negatively. Puppies of this breed are very playful, active, and will want to explore just about anything under and above their nose!

And while this is the right time for them to play and have fun, it is also a great time for them to start learning. Cocker spaniel puppy training should be done early. Because they are young and their personalities are still just developing, you have better chances of molding them into disciplined and happy dogs.

So where do you start? You might want to begin his training with potty or house training. During this time period, you will teach your dog that it is wrong and unacceptable to pee or poop anywhere inside the house. If you are not confident you can do it on your own, you can hire cocker spaniel puppy training professionals.

Next, you want to teach them that you are the alpha! In the wild, dogs work in groups called dog packs. In a pack, there is always one who is positioned highest among the others. He is the alpha dog. The rest are also arranged with differing level of authority.

To avoid disobedience and other behaviour problems in your puppy, you have to make sure that he understands his position. Do not feel heartbroken that this is like mistreating your puppy. This is how it is in their world and it is in no way derogatory to them.

In fact, a dog that is in the lower authority is a very happy dog. He has less responsibility to handle and he feels secured under the protection and watchful eyes of the alpha. So do not feel sorry because he is happy to have you.

Another tip you must is to exercise consistency. For example, if you teach your dog not to beg for food during dinner but your kids keep giving him food at the dinner table, that would send mixed messages. He might not learn what you want him to learn.

Cocker spaniel puppy training will also be more effective if you are firm in disciplining your puppy. You cannot be too lenient. If you are, the puppy will think that your rules are not really iron-clad and that it is okay to break them.

You must especially give emphasis in not spoiling cocker spaniel puppies. They are smart dogs and the impulses brought by youth will tempt a puppy to test your limits. Whenever it does, simply do not yield and it will soon get the message.

So, does cocker spaniel puppy training sound hard to you? It does not have to be. Cocker spaniels are very smart dogs. Also, they have this eager-to-please attitude which they are very well known for. With those kinds of traits, they are really such fast learners. Always remember though that this is a family effort. Everyone in the house must cooperate.

Shaun Plympton adores Cockers and is an expert in the area of Cocker Spaniel training. To learn more about this topic, check out Shaun's latest article on training Cocker Spaniels today.