Our developmental approach to raising and training Setters is another key component of the DeCoverly Difference. It is tailored to the personality and temperament of these loyal companions and works wonders on their growth and education.

The majority of dog training literature teaches that all valuable knowledge must be forced on a dog. The theme appears to be that the constant use of whip, check cord, force or training table, and electric collar are essential to educate a dog. We believe that the use of these tools as the primary method of education can destroy a potentially outstanding partner. Even a dog that makes it through the process is unlikely to develop to his full potential.

The magic that comes from a Setter that truly learns his craft tends to be missing. His constant search for behaviors that are “safe” from a trainer’s wrath will inhibit learning and concentration on what needs to be done in the field. There are times and places for all of the training tools and tricks, but they should not be the primary teaching modality. The instincts, intelligence, and desire to please of a well-bred Gentleman’s Shooting Dog, when developed through a relationship with a human partner, allow the best things to happen.

This method takes more labor, thought and patience than force methods. It is not perfect, but the results can be spectacular.

The first step toward success must be the selection of a puppy. Never allow considerations of price or timing prevent you from getting the best youngster, well structured and personable, bred from a history of setters that have the characteristics that you want. The price of the most expensive puppy is a fraction of what will be spent over the lifetime of a setter. You can and should adjust your timing to the right youngster when he is available. It may be more inconvenient but the inconvenience is temporary. The right dog is a lifetime of experiences.

The next step must be that he is to be in the house and a member of the family. You cannot train well from a distance and everyone in the home must participate. It does not mean that a puppy is just loose in the house. You would not allow a toddler to roam unsupervised and neither should a young dog. Both will find a way to get into trouble.

Dogs in general and DeCoverly Setters in particular respond best to physical contact. Saying “Good Boy” means very little unless you demonstrate it physically. Begin with a great deal of demonstrative contact to couple the words with your reaction. With time you can reduce your contact to a pat or a touch. Still later the use of a tone of voice can be coupled with the words. With maturity the words alone can imply your pleasure. You should never entirely give up the physical demonstrations of your feelings and wishes. It works too well.

The same is true with demand words such as “NO”, which means “immediately stop whatever you are doing”. The first command should be coupled with the least aversive correction and then by a slow increase until the desired behavior is obtained. The goal here is to create a behavior that can be rewarded. For long tern results, positive is a better teacher than negative. It may seem that with such commands as ‘NO’ you are only being negative. Think the rest of it through. You are also creating appropriate boundaries and establishing a clear position for the dog in your life. This builds comfort and security for the dog and is therefore rewarding.