Cocker Spaniels are born companions — happiest when they’re close to their humans, whether that’s curled up on the couch or trotting beside you on a walk. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but it’s their emotional depth that really shapes the way they respond to training. Harsh corrections? Not their style. These pups thrive on patience, encouragement, and plenty of positive reinforcement. 

Understanding what drives them — and what demotivates them — is key to building a calm, connected training experience that works for both of you. Let’s dive into Lyka’s guide for tips on how to train Cocker Spaniels.  

Read more: Cocker Spaniel breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

Cocker Spaniel temperament and trainability 

Cocker Spaniels are typically described as gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented. They bond closely with their families and are eager to please — traits that usually make training a rewarding experience. 

Their high sensitivity, however, means they don’t respond well to harsh corrections. In fact, scolding or punishment can damage their confidence and make them anxious. Early socialisation and gentle consistency are key to helping your Cocker grow into a well-mannered and emotionally balanced dog. 

Thanks to their intelligence and cooperative nature, many Cocker Spaniels take well to training — especially when sessions are upbeat and reward-based. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Cocker Spaniels may face health issues that can influence their ability to learn or stay focused: 

Ear infections are common due to their long, floppy ears. If untreated, these can cause discomfort and reduce motivation to engage in learning.  

Always dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing – warm, dark, and moist conditions are the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow.  

Recurring ear infections can also be linked to skin sensitivities and food allergies. Feeding your pup a diet that doesn’t contain common allergens like wheat, soy, dairy, chicken, and beef can be helpful. Try Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro, which is made from novel goat protein and doesn’t contain common food triggers.  

Read more: Dog ear infections: signs, causes, and nutrition's role in treatment

Overweight or obese Cocker Spaniels are not unusual. They’re food-motivated dogs with a good appetite that can easily lead to overeating. Give your pup custom-portioned meals that provide all their daily nutritional requirements, like Lyka, for ease and peace of mind.  

If your Cocker Spaniel shows unusual avoidance or restlessness, consult your vet to ensure there are no underlying health concerns interfering with training. 

Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and video)

How real food fuels your Cocker Spaniel’s focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Cocker Spaniels benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, which have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly. 

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, or fish oil), which support brain health and development, memory, and learning 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and blueberries support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)   

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience. 

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: What do Cocker Spaniels eat? Breed-specific nutrition tips 

Exercise first for improved focus 

Cocker Spaniels are a sporting breed, meaning they were originally bred for hunting and retrieving. They have lots of energy — both physically and mentally. 

Exercising your Cocker before a training session gives them an outlet for excess energy, allowing them to focus during learning.  

Consider: 

• Brisk walks or light runs 

• Interactive play (fetch, tug) 

• Scent work, like hide and seek with treats, or sniffaris (nose-led walks) to mentally engage them 

Just make sure not to overdo it before you train, as they’ll be too tired to learn. 

Training tips for Cocker Spaniels 

Training a Cocker Spaniel can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you harness their eagerness to please. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 

Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Cocker, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Cocker Spaniel motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Dogs are sensitive souls that can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another time. 

Training your Cocker Spaniel puppy 

Cocker Spaniel puppies are brimming with curiosity and affection — but don’t expect instant results. House training is usually top of the list, followed closely by socialisation and basic obedience cues like sit, stay, and leave it. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places, and situations 

Cocker Spaniels are especially sensitive to harsh corrections, so stick with force-free methods that build trust and confidence. 

Training your adult Cocker Spaniel 

Just because your Cocker Spaniel’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging, and always celebrate progress — no matter how small. 

Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Cocker Spaniel’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity 

• Anxiety or phobias 

• Aggression 

• Resource guarding 

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.” 
– Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Cocker Spaniel is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Cocker Spaniel’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Cocker Spaniels across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.