The Irish Setter, also referred to as the Red Setter, is an Irish breed. This breed was created by the crossing of setters, spaniels, and pointers that naturally had red and white coats. The characteristic chestnut red coat that we now associated with the breed didn’t appear until the 19th century. Today this breed is a favorite at dog shows, in the field, and in homes.
The Irish Setter stands between 25 and 27 inches tall and weighs between 60 and 70 pounds. They have a combination coat that is short and close on their heads and on their front legs, and long feathery hair on the rest of their body. The only color that is accepted for this breed today is the rich chestnut red color. However, you can occasionally Irish Setters with traces of black and white in their coat as well.
An Irish Setter, also known as Red Setter, is considered by many to be the most beautiful breed of dog. With long flowing red coats, they are elegant and graceful in stature and motion. Their faces are softly expressive and match their playful personality.
One of its distinctive features is its profusely feathered silky coat. Irish Setter’s legs are long and muscular, very fitting for running in the fields. They are extremely quick and powerful movers and they have very keen sense of smell for tracking and setting game animals.
Irish setters have very frisky personalities and many find that their energy is usually through the roof and they always in high spirits. They are extremely friendly dogs and they get along with everybody. They will make poor guard dogs because they have no guarding instincts. If mixed with different pets, Irish Setters will have no trouble coping. In fact, they thrive in a diverse family.
Irish setters must be trained while still young. As early as possible, bad behavior should be modified. Dealing with them requires a firm and consistent leadership. Irish Setters are very intelligent but can be very stubborn and independent minded. Owners must have natural authority over the dog by taking the role of the pack leader.
If they develop dominance problems, they will become nearly impossible to train and manage inside the house. They are always in play-mode and can be very funny at times. To prevent too much hyperactivity inside the house, you must give your Irish Setters daily exercise.
Irish Setters lacking in stimulation can be destructive. They need an outlet for their mounting energy. But when given lots of attention and exercise, their behavior is pleasantly enjoyable. They are never aggressive and they are very good with children. A little caution though, due to its size, small children may get accidentally knocked down by their lively movements.
Train them only with positive reinforcement. Don’t teach the dog to be afraid at you. They may have short attention spans but with consistent, short duration training they are capable of picking up endless number of tricks. Training sessions should be short and sweet, about 3 to 7 minutes a few times a day and you can gradually, make sessions longer as they improve and mature.
One great thing about Irish Setters is that they are easily housebroken. They are naturally clean. They don’t want feces in their immediate surrounding and they will naturally find a spot to deposit their wastes. If you see signs to eliminate, take them to your preferred spot. Eventually, they will learn to go to that spot when they need to.
Also, Irish Setters need wide spaces to run and spread their long legs. It is best if you have a yard for Irish Setters frolic all they want.
Always spread their meals apart, about 2-3 small meals a day to prevent bloating.
Owners must understand that Irish Setters will act like puppies for a long time, even as they get larger. They are notoriously slow to mentally mature so it will take about 2 years for your Irish setters mind to catch up with his body.
Grooming Irish Setters is relatively easy. They do shed but not profusely and they shouldn’t need frequent bathing. They’re nails, however, should be clipped at least once a month.
4 Responses to “How to Train an Irish Setter”
hi
I’m from Iran,first I have to say that I’m living with a male irish seter about 6 years.
Also this race of dog is very scarce in Iran and I’m traying to save this race here.I have search for female of it and atlast fing it newly.
please help me for training ,protect,food and living place and doghouse of this beautiful race.
please please please
Look pal why would you have 1 irish setter much less 2 of them if you have no idea on how to train them. Honestly not to mention you are in iran. This breed needs a owner that is experienced. I feel badly for the dogs whin yoqu care. Give them to someone who knows
Seriously cinna? If only expierenced trainers should have dogs there would be many many many more dogs killed! Having an animal and caring enough about it to ask questions to learn more is EXACTLY the right kind of owner a pet needs! Irish setters love their owners and want to please them, no amount of training will replace the natural respect that will come from a good pet /owner relationship!
Aboozar, use the exact same command in an authorities voice Everytime your dogs does that “thing” naturally! Example…. Come, Sit, down, stay, out, potty, fetch, bring, leave it…. You will do fine!!
Cinna, you disappoint me. Irish Setters have proven to be highly adaptable both with owners and environments. I cannot recall ever hearing anyone express such an ill advised, negative, point of view.
I bought a female pup of Field Working bloodlines, much more intelligent, active and needing control. I had never owned an Irish Setter before. I asked questions, read and searched the Internet for information and advice.Yes there was some advice that was negative or just plain wrong but most was very helpful. Fortunately many people were more supportive and positive than your comments and now my Irish is winning Field Trials very often and the judges frequently comment on the quiet control and the strong relationship between dog and handler. She also sleeps on my bed at home and is much loved and well exercised. If you get an Irish for its beauty and neglect to train it in a way that satisfies what it was bred for then that is a waste of a great dog but whether as a family pet or a working hunting dog anyone who is prepared to research and then follow genuine, good advice and to ensure the dog gets plenty of mental and physical exercise is surely a welcome addition to the global Irish Setter community. Look long and hard Aboozar, sort out the good advice, contact Irish Setter clubs around the world via Internet and you will be amazed at how many people will be happy to help you. Understand what makes an Irish Setter and you will be on track. Your dogs will love you for your efforts!