Yet another beautiful breed of the dog species. What makes this pet so popular is its coat, which is long, silky, and soft. Its fur comes usually comes in solid colors ?shades of red to mahogany. Hair strands are slightly waved, covering its entire body, including the belly and legs. Its ears are long, quite triangular, going down to the sides of its face - it too is soft. It's built lean, with long legs and neck, many perceiving it to have a majestic look. Quite tall as well, they stand an average of 24-28 inches and can weigh from 55-75 pounds depending on its gender.
Males are more likely to be heavier than females. This breed of dog is athletic and very energetic. It enjoys outdoor activities, especially playing with its masters. It loves going on daily jogs. Keeping it locked up indoors most of the time doesn't do it any good - this pet has the need to run free and play outside, not inside. Owners will notice that it has the tendency to be restless if it has been confined in the household for too long. Gifted with a great sense of smell, it'll make a great hunting buddy if you're a hunter. A very affectionate pet by nature, it loves being with humans.
It is sociable, and friendly to most pets and people that it has been properly introduced to. Protecting its master is one of its many good traits, as well as its loyalty and willingness to please. As a puppy, they can be quite rowdy. If not properly trained, they can be stubborn at times. So the best time for training an Irish Setter would be while it's still young, which is true for all doggies. At this age, it will have a feeling of independence, which means it feels that it doesn't need training. With that ideology, it'll be very hard to teach it something.
Teaching it should begin with behavioral lessons. An owner should establish an inferior and superior relationship with this animal. You of course must be its superior, and not the other way around. The first lessons of whatever your trying to teach it will not be easy, in fact sometimes it can be quite hard if you have no idea where to start. This is a common case experienced by most 1st time pet owners everywhere. Handling a dog means you have to be firm, and have no tolerance for bad behavior. Shouting at it does it no good at all, so be gentle as well.
Keep its attention on you, do not allow it to get preoccupied with something else during sessions. Positive reinforcement is crucial in properly educating a dog. Compliment it for good behavior, ignore it or let it know that you don't like what it's doing for bad behavior. Give it rewards for obeying commands, like a doggy snack. Most importantly, give it love and attention. By doing so you'll be able to mold any Irish Setter into the dog of your dreams.
