My Dog Training Secrets 

Irish Setters are among the largest of the sporting breeds, with males ideally measuring 27 inches at the withers and weighing about 70 pounds, and females measuring 25 inches at the withers and weighing about 60 pounds. They are characterized by the "brick-on-brick" head and silky coat, which is short on the body and longer on the chest, ears, backs of legs, tail, and undercarriage, and which ranges in color from chestnut to mahogany. Irish Setters are very playful dogs that have a mind of their own. They are exceptionally elegant dogs, which perform well in the show ring.

Irish Setters are intelligent, affectionate and full of energy. They are a little lighter and speedier than the other setters. They play enthusiastically but gently with children and make an extraordinary sweet and affectionate pet. Irish Setters are natural retrievers and will enjoy running to chase a ball or a stick for as long as the owner is willing to keep throwing. Some dogs can be very skittish and over-sensitive, which can make them difficult to train and walk, though they are an affectionate breed.

This breed is probably too good natured to be a watchdog, but can be very protective of their domain and will at the very least sound an alarm at anything out of the ordinary that they hear or see. They are sporting dogs and do have high energy levels. Irish Setters are said to be - depending on whom you talk to - either very scatty or very intelligent.

They are extremely swift, with an excellent sense of smell and are hardy over any terrain and in any climate and is used for all types of hunting. Irish Setters are not known to have great guarding qualities, and do not display aggression, but they may bark to let you know when someone is approaching. They typically are loving dogs so that even unwanted visitors are enthusiastically welcomed.

Irish Setters are slow to mature, making them ideal candidates for the person who loves the puppy mentality. Sometimes known as "Big Red or the Red Setter" they have boundless energy and are full of high spirits. Irish Setters are playful dogs that seem to just love being alive. They enjoy activity and thrive in wide open spaces.

Irish Setters are active dogs that need a few miles walk every day, and are cannot be trusted off leash, since they like to follow scents, so they should only be let off well away from traffic. They like ball games, once you have taught them how to play ball.

Some Irish Setters can be willful and strong minded, but these dogs are intelligent and eager to learn, making them well suited to those with little or no experience in dog ownership, as well as for the more experienced.

Training Setters is accomplished with patience and non-punitive methods. This is a good breed for someone who likes to give and receive a lot of attention, is active with their pet, and is willing to maintain their beautiful coat. Training must start early, and the trainer should keep in mind that most Irish Setters aren't mentally mature until they are at least 2 years old. Training is generally straight forward and they are normally obedient, however the Irish Setter does have a degree of independence so training needs to be firm and ongoing (but never harsh).

Irish Setters are deep chested dogs, predisposing them to bloat, a build up of gasses within the stomach. The causes of bloat are still unclear. Feed small 2 to 3 small meals. Feeding them smaller meals throughout the day is a good practice.

Nose, intelligence, conformation and trainability are the top criteria for a good Irish Setter. This dog is lively, playful, outgoing and friendly. It remains active and playful throughout its adulthood, making it a great family pet or hunting companion.