A well-known dog trainer has ignited a debate by naming a popular breed he would not recommend for busy family households. Canine behaviourist Will Atherton, who has over 900,000 followers on TikTok, regularly advises dog owners on selecting the right breed for their lifestyle.
Why Spaniels Are Not Ideal for Families
In a video that has garnered 1.4 million views, Atherton responded to a follower asking, "Why do you hate spaniels so much?" He clarified that he does not hate spaniels but believes their boundless energy is often too much for an average household. "The problem is, when you bring that kind of energy into a busy family home, it rarely meshes very well," he said. "It wouldn't mesh well at my home with my family and my lifestyle, that's way too much energy. And they're vibrating and humming with energy."
Atherton expressed admiration for spaniels in working environments, such as gundog activities, but cautioned that their drive and energy can be overwhelming in a domestic setting.
Mixed Reactions from Owners
The comments sparked a mixed response. Many agreed, with one owner saying, "I have two spaniels and I completely agree with you to be honest." Another added, "100 per cent agree! Our Springer is coming up to two years, needs super engagement and enrichment." However, some had contrasting experiences. One person said, "I think I have the laziest cocker spaniel. Fitted into our home perfectly." Another noted, "Our cocker is so chilled out at home, I think we really lucked out!"
Expert Advice on Training Spaniels
Experts at Dogs R Dogs maintain that spaniels can become excellent pets with proper training from the outset. They emphasise that spaniels are bred for hunting and retrieving, and these instincts remain strong even in domestic environments. Without adequate training, their energy and drive can lead to problems such as poor recall, possessiveness, and frustration. Many owners underestimate the guidance spaniels need to learn when to settle down. As the experts put it: "The main thing you need to teach a spaniel is how to enjoy doing nothing."
